Silvia Izzo
Geneva
Summary
Strategic and results-driven development and humanitarian professional with over 15 years of leadership in complex crises and conflict-affected regions, managing large teams and multi-sectoral humanitarian and development programs. Proven expertise in strategic planning, negotiation, management, and stakeholder engagement. Extensive regional experience in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, with a strong track record in overseeing complex programs, including agriculture. Adept at fostering high-performing teams and ensuring mission effectiveness in challenging environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Coordinator – Ukraine, Russia, and Central Tracing Agency
International Committee of the Red Cross
11.2022 - 01.2025
- Ensured institutional support to ICRC delegations in Ukraine and Russia, aligning strategies with global humanitarian priorities
- Engaged in high-level negotiations and diplomatic relations to secure operational access and funding
Operations Coordinator – Yemen and Iran
International Committee of the Red Cross
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Ensured institutional support to ICRC delegations in Yemen and Iran, aligning strategies with global humanitarian priorities
- Engaged in high-level negotiations and diplomatic relations to secure operational access and funding
Deputy Head of Delegation – Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Led 10 field structures, overseeing multi-disciplinary humanitarian, agricultural, and rural development programs
- Drafted and implemented the 4-year strategic plan, with a focus on protection, food security, and rural livelihoods
- Managed 850 indirect reports, ensuring operational efficiency and fostering a culture of integrity and inclusivity
Head of Sub-delegation – Slaviansk, Ukraine
International Committee of the Red Cross
07.2018 - 01.2020
- Led ICRC operations along the contact line, ensuring a long-term, humanitarian response
- Spearheaded agricultural and livelihood recovery programs supporting rural communities
- Managed negotiations with government authorities, donors, and international organizations
Head of Sub-delegation – Lebanon, Yemen, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Managed humanitarian and rural development responses in conflict-affected regions, including emergency relief, health, and food security programs
- Developed strong relationships with state and non-state actors, ensuring program effectiveness and access to vulnerable populations
- Supervised 50-70 staff members, ensuring team performance and operational sustainability
Field Coordinator – Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Implemented security protocols and crisis management strategies to protect ICRC personnel and operations
- Facilitated humanitarian access negotiations with key stakeholders
Protection Delegate – Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Led protection initiatives, focusing on civilians in conflict-affected areas and ensuring compliance with humanitarian principles
Project Manager
COOPI NGO
06.2012 - 12.2012
Head of Office/Programme Manager
CESVI NGO
06.2011 - 06.2012
- Oversaw agricultural and rural development programs
Development Expert
Italian Embassy
09.2010 - 12.2010
- Oversaw agricultural programs with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Assistant to Country Director
Terre des Hommes
06.2009 - 06.2010
Education
Master’s in Organisational Leadership -
Said Business School, University of Oxford
Master of Arts - Cooperation and Development
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Degree - Eastern Languages & Middle Eastern Studies
Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Humanitarian and Development Program Management
- Security Management
- Crisis Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- High-Level Negotiation
- Humanitarian Diplomacy
- Multi-Sectoral Program Implementation
- Financial Management
- Resource Management
Languages
English
Arabic
Italian
Timeline
Operations Coordinator – Ukraine, Russia, and Central Tracing Agency
International Committee of the Red Cross
11.2022 - 01.2025
Operations Coordinator – Yemen and Iran
International Committee of the Red Cross
06.2022 - 10.2022
Deputy Head of Delegation – Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross
04.2020 - 04.2022
Head of Sub-delegation – Slaviansk, Ukraine
International Committee of the Red Cross
07.2018 - 01.2020
Field Coordinator – Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross
06.2015 - 11.2016
Head of Sub-delegation – Lebanon, Yemen, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross
01.2014 - 01.2018
Protection Delegate – Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross
04.2013 - 05.2014
Project Manager
COOPI NGO
06.2012 - 12.2012
Head of Office/Programme Manager
CESVI NGO
06.2011 - 06.2012
Development Expert
Italian Embassy
09.2010 - 12.2010
Assistant to Country Director
Terre des Hommes
06.2009 - 06.2010
Master of Arts - Cooperation and Development
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Degree - Eastern Languages & Middle Eastern Studies
Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”
Master’s in Organisational Leadership -
Said Business School, University of Oxford
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