TRAINEESHIP IN THE INTERNATIONAL LAW & POLICY DEPARTMENT

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide 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.

Purpose

The mission of the Economic Adviser consists in developing constructive engagement with business actors on their responsibility to carefully manage the impact of their operations, in particular in areas of armed conflict or in challenging security environments. This mission is carried out through: direct engagement with business actors; indirect engagement through industry associations or multi-stakeholder initiatives; the development of guidance tools for business actors and other stakeholders involved in ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’ issues; and support to ICRC field operations in their own dialogue with business actors; among other means.

Main duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Economic Adviser, the post holder will be responsible for:
 

• Assisting with the day-to-day management of various work streams such as: a joint project with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF); the ICRC’s engagement with Chinese business actors and engagement with organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Global Compact, and various other stakeholders in the business and conflict field.
• Fostering internal and external communication on the mission and activities of the Economic Adviser and shaping the unit’s communication and engagement strategy
• Keeping close watch on trends, issues and policy developments in the fields of ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’; and regularly producing synthetic oral and written analysis.
• Carrying out ad hoc research work on ongoing work streams, supporting the development of projects.
• Liaising with a wide-range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the various work streams and proper positioning of the ICRC.
• Preparing and coordinating participation by ICRC stakeholders in conferences, seminars or workshops involving business actors, including compiling briefing materials and talking points.
• Developing an overview of the ICRC’s relationship with the private sector, and the capacity to participate constructively in a range of related work streams.
• Ensuring business continuity in absence of the Economic Adviser.

Education required

A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations/affairs, international economics, international law, humanitarian action, development, peace/conflict, business, communication, etc.).

Professional Experience required

• Six months prior experience with an international organisation, a business company, an industry association, a government, an NGO or a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society
• Maximum professional experience after graduation: 1 year (2 years if including 1 year traineeship)

Application Details

Your application should consist of a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Please submit them in a single Word or PDF document. Additional documents will not be accepted.
 

• Motivation letter:
   
  • Please prepare a motivation letter that responds synthetically to the following questions:
    1. In your opinion, why is it relevant for an organization like the ICRC to engage with companies on the issue of their responsible business practices when they operate in conflict-affected environments?
    2. What are the three most relevant skills and qualities that you have developed and that you intend to use to support the Economic Advisor in promoting responsible business practices among companies operating in conflict-affected environments?
  • Your motivation letter must not exceed 500 words, all inclusive.

• Curriculum vitae:
  • The curriculum vitae must not exceed two pages.
  • It should provide clear indications on the dates (month, year) when academic diploma/s was/were obtained and when professional experience/s was/were started and ended.

Additional information

• Type of role: Traineeship
• Length of assignment : 12 months
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: 01/09/2018
• Application deadline: 04/07/2018