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
The Assistant for Communication with Military and Armed Groups is the ICRC Yei Sub-Delegation's specialist for engagement with military, security, and armed actors. The Assistant operates under the direction of the Protection Team Leader and in coordination with the FAS MAG team in Juba.
The position is responsible for promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) among arms carriers (SSPDF, SPLA-IO, NAS-TC, NAS-UF, UNMISS and others) within the Sub-Delegation's Area of Responsibility (AOR), facilitating humanitarian access, and contributing to the safety of ICRC operations through structured dialogue, negotiation, and capacity-building with all parties to the conflict.
Accountabilities & functional responsibilities
1. Promotion of IHL and IHRL
In coordination with management and the FAS team in Juba, the position develops and implements dissemination programmes on IHL and IHRL for weapon bearers and armed actors within the Yei Sub-Delegation AOR. It delivers training sessions and dissemination activities, assesses interlocutors’ needs, and advises management on engagement strategies and priorities.
The role designs and conducts briefings, workshops, and trainings for armed groups on key topics including: fundamental rules of IHL and the Geneva Conventions; protection of civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers; prohibition of sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, and indiscriminate attacks; the mandate of the ICRC, its emblems, and working modalities; and other relevant themes identified in the field. Messaging is adapted to commanders, fighters, and local leaders to ensure relevance and understanding.
2. Mapping and Engagement with Interlocutors
The role establishes, maintains, and strengthens relationships with key commanders and decision-makers from armed and security actors within the AOR. These include SSPDF, SPLA-IO/NAS, local militias, community-based armed groups, government security services (National Security Service and Police), and regional/international actors such as UNMISS, AU, and RJMEC.
Regular field visits are conducted to engage armed actors in their areas of operation, build trust, and maintain dialogue. The position ensures updated contact details of interlocutors and supports continuous communication to facilitate humanitarian access, acceptance, and operational security. Support to the security team is provided when required.
3. Context Analysis and Advisory Role
The position continuously monitors and analyses political, military, and security developments affecting the humanitarian situation and ICRC operations. This includes changes in armed group structures, leadership, alliances, territorial control, patterns of violence, and broader dynamics impacting humanitarian access and respect for IHL.
It assesses the implications of these developments and provides timely analysis and recommendations to management. The role supports informed decision-making and adaptation of operational approaches, while contributing to a shared understanding of the evolving context through regular analysis and reporting.
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
Reports to (role)
- FAS Delegate 1 or 2 – FAS Coordinator – Head of Delegation/Deputy Head of Delegation (depending on the location), Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager
People management responsibilities
No
Scope & impact
- Remit: country-wide.
Relationships
- Internally, interacts with Chancellery, Welcome and other departments in the delegation.
- Externally, interacts with assistants' offices of armed and security forces.
Certifications / Education required
- University degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law (IHL focus), Security Studies, Conflict Resolution, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. In lieu of a university degree, candidates with substantial relevant professional work experience may also be considered.
- Specialized training in humanitarian negotiation or mediation is a strong asset.
- Fluency in English, Juba Arabic, and one of Bari languages are essential. Knowledge other of local languages is an asset.
Professional experience required
- Minimum 6–8 years of professional experience, including at least 4 years working in conflict-affected environments. In lieu of a university degree, candidates with substantial relevant professional work experience may also be considered
- Previous military experience is considered an asset.
- Proven track record of direct engagement with military actors and non-state armed groups.
- Previous experience with the ICRC, United Nations, or other humanitarian organizations is an advantage.
- Deep understanding of International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian principles, and armed group dynamics.
- Excellent negotiation, mediation, communication, and diplomatic skills.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and report-writing skills in English.
- Ability to work effectively in high-stress and volatile environments while maintaining discretion and professionalism.