The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is offering a 12-month paid traineeship for an Operations Data Associate at its headquarters in Geneva, starting January 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we identified this role as a standout entry point into humanitarian data work: you will help turn programme data from conflict-affected contexts into evidence for donors, partners, and field teams, earning CHF 3,934 per month.
Purpose of the Traineeship
As Operations Data Associate, you will join the Operations Analytics and Reporting team at the ICRC's headquarters in Geneva. The team sits at the intersection of humanitarian operations and data: its work ensures that reliable, verified data reaches the Resource Mobilization team and that field delegations receive timely analytical support.
You will ensure verified data reaches the right stakeholders on time, answer analytical questions from ICRC delegations worldwide, and explore how Python, automation, and AI can make humanitarian reporting faster and more accurate. You will work alongside data specialists, programme experts, and donor relations colleagues both at headquarters and in the field. The role is explicitly designed as an ideal first step into the humanitarian sector for someone with a technical background.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
📅 Partnership data delivery: Maintain the delivery schedule for partnership data requirements and ensure verified data reaches the Resource Mobilization team and other requestors on time.
🔍 Data extraction and validation: Extract, compile, and validate ICRC programme data from institutional information systems and field sources, ensuring consistency with published institutional figures, including the ICRC Annual Report.
📋 Donor proposal review: Support the Operations Data Partnership Advisor in reviewing donor proposals and results frameworks, checking that proposed indicators can be monitored and that the data exists.
📊 Ad hoc analytical support: Respond to ad hoc data requests from the field by preparing tailored analyses, queries, and reports, using Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Python, R, or AI tools where they add value.
🤖 Automation and AI testing: Test ways to automate repetitive reporting tasks, such as cleaning data or extracting and classifying text with AI models, and document what works for the wider team.
🔒 Data protection compliance: Ensure all data shared externally or processed with AI tools complies with ICRC data protection rules and confidentiality requirements.
📬 Partnership data point of contact: Act as point of contact for partnership data requests within Operations Analytics and Reporting.
Additional Responsibilities
📩 Follow up on work-related messages and correspondence.
🌍 Understand field and operational objectives and key developments in the ICRC's strategy.
🔴 Understand the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
🤝 Represent the ICRC professionally in all activities, meetings, and communications.
📈 Actively seek opportunities to grow your skills and knowledge.
Education and Experience
🎓 University degree in data analytics, statistics, information management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
🇬🇧 Excellent command of English.
📉 Up to 2 years of professional experience (internships, part-time work, or up to one year in a full-time paid role) in data analysis, monitoring, or reporting is an asset.
🌐 Experience in a humanitarian context or with global reporting is an asset.
Technical Skills
🧮 Advanced Excel and working knowledge of Power BI are an asset.
📏 Familiarity with monitoring and reporting concepts, such as output and outcome indicators, logframes, and disaggregation, is an asset.
🐍 Experience in Python, including integrating AI models into applications via APIs and using them for data tasks such as classification, extraction, or summarization at scale, is an asset.
Personal Profile
🧠 A curious, analytical mindset and enjoyment of turning messy data into clear insights.
🎯 Attention to detail and pride in getting the numbers right.
💬 Clear communication, with the ability to explain technical work to non-technical colleagues.
🚀 A proactive, autonomous approach, with the confidence to ask questions and learn quickly.
🧩 A team spirit and enjoyment of working across cultures and disciplines.
❤️ Motivation for humanitarian work and the ICRC's mission.
What ICRC Offers
🌟 Supervision and support from an experienced analytics and reporting team.
👥 An informal buddy programme to welcome you and help you settle in.
📚 Formal and informal training, starting with a three-day introduction to the ICRC.
🗺️ Hands-on experience of how the world's leading humanitarian organisation uses data to account for its work.
Traineeship Details and Conditions
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland (ICRC Headquarters)
📆 Start date: January 2027
⏱️ Duration: 12 months
🕐 Activity rate: 100% (full time)
💰 Gross monthly salary: CHF 3,934 (paid in 13 installments)
🪪 Visa/permit: Legitimation Card provided by the ICRC
⚠️ Experience cap: This traineeship is open to candidates with a maximum professional experience of two years, of which no more than one year is in a full-time paid position after completion of studies.
📌 Budget note: The finalization of this recruitment is subject to the validation of the 2027 budget.
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About the ICRC
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence. In collaboration with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners worldwide, the ICRC delivers life-saving aid, reconnects families, and locates missing people, helping those who need it most regardless of which side of the front line they are on. The ICRC engages with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees and urging compliance with international humanitarian law, including protection from digital threats.
Explore more paid internship and traineeship opportunities on Youth Works Hub. For a full overview of how funded traineeships work and what a monthly salary means in practice, read the paid internships abroad guide on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this ICRC traineeship?
The Operations Data Associate traineeship runs for 12 months, starting in January 2027.
What is the salary for this traineeship?
The gross monthly salary is CHF 3,934, paid in 13 installments over the 12-month period.
Is this traineeship open to experienced professionals?
No. The role has a strict experience cap: applicants may have a maximum total professional experience of two years, of which no more than one year is in a full-time paid position after completing their studies. Internships and part-time work count toward the two-year ceiling.
What tools and technologies will I work with?
The role uses Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Python, R, and AI tools for data analysis and reporting. Advanced Excel is also expected. Familiarity with monitoring frameworks such as logframes and output/outcome indicators is an asset.
Is the role full time?
Yes. The activity rate is 100%, meaning this is a full-time position at ICRC Headquarters in Geneva.
Will the ICRC provide a visa or work permit?
Yes. The ICRC provides a Legitimation Card for the duration of the traineeship.
Is this traineeship open to applicants from any country?
The job description does not state any nationality or country-of-residence restriction. The ICRC states that it welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
What is the recruitment subject to?
The ICRC notes that the finalization of this recruitment is subject to the validation of its 2027 budget.
Do I need prior humanitarian experience?
No. The job description explicitly describes this traineeship as "an ideal first step into the humanitarian sector for someone with a technical background." Humanitarian experience is listed as an asset, not a requirement.
Deadline
⏳ 18 November 2026
Link
https://careers.icrc.org/talentcommunity/apply/1453963333/?locale=en_GB
