Legal Adviser

• Internally, interacts/cooperates within the delegation and, as relevant, with the Regional Legal Coordinator/Adviser or Operational Legal Coordinator/Adviser.
• Externally, interacts with partners/contacts, including international organizations, dealing with relevant legal and thematic issues (e.g. lawyers, bar associations, the judiciary, parliament, the Attorney-General’s Department, relevant UN agencies, international and national NGOs, prison working groups, etc.), and with academic circles.

• 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 with legal aspects to working papers, summary reports, ‘nonpapers’, etc related to delegation activities and objectives.
• Performs independent research on and analyses of specific legal issues, as well as broader sectors of the national legal system.
• 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 IHL treaty participation, the development of relevant domestic legal and policy frameworks and mechanisms for their implementation.
• Contributes to dialogue and engagement with relevant authorities by facilitating their participation in regional events on IHL
• Monitors developments in the national implementation of IHL and relevant international human rights law (IHRL) norms. Represents the delegation in meetings with external partners and contacts.
• Maintains relations with academic circles, supports the teaching of IHL and develops and maintains relations with influential players and a network of partners and contacts linked to legal questions and policy, as well as IHL promotion and implementation.
• Takes the lead in organising programmes and supporting research activities with partner institutions in identified and evolving thematics
• Provides legal and technical assistance to national authorities and other interested parties, as requested.
• Advises on socio-political and legal aspects of delegation strategy and operations.
• Coordinates and supervises external consultancies on legal issues. May supervise staff related to the function, where applicable.
• Supports, as relevant, the implementation of other Prevention or Protection-related objectives of the Delegation.
• Contributes to formulating and implementing internal and external strategies to address identified issues. Participates in the decision-making process of the Regional Delegation.

• Contributes to formulating and achieving Delegation objectives in the contexts covered, including India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, and other assigned contexts as applicable.
• Participates in the annual planning and budget process (Planning for Results) and monitors implementation of the legal and policy aspects.
• Contributes to meeting legal and policy objectives of other delegations in the region.

• Initiates, formulates and implements strategies to address identified issues and meet the delegation’s objectives in the legal domain.
• Interacts with government authorities, legislators and the judiciary, and provides legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities for the adoption of legal and administrative IHL implementation measures and related policies.
• Represents the ICRC in external fora and events and contributes to positioning it as a reference on IHL and its implementation.
• Supports Cooperation and Protection objectives and activities (including in the fields of detention, missing persons, etc.) as required.
• Supports the Regional Legal Adviser in the planning of regional events, as required, and ensures participation of relevant interlocutors at such events.

• Contributes legal advice and analysis to the Delegation’s preparedness for situations of armed conflict, including on applicable IHL and IHRL frameworks, protection of civilians and other relevant operational legal issues, in coordination with the Regional Legal Adviser and relevant departments.
• Supports the legal aspects of dialogue with civilian authorities, armed and security forces and Movement partners on IHL compliance and implementation, including national frameworks, integration of IHL into institutional practice and relevant specialized training.
• Contributes substantive legal inputs to regional and institutional IHL initiatives, including the Global IHL Initiative and emerging legal and technological issues where relevant, and supports follow-up on agreed objectives and actions.
• Plans, coordinates and follows up on assigned legal files, programmes and research activities; ensures timely, accurate outputs and effective coordination with other departments and headquarters technical advisers.
• Uses modern technologies, including ICRC-approved artificial intelligence tools where authorized, to enhance legal research, analysis and knowledge management, in compliance with applicable ICRC policies on AI, confidentiality, data protection and information security, and independently verifies all substantive legal conclusions.

• Follows up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.
• Is aware of the delegation’s objectives and has a good knowledge of the Movement and other contacts relevant to the position.
• Collects and shares information so as to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses.
• Represents the ICRC in an appropriate way during activities, in meetings and in the field, and avoids any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image.
• Takes responsibility for their own professional learning and development.

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary

• University degree in law.
• Master's degree or specialization, including in a discipline of public international law.
• Admitted to the bar an advantage.
• Fluent command of English and/or French, and of the local language (including legal drafting skills). 
• Computer proficiency.

• 1–3 years' working experience in a similar function, within or outside the ICRC, including in government or the judicial sector.
• Confirmed teaching/dissemination experience.
• Legal drafting experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.