Intern, Legal

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Legal Intern for the Africa Region is a member of the Global Legal Team, which advises the organisation globally in the following areas:

• Management of legal risks;
• Compliance with applicable legal and regulatory framework; and
• Support to member National Societies in their own legal risk management.

The Legal Intern will primarily provide legal services to the Africa Regional Office, as well as Country Cluster Delegations and Operations throughout the Africa region, and report directly to the Senior Legal Adviser for the Africa Region.

This internship is based in Geneva, for a term of 6 months. Work from the office is required as per the modalities then in effect for the Geneva office. 

The Legal Intern will receive CHF 75 per working day, all-inclusive with no additional per diem payable.

Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Adviser for the Africa Region, the Legal Intern for the Africa Region will advise on and provide legal services regarding the organization’s activities and operations in the Africa region.

The Legal Intern for the Africa Region will:

• Assist with the management of the legal risk for the organisation in the Africa region, and compliance with all legal policies, procedures, tools and systems, including the eContract system, the Federation contracting policy and the Contract Approval Matrix (CAM) in the Africa region;
• Provide legal advice and guidance in the following areas: contract, labour law, administrative law of international organisations, including in relation to the development and implementation of the Federation’s wide systems, procedures, policies and tools, which have an impact on the legal obligations and risks of the organization in the Africa region;
• Undertake legal research and consolidate findings in the aforementioned areas;
• Assist with the development of training material on legal risks and compliance for IFRC staff in the Africa region;
• Assist with the development and use of the contract management system in the Africa region;
• Assist with the development of the organization’s legal services to its membership in the Africa region; and
• Undertake any other tasks as identified by the Senior Legal Advisor for the Africa Region.

• University degree in law (recent graduate within the past one year). Required
• Bar membership or equivalent (or Bar School) (recent member within the past one year). Preferred
• Specialized studies in public international law and/or international organization law. Preferred

• Understanding or knowledge of the work of international organizations. Required
• Experience in working in a team environment, with remote team members. Required

Required:

• Strong interest in international affairs and international law.
• Good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
• Professional work ethic.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong team player skills.

This position will be based in Geneva.