Avigail Shai is a Senior Policy Adviser in the ICRC, where she develops policy on climate, peace and emerging trends in humanitarian action. She previously led the ICRC’s strategic engagement with the UN, advising on ways to effectively advance interests in complex multilateral processes, and setting the direction for cooperation with key agencies.

Prior to this, as a diplomat, she represented Australia in roles overseas covering Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Laos, advising on political, development and human rights issues to directly shape foreign policy. At HQ, her work focused on strengthening bilateral relationships with China and Southeast Asian nations, international human rights engagement, and strategic communications. In previous roles as an adviser in the INGO sector and with UNICEF, she coordinated multi-stakeholder partnerships, and designed advocacy approaches to build consensus and deliver real impact on issues including children’s rights and displacement.

Avigail holds a Master of International Affairs (Peace and Conflict Studies), Bachelor degrees in Law and in International Studies, and international certifications in board governance and climate change policy-making.