Digital Technologies of Warfare Adviser

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Context

The ICRC Delegation in Ukraine acts to respond to the needs of people affected by armed conflict, promotes International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights applicable to the law enforcement function. The humanitarian impacts of armed conflict in general and on essential public services in particular, missing persons and their families, migration, detention, cooperation with the Movement and promotion of international humanitarian law and human rights when applicable.

Purpose

As part of the regional priorities, the New Technologies of Warfare Specialist ensures a structured, coordinated, and strategic approach to relevant FAS activities. This role focuses on the evolving relationship between armed forces and emerging technologies, particularly in digital warfare. The Manager provides scientific and policy expertise to support the ICRC’s efforts in assessing the humanitarian, operational, and policy implications of digital technologies in conflict.

In this role, you will monitor and analyze technological advancements—especially those related to digital warfare—assessing their potential use as weapons or military tools and the concerns they raise. Your analysis will take a multidisciplinary approach, considering humanitarian, technical, military, ethical, policy, and legal perspectives. Given the increasing impact of digital technologies on warfare, this position is a priority for the Delegation.

Relationships

• Reports to: FAS Coordinator, Kyiv, Ukraine;
• Internally, interacts within the delegation and with technical reference persons at headquarters;
• Externally, interacts with political authorities, armed and security forces at decision-making level, and international organizations.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

The New Technologies of Warfare Specialist will play a key role in assessing the humanitarian impact of emerging digital technologies in conflict and ensuring the ICRC remains at the forefront of understanding their implications. The role involves research, analysis, strategic engagement, and policy advising to strengthen the ICRC’s position on digital technologies in warfare.

• Keep a close watch on advancements in digital technologies that could be used as means and methods of warfare, analyzing their potential impact on conflict dynamics and humanitarian action.
• Conduct an in-depth analysis of how new warfare technologies—particularly in the digital realm—could affect civilians, armed forces, and humanitarian operations. This includes evaluating risks and concerns from multiple perspectives, including humanitarian, military, ethical, policy, legal, and technical viewpoints.
• Offer scientific and policy expertise to support the ICRC’s legal and humanitarian assessments of new technologies under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, military officials, civil society organizations, academia, and tech companies, ensuring the ICRC remains engaged with key decision-makers and experts.
• Drive discussions with key military and security stakeholders within and outside Ukraine, ensuring that cross-delegation insights and expertise inform the ICRC’s approach to digital technologies in warfare.

This role is crucial in shaping how the ICRC navigates the evolving landscape of warfare technologies, ensuring a well-informed, multidisciplinary response to emerging challenges in armed conflict.

Training & Experience Required

• Expertise in new and developing weapons’ technologies, in particular, digital technologies used as weapons, means and methods of warfare (e.g., cyber operations, autonomous weapons, use of artificial intelligence for military purpose, etc.), and in their effects;
• Experience in policymaking in arms/weapons control or disarmament, and/or technology assessment and governance; experience of multilateral negotiations and other policy processes would be an asset;
• Experience in strategic dialogue with senior interlocutors from government, military, civil society, and tech companies;
• University or equivalent training in science, science and technology, international relations, and/or another field relevant to the analysis of developments in weapons, means and methods of warfare technologies, in particular digital ones;
• Operational experience in the use of relevant weapon’s technology (cyber operations, autonomous weapons, AI, etc.) would be an asset;
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law, arms control, conduct of hostilities, and/or international instruments for the governance of weapons would be an asset;
• Experience in organizing and successfully conducting expert meetings, workshop or other events, in person and online, with a variety of audiences and participants would be an asset;
• At least 5-7 years of relevant professional experience.

Skills & Qualifications

• Well-developed research and writing skills with an ability to analyze, summarize and popularize technical aspects of new technologies;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Excellent ability to communicate with diverse, lay and expert audiences, especially to present complex technical issues clearly and concisely;
• Ability to represent the ICRC, especially in exchanging in an autonomous and efficient manner with specialized academics, technical experts, military personnel, diplomats, and industry representatives;
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of French, Ukrainian, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, or Arabic, at least passive, would be an asset;
• Openness to dialogue and good interpersonal skills;  
• Proven ability to work in a team.

Our Operational & Field Constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals;
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field;
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles);
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months of service.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment ; 
• Online trainings and onboarding course;  
• Generous social benefits;  
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere. 

Please consult this  for more information on our package offer. 

Additional information

• Type of position: Mobile
• Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
• Contract: Max term contract
• Activity rate: 100%
• Length of assignment: 12 months, with possibility of extension
• Starting date: April 2025 
• Application Deadline: 23.03.2025 

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