What we do
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.
In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.
We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.
Purpose
Based in Cairo, under the supervision of the Regional Legal Adviser (RLA), the Legal Adviser 2 supports and coordinates with the Regional IHL Team in the NAME – this includes both Regional Legal Coordinator (RLC) based in KOW and RLA based in CAI - in advising NAME delegations on international humanitarian law (IHL) and national and/or international legal matters and conducts related legal work.
S/he supported the RLAs and RLC to meet legal and policy objectives of other delegations in the region of concern.
S/he initiates, formulates and implements strategies to address identified issues and delegation objectives in the legal domain. S/he supervises and guides research on and analysis of specific legal matters and broader sectors of the national legal system.
Our values
- At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
Accountabilities & functional responsibilities
- Analyses the situation, advises and provides guidance on the applicable national and international legal frameworks and norms in relation to support given by the R-IHL to delegation(s) activities, objectives, strategies and plans of action in order to address identified legal and other related issues.
- Drafts legal notes/analyses and contributes with legal aspects to working papers, summary reports, 'non-papers' etc. related to R-IHL activities and objectives.
- Performs independent research on and analysis of specific legal issues, as well as broader sectors of the national legal system(s).
- 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.
- Provides legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities.
- Monitors developments in the national implementation of IHL and relevant international human rights law (IHRL) norms. Represents the R-IHL 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.
- Advises on socio-political and legal aspects of delegation strategy and operations.
- Supports protection objectives and activities (including in the fields of detention, missing persons, etc..
- Coordinates and supervises external consultancies on legal issues. May supervise staff related to her/his function.
- Supports, as relevant, the implementation of other prevention-related objectives of the delegation(s).
Reports to (role)
People management responsibilities
No
Scope & impact
- Contributes to formulating and achieving delegation objectives in the contexts covered (for regional delegations, in the countries covered).
- 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 same region (if assisting/supporting a Regional Legal Adviser/Coordinator).
Relationships
- Internally, interacts/cooperates with members of the R-IHL (the RLC and RLA), IHL focal points, as well as different departments within the delegations and, as relevant, with technical reference persons at headquarters
- Externally, as relevant, interacts with government ministries, legislators, the judiciary, the armed and security services, international/regional organisations, academic circles, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, and other influential actors and key institutions in the legal field within civil society also form part of their network.
Certifications / Education required
- University degree in law.
- Master's degree or specialization in IHL or related area of international public law .
- Fluent in either English and Arabic, French will be an asset.
- Computer proficiency.
Professional experience required
- 4–6 years' working experience in a similar function.
- Good knowledge of domestic legal and policy frameworks and structures.
- working experience in government or with experience in legislative drafting an asset.
- ICRC experience an advantage.
- Experience in academic teaching and research a strong asset.
