Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

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
Silvia Izzo