Armed Forces Advisor

Washington, D. C.

Organization: ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross
Location: Washington, D. C.
Grade: Senior level - Senior
Occupational Groups:
- Legal - International Law
- Human Rights
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
Closing Date: 2026-01-16

Advisor to the Armed Forces Department

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada

Resident position based in Washington D.C.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the ICRC.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organization seeking to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Formed in 1863, the ICRC was at the origin of international humanitarian law (IHL) and of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The ICRC Regional Delegation for the US & Canada, based in Washington D.C., is at the heart of our efforts to deliver on the ICRC's mandate, working to secure much needed and widespread support, influence, and partnerships for our work in conflict zones. We cultivate relationships with US government agencies, civil society, and the media. The team also works closely with our partners such as the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross.

The Armed Forces Department of the ICRC Regional Delegation for the US and Canada oversees the Delegation’s outreach to the US and Canadian armed forces, with a view to promoting understanding of and acceptance for the ICRC’s mandate, humanitarian response, and support for the integration of international humanitarian law (IHL) / international human rights law (IHRL) and other legal standards into military doctrine and education. In the US, recognizing the role of the US military as a ‘global force’, the Armed Forces Department also supports the ICRC’s operational dialogue with the Pentagon and relevant Combatant Commands on the humanitarian impact of US military operations and works to influence relevant US policy making to understand and include ICRC’s positions.

Purpose

Broadly, the Armed Forces Advisor tracks, understands and interprets through the lens of potential humanitarian consequences, the implementation of the US National Defense Strategy and related legal and policy initiatives at the Pentagon and supports the Armed Forces Department in identifying opportunities for dialogue with the US Government on humanitarian implications. This position maintains a network of relevant interlocutors within the US Defense apparatus.

In a more specific sense, the US is undergoing a major transformation of its military forces in terms of preparedness, development of new capabilities, operational missions, deterrence and strategic preparedness for large scale conflict. Sometimes military operations and planning are conducted by the US alone, and sometimes the US is capitalizing upon - or aiming to capitalize upon - partners and allies. All of this represents a significant change and requires a much higher tempo of activity, and a different and adapted approach, above the still continuing engagements that are necessary over counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism activities that have been a defining characteristic of recent decades.

Recognizing that the US is still the foremost global military power, and the consequences of this transformation will likely have significant impact on the ICRC in both operational and policy perspectives in the coming years, it is therefore key that the Armed Forces Advisor has the requisite advanced knowledge, experience and foresight to assist the Delegation in understanding and responding to US military strategy, thinking, preparation and operations.

Relationships

The Armed Forces Advisor reports to the FAS Coordinator.

Main Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the FAS Coordinator, the Armed Forces Advisor:

Not only provides timely reporting on and analysis of developments and trends in the US military on issues of institutional interest, such as large scale conflict preparedness, counterterrorism operations, urban warfare, new technology and weapons, etc.; but is able to identify and analyze the key elements of a shifting military and geopolitical landscape to complement the Washington Delegation and ICRC institutional plans of action.
Supports the Delegation in improving its understanding of US practice in the realm of partnered military operations and is able to identify and exploit key touch points within the US apparatus to ensure that ICRC’s advocacy in promoting knowledge and respect of the relevant law is applied in the most effective manner.
Maps interlocutors in key positions and creates opportunities for engagements and is further able to proactively build a network in reaction and anticipation of the needs of the ICRC – given the scale of the US military this requires an economy of effort to ensure that there is a resilient and responsive network.
Delivers briefings and provides training to target audiences in the US (e.g.: Military Schools, War Fighting and Mission Rehearsal Exercises and Pre-Deployment Briefings), as required; this may involve audiences at the highest strategic level.
Contributes to writing of the Delegation’s strategic planning documents such as the yearly “Planning for Results” (PfR) document, budget preparation and follow up of related budget implementation.
In addition to supporting leadership and expert-level visitors’ engagement with the US military (including preparing in a timely and concise manner related background documents, speaking points and reporting), it is expected that the Armed Forces Advisor can provide meaningful input into how dialogue should be best framed to achieve the ICRC’s desired objectives.
Liaises across Departments within the Delegation (notably Protection, Legal and Policy) to ensure that they are aware of, and best able to take into account, US perspectives and assist in the preparation and delivery of interventions with US government and military interlocutors.

Required Skills & Experience

Candidates should have a military background.
While in military service, having attained the rank of Major through Colonel (equivalent) and having completed higher level Command/Staff professional development courses would be considered a strong asset.
Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including working at the operational level (Combatant Commands (COCOM)) and/or strategic level (i.e. within the Pentagon and/or within the US interagency).
Knowledge of the structure and functioning of the Department of War/Defense especially the Office of the Secretary of War/Defense, The Joint Staff, and the Combatant Commands demonstrated by practical experience.
Operational experience is essential.
Confirmed capacity to identify and analyze military doctrine, policy and global developments related to issues of concern to the ICRC, notably with regard to large scale conflict preparedness.
Strong analytical and drafting skills and verbal communication
Excellent networker and pro-active relationship builder, grit and resilience and inter-personal skills,
Good knowledge of IHL (International Humanitarian Law) and relevant IHRL (International Human Rights Law), understanding and experience of practical application to include mitigation of civilian harm in armed conflict.
Availability to travel within the US/Canada for short periods of time, as well as overseas for courses, formal engagements or field missions,
Prior experience or familiarity with the ICRC and the humanitarian sector will be considered an asset.
Overseas representational experience, experience in multinational coalition environments, experience in partnering operations, experience in professional higher level instruction (civilian or military) will all be considered an asset.

What we offer:

Join a leading multi-disciplinary humanitarian organization – part of the world’s largest humanitarian network
Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
A full-time resident position based in DC
Competitive salary
Lucrative benefits package that includes:
Robust health and dental insurance plan
20 paid vacation days (annually)
13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
7 paid sick/personal days (annually)
11.5% Employer contribution for our 403b retirement plan
Exciting professional development program
A hybrid working model with flexible scheduling and partial teleworking options

Compensation: The salary range for this role is between $ 116,000.00 - $139,000.00.

Applications Instructions:

You are required to:

include your resume (no more than two pages)
include your cover letter that highlights your interest, skills, experience, and salary requirements (no more than one page)
respond to the specified questions within the application

Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.
Start date: ASAP
We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of our efforts to continue to ensure the safety and protection of our employees against COVID-19, all staff members are required to be fully vaccinated. Upon employment acceptance, new employees must produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Apply now!

Our Values. At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values.

If you have any questions on the application or need assistance, please contact us at was_hrrecruitment_services@icrc.org.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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