The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. Brussels is home to the main institutions of the European Union (EU) – the Council of the EU, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission, the European Parliament – and to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). We, as the ICRC delegation in Brussels, seek to make our mandate better known and to mobilize political, diplomatic and financial support for our activities. We also seek to ensure that relevant political and military decision-makers in countries in the area of responsibility of the ICRC Brussels Delegation view the ICRC as the main reference point for neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action, as well as for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Purpose
The Senior Legal Advisor plays a key role as main advisor on IHL matters to the Brussels delegation, in relation to the delegation’s engagement with the EU institutions, NATO HQ and relevant bodies, as well as with Belgian authorities. They help in understanding and influencing the European Union (EU), NATO and Belgium legal environment, as it relates to IHL and humanitarian action, and contributes to shaping the delegation’s engagement with these institutions. In particular, they formulate, implement and coordinate the delegation’s strategies in relation to IHL, and lead external IHL training engagements. They work under the supervision of the delegation’s management and interacts with relevant colleagues involved in the EU, NATO, and BE files, as well as with Geneva Headquarters. They have people management responsibilities.
Responsibilities
The Senior Legal Advisor has the following responsibilities:
Analysis and legal advice on IHL
- Analyses legal documents and policies from European institutions (Council, EEAS, Commission, European Parliament), NATO and Belgium of interest to the ICRC and covered by IHL and legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
- Advises the delegation on the institution’s legal positioning and provides legal advice on relevant internal (briefing files, reports) and external documents and files (reports, position papers,).
Dialogue, mobilisation and positioning with EU bodies on questions relating to IHL and legal dimensions of humanitarian action
- Develops, in coordination with the management and in consultation with ICRC legal division, and other colleagues involved in EU , strategies on issues relating to IHL and the legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
- Cultivates and supports the development of relations with the Presidency-in-Office of the Council, the Director of the Council Legal Service and his team, the Commission Legal Service, the Head of the Legal Division of the EEAS and their team.
- Organises briefings with EU bodies working on IHL-related files, and in particular with the Council’s working group in charge of public international law (COJUR)
- Actively monitors the EU’s commitment during the Movement’s international conferences, including drafting of the proposals for pledges of the EU and its member states as well as their implementation.
Dialogue, mobilisation and positioning with NATO bodies on questions relating to IHL and legal dimensions of humanitarian action
- Develops, in coordination with the management, and other relevant colleagues involved in NATO files, and in consultation with ICRC Legal Division, strategies on issues relating to IHL and the legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
- Maintains relations with Legal Advisers in NATO HQs.
Dialogue, mobilisation and positioning with Belgian authorities
- Develops, in coordination with the management, the delegation’s engagement strategy on IHL with the Belgian authorities.
- Monitors and analyses legal developments related to the Belgian context, in connection with IHL and the legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
- Maintains relations with the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Defense, the DGD, the Interministerial Committee on IHL – for any question relating to IHL and the legal dimensions of humanitarian action.
IHL training for EU staff, NATO, Belgian authorities and other stakeholders present in Brussels
- Designs and delivers IHL training, including training organised jointly with external partners (NOHA, Belgian Red Cross, etc.).
- Organises ad hoc events to support / promote institutional priorities in terms of IHL.
Relations with academic institutions
- In charge of relations with academic institutions on issues relating to IHL and legal dimensions of humanitarian action – speaker in conferences / courses / seminars / workshops on issues relating to IHL, legal and policy dimensions of humanitarian action, the mandate of the ICRC
- Organises the annual Bruges Colloquium on IHL themes, in close coordination with ICRC Legal Division, and ensures publication of the proceedings.
Relations within the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement
- In charge of relations with the legal advisers of the European National Societies for legal questions related to the EU (monitoring of and participation in the European Legal Support Group).
- Maintains relations with the Belgian Red Cross and the Red Cross EU Office on certain legal / IHL subjects, including the mobilisation of EU institutions during RCRC International Conferences and the follow up of joint pledges implementation.
Professional experience
- Minimum 8 years of experience as a legal adviser and / or lawyer in the field of international law, including IHL.
- Relevant experience within or in direct relation with European institutions, NATO and other European / pan-European organisations or organisations / research centers revolving around them.
- Proven experience in teaching IHL and in working in the field of IHL.
- Minimum 1 year of experience at ICRC headquarters, in an ICRC delegation or as part of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement highly desirable.
Educational background and specific skills required
- Master’s degree or specialization in a discipline of public international law, including IHL or international human rights law
- Representation/diplomatic/negotiation skills and proven competence in public speaking (conferences, etc.)
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical and drafting skills
- Strong understanding of EU and/or NATO institutions
- Knowledge of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement an asset
- People management experience
Languages
Fluent French and English. Dutch desired.
What we offer
- An opportunity to join one of the most respected international humanitarian organisation in the world
- A full-time open-ended contract under Belgian legislation
- Work within a dynamic and multicultural team
- A stimulating benefit package.
- Grade: C1
- Starting date: 1 December.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter before 27 September via our website.
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.