Consultant, Lead Writer for the Everyone Counts Report (2026)

Organizational Context

Since 2010, IFRC has maintained the Federation-wide databank and reporting system (FDDRS) that enables the collection of data from National Societies. FDRS is designed to collect data on key performance indicators from Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies (NS) that reflect their human and financial resources as well as their reach. Over the years, the indicators have been updated to follow and align with the strategic direction of the IFRC network, mainly Strategy 2030.

More recently, the IFRC expanded its Federation-wide data collection efforts through the Federation-wide data systems team. Annual country level planning and reporting (Unified Planning and Reporting), large scale operations and programmes have been supported with Federation-wide data collection and analysis processes, enabling an evidence base for decision making and providing a deeper understanding of the IFRC network's global footprint.

Some examples for these Federation-wide data collection efforts are listed below:

• Unified Planning and Reporting


• Global grants and programmes


• COVID-19 Global Response:


• Ukraine and impacted countries:

The Everyone Counts report (ECR) is a flagship publication of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, based mainly on data collected through the Federation-wide databank and reporting system, as well as additional Federation-wide datasets. This publication series offers insights into trends affecting the IFRC network and individual NSs. Furthermore, the series look to answer specific questions about the Red Cross and Red Crescent reach and global presence. It seeks to address topics of relevance in the field of humanitarian work by using evidence and data analysis to inform policies and decisions.

Job Purpose

Theme of the report: 2026 marks the UN-declared International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, creating a strategic opportunity for the IFRC to reaffirm the centrality of volunteers to humanitarian response, anticipatory action and long term impact. Volunteers constitute the backbone of the IFRC network: in every crisis-whether sudden onset disasters, protracted conflicts, or the slow onset impacts of climate change-volunteers are the first to act and the last to leave. The report will:

• Demonstrate the contributions of 17 million IFRC volunteers to response, resilience, and respect (Triple R).


• Integrate historical Federation wide data (FDRS ) to illustrate how volunteer mobilization correlates with National Society (NS) data.


• Quantify and estimate the economic value of volunteers' contribution to IFRC's mission and how volunteers contribute to reducing the cost of humanitarian response.


• Analyze volunteer insurance coverage to strengthen the chapter on volunteer protection and enabling environments.

Volunteers operate in increasingly complex risk environments-climate related, economic, epidemiological and political-resulting in a high toll of volunteer deaths on duty. The report therefore responds to the General Assembly's emphasis on volunteer protection and recognition of their contributions.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the overall narrative development, structure and editorial coherence of the Everyone Counts Report 2026.


• Draft, edit and finalize all chapters of the report in close collaboration with the lead data analyst and technical contributors.


• Translate complex quantitative and qualitative analysis into clear, accessible and compelling narrative aligned with IFRC positioning.


• Ensure consistency of tone, terminology and messaging across chapters, in line with the IFRC house style guide and language standards.


• Coordinate the integration of case studies, boxes, quotes and country examples from National Societies.


• Work closely with the Federation-wide data systems team to ensure analytical findings are accurately reflected in the narrative.


• Prepare executive level summaries, key messages and inputs for General Assembly communication materials.


• Support the editing process during design, layout and translation phases, including review of proofs.

The outcome of the consultancy will be a complete, publication ready manuscript of the Everyone Counts Report 2026 (50-70 pages), including executive summary and annexes as required.

Management

The consultant will report to the Federation-wide RBM and Data Systems Manager.

Timeframe

30 day consultancy to be delivered between 15 April and 30 September 2026.

Education

• Advanced degree in journalism, communications, international relations, humanitarian studies or a related field.

Experience

• At least 10 years of professional writing and editorial experience, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Strong familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and demonstrated experience working with or within the IFRC network (preferred).


• Solid understanding of IFRC's strategic direction, including Strategy 2030 and the renewal.


• Excellent drafting, editing and synthesis skills in English.


• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with analysts, technical experts and diverse stakeholders.

Competencies, Values and Comments

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Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.