The ICRC promotes International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, judges, diplomats, professors and students. 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 the 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, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. He or she will also manage budgetary planning of 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.
  • Draft legal notes/analyses and contributes with legal aspects to working papers, summary reports, `non papers` related to the delegation activities and objectives related to India, Nepal, Bhutan, 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, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
  • Supports, IHL dissemination activities directed at specialized audience and 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 delegation strategy and operations.
  • Maintains relations with academic circles, supports the teaching of IHL and maintains relations with 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.
  • Lead the activities of the unit with the external stakeholders on identified and evolving thematic issues.
  • Take the lead in organizing programmes and supporting research activities with partner institutions on evolving thematic.
  • 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 in close coordination 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 the formulation and implementation of 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 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 an asset.
  • Experience /degree/certificate in international relations and asset
  • Fluent in English, including English drafting skills
  • Working experience with the ICRC, government, or the judicial sector an asset
  • Teaching / dissemination, experience including at academic level.
  • Experience in organising external events, workshops and Seminars.
  • 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 proactive attitude, patience, perseverance, and the needed quality of self-confidence

 ICRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognise that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our organisation. 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:  19th April 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.