The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity including but not limited to financial misconduct.
IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. The Head of Country Cluster Delegation HoD is the senior representative of the Secretariat and the director of operations if any with clear authority for management and accountability. As part of the Region, the Country Cluster will facilitate cooperation in the area of responsibility and provide direct support to IFRC country offices if any and National Societies under the cluster.
The office must ensure delivery towards global indicators and producing tailor made plans per country. It may also host outpost technical resources which can be available for the sub-region and beyond. The Country Cluster Office should ensure effective Movement coordination, per country under its responsibility and as a Country Cluster Office will promote communications, provide a platform for cooperation within its scope of action and strengthening relations with national, regional and International organizations based in the area.
The Country Cluster office will draw support from the regional office as required to deliver support for the NSs and will ensure regional coherence and consistency on the IFRC delivery. The country cluster office will promote country centered longer term programming, provide a platform for cooperation. In this connection, the HoD is expected to uphold the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles in all activities at the country level, and possesses country-level responsibility for strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, national society development and membership services, safeguarding community-centered development, capacity strengthening, climate actions, disasters and crisis preparedness, response and recovery coordination as well as partnership and resource development etc.
Under the leadership and guidance of the Regional Director, the HoD is also responsible for ensuring a One IFRC approach linking strategic and operational objectives at the country level. Every HoD will receive Mission Instructions for their information and guidance before assuming the role.
