The historian ensures the continued exploration of ICRC’s history for internal and external audiences. The position carries out historical research based on both public and classified archival records. Internally, the historian plays a significant role in enhancing institutional knowledge and understanding of ICRC’s past actions and activities. The historian enables the ICRC of today to be informed by its past and facilitates informed decision-making by contextualizing the ICRC’s present action in a historic, long-term perspective.

Externally, the historian promotes and represents the ICRC’s history to various audiences, contributes to academic debate and research on the history of humanitarian action with both academic and public research papers.

The historian reports to the Head of Library and Public Archives and works in close collaboration with the Unit, the Archives, Library and Outreach Division and other internal stakeholders, such as ICRC operations, delegations and governing bodies.

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Historic research and analysis:

    • Carries out historical research based on both public and classified archival records
    • Translates complex research into accessible and relevant analysis for internal stakeholders
    • Writes summary notes or comprehensive reports based on carefully referenced sources and adapts their format to requesters’ needs
    • Proactively identifies prospective research topics of institutional interest based on emerging legal and operational topics or situations

 

Valorization and public engagement:

    • Contributes to academic debate and research on the history of humanitarian action and on the ICRC in particular
    • Represents the ICRC’s history in academic and public events
    • Publishes in academic journals and on the ICRC public communication platforms (e.g. blogs)
    • Actively contributes to the division’s valorization committee

 

Education and Experience Required

  • Postgraduate degree in history is required
  • 10 years of professional experience in all with 5 years of experience in historical research
  • PhD in history an asset
  • Proven track record of academic research and publishing and participation to academic conferences
  • Previous experience at the ICRC or within the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement is an asset
  • Experience in digital humanities as an asset
  • Strong knowledge of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), including its history, as well as a solid understanding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
  • Strong knowledge of the historiography on the ICRC
  • Knowledge about IHL and current humanitarian action is an asset

 

Desired Profile and Skills

  • Verbal and written fluency in French and English is mandatory
  • Analytical and methodical thinker with strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Well-organized, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
  • Autonomous yet collaborative team player
  • Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion
  • Creative, solution- and service-oriented mindset
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels
  • Confident public speaker, able to engage audiences through storytelling

 

Additional Information

  • Nature of Position: Long Term Assignment
  • Working rate: 100%
  • Starting date: 1st June 2026
  • Location: Geneva
  • Job level: C1
  • Hiring Manager: Cedric Cotter
  • Recruiter: Tejal Pradhan
  • Application deadline: 13th April 2026

 

More information and application links and instructions may be found at: ICRC Careers