Lead Specialist, Way of Working

Career Center Position Description Lead Specialist, Way of Working Location Canada – Virtual Requisition Code 16102 Compensation Range (CAD) 95,227 - 101,177 Apply Now Title: Lead Specialist, Way of Working Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Canada) Employment Status: Temporary Full-time (12 Months) The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment. The IFRC network's Way of Working (WoW) is the standard model for coordinating international support around National Society leadership, replacing fragmented engagement with a unified, country-led approach. As WoW is mainstreamed across the network — with deeper coordination in 14 focus countries — the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is engaged at multiple levels of the global, regional, and country coordination structure. To translate these commitments into coherent CRC action CRC is establishing a dedicated 12-month coordination role. This role will focus on driving internal harmonization across functions, ensuring two-way information flow between CRC and the global WoW structure, and tracking CRC progress against WoW commitments. The role is the connective tissue between global discussions and CRC's internal teams — translating commitments into action and surfacing CRC's operational reality into global forums. In this role, you will : External representation and engagement Represent CRC on the Enabling Environment Harmonization Working Group, contributing to development and adoption of Common General Terms and Conditions (CGTC), harmonized agreements, and joint accountability mechanisms. Serve as a CRC member of the IFRC WoW Task Team (approximately 25% LOE within the role), supporting the IFRC Secretariat with roadmap delivery, documentation, and problem-solving. Backup representation: provide back-up for the Senior Director, IOPs at the Programme Support Platform, and for Heads of Region at regional coordination platforms when required. In-country support: support WoW workshops and CRC related activities in focus countries on a short-term basis, as required. Internal coordination and harmonization Two-way information flow: cascade information from global WoW forums to International Cooperation leadership and teams; consolidate internal updates to support global engagement and executive briefings. Cross-functional harmonization: drive internal alignment with internal team to advance harmonization conversations and align CRC processes with WoW commitments. Movement Coordination in Emergencies: coordinate with the Movement Coordination in Emergencies workstream to ensure alignment between long-term WoW implementation and emergency response coordination. NSD Advisory connection: coordinate with the CRC NSD Advisor for coherence with the NSD Advisory Group. Tracking, reporting, and workplan management Centralized focal point: act as the single point of tracking and reporting on CRC progress against WoW goals — for the VP, IC, Senior Director International Operations and Partnerships (IOPs), and (where required) global forums. Workplan and targets: in collaboration with the Senior Director, IOPs and key internal stakeholders, establish a CRC WoW workplan and target framework within the first 90 days. Commitment consolidation: consolidate country- and regional-level WoW commitments into a unified workplan with regular progress updates. What we are looking for : Significant experience in international humanitarian operations leadership and partnerships Demonstrated experience working with the IFRC and multi-stakeholder initiatives Proven ability to operate in matrix environments and influence without direct authority Excellent written and verbal communication in English; additional languages an asset Ability to translate complex technical, legal, and policy concepts for diverse audiences Strong stakeholder management; comfort with ambiguity and evolving scope Working Conditions Full-time, 12 months, preferably based in Ottawa Periodic international travel for short-term missions (estimated up to 4 trips per year) Schedule flexibility required to engage across global time zones As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English. Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information. If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC). Back Email Apply Now