Silvia Izzo
Geneva,GE
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 15 years of international experience managing complex humanitarian operations and diverse teams in volatile and high-pressure environments. Skilled in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights. Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, implementing organizational strategies, and advancing operational efficiency while fostering inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Coordinator, Ukraine & Russia
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
11.2022 - Current
- Strategically coordinated ICRC's response to the armed conflict, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities
- Led high-level protection dialogues with parties to the conflict, advocating for adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
- Engaged with stakeholders and donors to secure diplomatic and financial support for critical operations
- Enhanced operational effectiveness by fostering internal synergies and implementing security measures in a volatile context
Operations Coordinator, Yemen & Iran (Interim)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Strategically coordinated ICRC's response to the armed conflict, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities
- Oversaw multi-million-dollar project budgets, ensuring compliance with donor requirements
- Strengthened external partnerships, advocating for humanitarian principles and operational support
Deputy Head of Delegation, Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Managed operations across 10 field structures with a workforce of over 850
- Spearheaded the development of a four-year strategic plan focusing on protection, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Acted as the organization’s representative to government authorities, international bodies, and donors
- Supervised security operations and crisis management protocols to safeguard staff and assets
Head of Sub-Delegation, Ukraine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
07.2017 - 01.2020
- Directed humanitarian responses to emergencies, including cholera outbreaks and conflict escalations
- Engaged with military and civilian stakeholders, leading advocacy efforts for the protection of affected populations
- Coordinated multi-sectoral emergency response units, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
Field Coordinator, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Designed and executed security and crisis management strategies during the height of the conflict
- Facilitated collaboration between ICRC, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance operational impact
- Provided conflict analysis to inform strategic planning and resource allocation
Project Manager
COOPI NGO
06.2012 - 12.2012
Head of Office/Programme Manager
CESVI NGO
06.2011 - 06.2012
Education
Master’s Degree - Organizational Leadership
Said Business School, University of Oxford
Master of Arts - Cooperation and Development
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Bachelor’s Degree - Eastern Languages and Culture
Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”
Skills
- Leadership and Team Building
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Project and Budget Management
- Representation and Advocacy
- Security and Crisis Management
- Human Right and International Humanitarian Law
Languages
Italian
English
Arabic
Timeline
Operations Coordinator, Ukraine & Russia
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
11.2022 - Current
Operations Coordinator, Yemen & Iran (Interim)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2022 - 10.2022
Deputy Head of Delegation, Iraq
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
04.2020 - 04.2022
Head of Sub-Delegation, Ukraine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
07.2017 - 01.2020
Field Coordinator, Syria
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2015 - 11.2016
Project Manager
COOPI NGO
06.2012 - 12.2012
Head of Office/Programme Manager
CESVI NGO
06.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Cooperation and Development
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Bachelor’s Degree - Eastern Languages and Culture
Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”
Master’s Degree - Organizational Leadership
Said Business School, University of Oxford
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