The ICRC promotes International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by engaging with a wide range of stakeholders from students to professors, as well as government representatives, judges and diplomats. This position focuses on IHL promotion and implementation and remains one of the key programme files of the Regional Delegation.

The position of legal advisor with the ICRC’s Advisory Services will have the primary responsibility for the programme dealing with promoting and implementing IHL with a wide range of stakeholders. The objective of these activities is to ensure that the ICRC maintains an ongoing dialogue and relationship on IHL issues with relevant government ministries and multilateral institutions as well as select think tanks.

The incumbent will serve as the legal advisor in charge of engaging and promoting IHL with these important stakeholders and related entities in India and Maldives in order to further the ICRC’s positioning on IHL. He/she will also manage the budgetary planning of the ICRC’s Advisory Services on IHL to ensure that the goals and objectives of the department are met.

The key responsibilities of the position holder would be:

  • Analyses the situation, advises and provides guidance on the applicable national and international legal frameworks and norms in relation to delegation activities, objectives, strategies and plans of action to address identified legal and other related issues.
  • Drafts legal notes/analyses and contributes on legal aspects to working papers, summary reports, `non-papers` related to the delegation’s activities and objectives related to India and the Maldives.
  • Performs independent research on and analysis of specific legal issues, as well as broader sectors of the national legal system related to India and the Maldives.
  • Supports IHL dissemination activities directed at specialized audiences and the public at large and supports the implementation of strategies, programmes and action plans related to the IHL treaty participation, the development of relevant domestic legal and policy frameworks and mechanisms for their implementation.
  • Advises on legal aspects of the delegation’s strategy and operations.
  • Maintains relations with academic circles, supports the teaching of IHL and maintains relations with a network of partners and contacts linked to legal questions and policy, as well as IHL promotion and implementation.
  • Coordinates and supervises external consultancies on legal issues. May supervise staff related to her/his function.
  • Leads the unit’s activities with external stakeholders on identified and evolving thematic issues.
  • Takes the lead in organizing programmes and supporting research activities with partner institutions on identified and evolving thematics.
  • Provides legal and technical assistance to national authorities as requested.
  • Ensures participation of interlocutors in national and regional IHL programmes.
  • Takes the lead in organizing and planning IHL programmes as managed by the Head of Prevention and works closely with interlocutors.
  • Supports the IHL Unit in the planning, coordination and undertaking of programmes and activities relating to the ICRC’s Advisory Services on IHL.
  • Contributes to formulating and implementing internal and external strategies to address identified issues. Participates in the decision-making process of the Regional Delegation.
  • The incumbent is responsible for developing, planning and managing the budget for ICRC’s IHL activities.

Required qualification & experience:

  • Demonstrated interest in humanitarian work.
  • 4-5 years experience in a similar function with a focus on international law, including IHL or related areas of international law.
  • University degree in law, with masters or specialization in IHL or related area of international law.
  • Admitted to the bar/magistrate or PhD is an asset.
  • Fluent in English, including English drafting skills.
  • Working experience with the ICRC, government or the judicial sector is an asset.
  • Teaching/dissemination, experience including at the academic level.
  • Experience in organizing external events.
  • Connections to government and academic circles, including own network of interlocutors.

Personal profile: 

  • To be able to function autonomously within the limits of responsibilities granted.
  • To be able to facilitate to work across traditional boundaries.
  • To be able to communicate and influence across a range of audiences.
  • Good team player with patience, perseverance and self-confidence.

ICRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our organization. We offer rewarding and enriching work in a humanitarian and international environment to all job applicants with no discrimination on the grounds of gender, race and disability.

Applicants are requested to submit their motivation letter and comprehensive CV along with copies of work certificates and salary expectations on e-mail ID: icrc.hrcare@gmail.com.

Position open to Indian nationals only.

Last Date of sending application:  07 March 2022.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.