LEGAL ADVISER

Purpose of the post

The ICRC is carrying out a project to update the commentaries on the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977. The Legal Division is seeking to hire a legal adviser to work as part of the project team under the supervision of the head of unit on its project to update the commentaries on the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. The role will be to carry out research and draft texts for the new commentaries.

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Carry out legal research on topics covered by the Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols; the focus will be on research into the ICRC’s archives, national and international case law, military manuals and doctrine in order to collect all legal information that is necessary to update the commentaries. This research will be used by the different internal and external lawyers writing the new commentaries;
• On the basis of the research carried out, prepare files for each article covered by the commentaries;
• Consult and coordinate with the internal and external lawyers writing the new commentaries about the research;
• Draft updated commentaries on some of the treaty provisions;
• Take an active part in team coordination meetings to ensure consistency of form and content in drafting the commentaries;
• Carry out any other duties requested by the head of unit in relation to the project.

Training and experience

• Law degree combined with a doctorate in law or other post-graduate degree, with a specialization in public international law;
• Expertise in international humanitarian law, as well as thorough knowledge of international human rights law and international criminal law;
• Well-developed legal research and writing skills, demonstrated by publications in the field of public international law and international humanitarian law
• Excellent ability to analyse and summarize complex legal issues;
• Excellent ability to write legal texts in a concise and clear manner and within tight deadlines; 
• At least five years of relevant professional experience;
• Proven experience in project and time management would be an asset;
• Perfect command of written English and a very good knowledge of French.

Skills

• Rigour and clarity in researching and analysing legal issues and in drafting legal texts;
• Openness to dialogue and good interpersonal skills;
• Proven ability to work in a team.

Additional information

Type of role:                  Resident　

Type of contract:          Open-ended　

Length of assignment: 3 years extendable

Working rate:                70-80%　

Starting date:                ASAP

Application deadline:  12 June 2017