BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross Society (IRC) is part of the world's largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RC/RC) Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by, its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.

The Irish Red Cross Restoring Family Links (RFL) Service is part of a global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.  These National Societies work together to restore and maintain contact between families who have been separated by armed conflict, political upheaval, natural disaster or migration. In these situations, communications often break down and families become separated. As a result, people do not know where to turn to find a missing relative or how to get a message to them. Knowing what happened to family members left behind or who have migrated around the world is vital.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Family Tracing Coordinator provides operational support to a team of Family Tracing Officers delivering Restoring Family Links services. The role supports the delivery and quality of family tracing to service users.

ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES

Team Coordination

• Line managing and supporting a team of Family Tracing Officers, and volunteers where relevant, in carrying out Irish Red Cross tracing services and other relevant Restoring Family Link activities. 
• Supporting the work of Family Tracing Officers who deliver information and conduct sensitive family tracing interviews with service users, who may include unaccompanied minors in the international protection process.
• Organise and facilitate regular team meetings for Family Tracing Officers.
• Conduct training for Family Tracing Officers on the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement family tracing process.
• Ensure that Tracing Officers are familiar and up to date with RFL service procedures and relevant Family Links Network tools.
• Coordinate the allocation of cases to Family Tracing Officers following receipt of referrals from our stakeholders.

Programme Quality

• Keep up to date with security and changing environments in various country contexts as well as Family Links Network procedures and tools, regularly briefing the Family Tracing Officers accordingly.
• Ensure that case files and documentation are maintained in accordance with Irish Red Cross data management procedures.
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation team on conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify family tracing requirements.
• Ensure that family tracing is being conducted to the highest possible standard, adhering to trauma informed procedures and protection best practice.
• Work with the Information & Outreach Officer to share informational needs identified by the Family Tracing Officers on the ground.
• Work with the Technical Advisor to ensure all required programme policy documents are in place, providing insights on the programmes operations.
• Work with the RFL Programme Support Officer in drafting templated email responses to incoming family tracing queries ensuring alignment with relevant policies and procedures and directly address more complex queries.

Programme Management

• Act as the first point of contact for all service users or their representatives who requires our services and maintain regular contact with them.
• Work with Irish Red Cross services users, their representatives as well as Communications and RFL colleagues to identify and support the development of client testimonials, ensuring all engagement is conducted ethically and in line with consent and protection standards.
• Accurately record details of programme delivery and adhere to reporting responsibilities.
• Implement programme planning to ensure consistent delivery.
• Undertaking other tasks as may be required from time to time within the Irish Red Cross.

The position may involve occasional domestic and international travel, subject to operational requirements.

This role will require Garda Vetting.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria

• Relevant 3rd level qualification or similar experience.
• Experience of managing teams, responding to humanitarian needs.
• Familiarity with the International Protection System in Ireland.
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively and respectfully with vulnerable individuals and families.
• Always respect confidentiality of service users and remain responsive to their specific needs.
• Knowledge of the work of the Irish Red Cross and Red Cross Movement.
• Familiarity with working and coordinating volunteers.

Desirable Criteria

• Good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and listening skills
• Knowledgeable about international conflict and migration issues
• Experience in the application of data protection and safeguarding procedures
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and experience using databases or case management systems
• Knowledge of the work and fundamental principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross offers the following benefits in addition to salary

• Up to 5% employers' matching contribution to a company contributory pension scheme. Closure of the office on Good Friday, plus two additional 'privilege days' to be used at Easter and Christmas respectively.
• Death in Service benefit of four times salary
• Flexible working hours, including opportunities for hybrid working.
• Further education, training and learning supports
• Professional subscriptions (as applicable)
• Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)

The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community, irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community.

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland.

The role is a full-time position based on a 35-hour working week, based on flexitime arrangements.  Work outside of normal office hours maybe required and time off in-lieu is provided.

This role is based at our Head Office in Dublin. Requests for remote working may be considered.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

The closing date for applications is 5pm 20th May 2026.

Shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of the essential and desirable criteria for this role.

It is intended to hold interviews for this role week beginning 25th May 2026.