TRAINEESHIP IN THE GLOBAL PROTECTION AFFAIRS UNIT

Geneva | Switzerland

Organization: ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross
Location: Geneva | Switzerland
Grade: Junior level - Junior
Occupational Groups:
- Human Rights
- Protection
- IHL
- Humanitarian Diplomacy
- Detention
Closing Date: Closed

Reports to (role)

Head of Unit Global Protection Affairs

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 Global Protection Affairs Unit (Prot Glob) acts as a focal point for protection issues related to global counter-terrorism measures. The Unit supports ICRC delegations to develop their protection strategies by sharing experiences and tools, by analysing current trends in counter-terrorism measures, and by developing the ICRC’s protection programs in accordance with those trends.

The post holder’s tasks are to support and contribute to the Unit’s analytical and advisory roles. S/he will assist directly on specific files (particularly support to former Guantanamo Bay detainees) and will be expected to communicate with various field delegations to assist them with their work. S/he will take part in the research and development of the Unit’s projects on issues stemming from counter-terrorism by carrying out information collection, synthesis, and summarization. S/he will also take part in the creation and maintenance of information sharing tools. The post holder will lastly be responsible for the administration within the Unit. S/he will organise and maintain electronic and paper records. S/he will also take part in planning and organising the Unit’s meetings and workshops, in coordination with other Units.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

Support and contribute to the Unit’s analytical and advisory roles
Assist directly on specific files (particularly support to former Guantanamo Bay detainees) and provide support on others (such as the file of “foreign fighters” and their families)
Communicate with various field delegations to assist them with their work
Participate in the research and development of the Unit’s projects on issues stemming from counter-terrorism by carrying out information collection, synthesis, and summarization
Take part in the creation and maintenance of information sharing tools
Be responsible for the administration within the Unit
Organise and maintain electronic and paper records
Take part in planning and organising the Unit’s meetings and workshops, in coordination with other Units

Professional Experience required

Only individuals enrolled in higher education or who have recently completed their studies are eligible to be trainees/associates. For candidates to be eligible they must have a maximum of one year's professional experience after graduation (relating to the post) or two years if they have been in previous traineeships.

Desired profile and skills

Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
Interest in Protection issues and knowledge in operations and strategies used for Global Counter Terrorism measures
Degree in Law, Political Science or related field
Fluent written and spoken English and French, native speaker an advantage
Knowledge of Arabic is an asset
Excellent research, analysis and synthesis skills
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and with colleagues at a distance
Strong organisational and communication skills
Experience within the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement an advantage