Traineeship in IHL and Islamic Law

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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 their International Federation 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.

Role of the ICRC Advisory Service on IHL

The Advisory Service on IHL (LDP_LEGAL_CONSULT) contributes to institutional efforts sought at supporting an environment conducive to the respect for the law, in particular international humanitarian law (IHL), by promoting universal acceptance of IHL treaties and the adoption of a comprehensive domestic legal framework to fulfill States' obligations under these treaties and other relevant international norms. Working worldwide through a network of legal advisers, the Service supplements and supports governments' own resources by encouraging and supporting adherence to IHL and related instruments; providing specialist advice and assistance to States as they adopt legal and administrative measures to give effect to their IHL obligations; and collecting and facilitating the exchange of information between States on national IHL implementation laws and other measures adopted. It furthermore promotes and supports the work of committees on IHL established to facilitate the IHL implementation process.

The Advisory Service's multifaceted approach includes expertise in the main legal systems, i.e. common law, civil law, and Islamic law. In particular, the Advisory Service has developed its capacity to understand the commonalities between IHL and the Islamic laws of armed conflict in recent years. Such expertise contributes to the ICRC's work towards building a dialogue with different influential partners, including governmental authorities, the judiciary, and scholars and academic experts working on situations of armed conflict.

Reports to (role)

First to the Legal adviser on IHL and Islamic law and jurisprudence and second to the Head of the ICRC Advisory Service on IHL.

Purpose of the role

Working under the supervision of the legal adviser on IHL and Islamic law and jurisprudence, the associate supports all the IHL and Islamic law related activities of the Advisory Service. The associate is also encouraged to support other colleagues in the Service as needed.

Main responsibilities include:

• Assisting the file holder in undertaking research on IHL and Islamic law themes, in particular themes directly connected to humanitarian problems identified in an armed conflict involving Muslim actors or occurring in Muslim-majority contexts;
• Researching and drafting reports and reviewing documents on IHL and Islamic law;
• Drafting documents and speaking points for ICRC staff, including for broad communication purposes as well as for targeted events featuring ICRC activities on IHL and Islamic law;
• Drafting regular and timely reports and analyses on meetings and events attended, as well as relevant developments reported in external sources;
• Supporting communication (internal and external) on activities of the Advisory Service, in particular through the drafting of short texts to be published on the ICRC Intranet and Web sites;
• Preparing presentations, including PowerPoint presentations on IHL and Islamic law themes;
• Supporting the organization of meetings with external interlocutors and experts;
• Assisting with managerial and administrative tasks as vital;
• Assisting with short translations or revisions of translations of the Service's products in Arabic as vital;
• Generally actively participating in team discussions on the role and work of the Advisory Service, including on files going beyond IHL and Islamic law.

Background & Professional Experience required

• Advanced degree in Islamic law (sharia) or Islamic studies diploma equivalent to a Master's Degree;
• Good knowledge of Public International Law, particularly IHL, would be an advantage;
• Familiarity with common law and/or civil law systems would be an advantage;
• Strong curiosity about humanitarian action and the ICRC;
• Experience with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement would be an advantage;
• A maximum of one year of professional experience after graduation (related to the post) or two years if traineeships are included.
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Desired profile and skills

• Excellent written and oral expression in English and Arabic are required; knowledge (verbal and written) of French and/or other languages would be an advantage;
• Effective communication and analytical skills;
• Facility in interpersonal relations and the ability to work as part of a team;
• Possessing excellent organizational and planning skills;
• Autonomous and motivated.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
• Visa/permit: legitimacy card provided
• Estimated start date: 01/03/2023
• Application deadline: 05/12/2022
• Application documents required: diplomas, work certificates, scan color of passport - please upload it on your profile.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.