Regional Legal Adviser

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regional delegation is opening a full-time position for a Regional Legal Adviser, based in Warsaw. The 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. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law (IHL) and universal humanitarian principles.

The ICRC regional delegation in Poland contributes to the ICRC’s humanitarian response to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the countries bordering Ukraine, Belorussia and Russia, helping reunite families separated by the conflict, supporting the work of the National Red Cross societies, working with national authorities, and strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.

Purpose of the position:
The Regional Legal Adviser (RLA) promotes and supports the integration of IHL and related norms to help ensure respect for them. The RLA works closely with Management, Protection, and the delegate in charge of the dialogue with the armed forces (FAS), supporting States and National Red Cross Societies to assume their responsibilities in case of armed conflict . It advises the delegation on IHL related matters. The role also contributes to the design and implementation of the Delegation’s strategies.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Prevention and Preparedness (PfR)
• Analyze and monitor domestic legal, administrative, and policy frameworks related to IHL and identify areas requiring strengthening to ensure compliance .
• Provide legal analysis and advice on IHL, human rights, and domestic legal issues relevant to situations of armed conflict, including detention, conduct of hostilities, displacement, missing persons, and protection of the wounded and sick.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping of government actors, armed forces, ministries, and national IHL commissions.
• Represent the ICRC with government authorities, national commissions, and other key stakeholders to promote the implementation and operationalization of IHL.
• Support and influence state participation in IHL treaties, adoption of laws and regulations, and establishment of national mechanisms (e.g., IHL committees, information bureau).
• Position the ICRC as a trusted reference on IHL and a neutral humanitarian actor in the region.

Support to National Societies (NS)
• Strengthen the capacity of priority National Societies in IHL and emblem promotion/protection in line with regional cooperation and preparedness strategies.
• Act as a reference point for IHL for selected NS, supporting legal engagement plans and building IHL expertise .
• Contribute to the design and implementation of cooperation agreements related to legal and prevention activities.
• Support NS in their dialogue with governments on legal and humanitarian issues, and encourage the integration of IHL into academic curricula.
• Promote IHL and humanitarian norms through public events, speeches, and engagement with influential actors in the region.
• Plan, implement, coordinate, and follow up on the delegation’s legal activities in collaboration with other departments.

Internal Collaboration
• Work transversally with Protection, FAS, Communication/Prevention, and Management teams to ensure coherent strategies.
• Maintain updated networks and coordinate with ICRC delegations, HQ, and regional organizations such as the EU and NATO.
• Collaborate with other Regional Legal Advisers and thematic legal experts across the institution, sharing good practices and contributing to institutional databases.
• Build the capacity of NS legal advisers and provide legal expertise to support ICRC operations when needed.
• Contribute to the achievement of institutional objectives in the region through consultation and cooperation with relevant HQ departments.

Professional experience and education required
• Master’s or Doctorate degree in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or a related field of international public law.
• 6–8 years of relevant professional experience in a legal role, government, or the judiciary.
• Strong understanding of domestic legal and policy frameworks; ability to analyze and advise on their application in practice.
• Knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in English; knowledge of languages spoken in the region is an advantage.
• Strong strategic and creative thinking abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to mobilize, influence, represent, and negotiate.
• Pedagogical skills and experience in academic teaching and research, is an asset.
• Experience in organizing external events and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with standard office applications.
• Willing to travel frequently to other sites of Regional Delegation

Interested?
At this point, we hope that you feel excited about the job description you are reading. Even if you do not think you meet all the requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We would like to meet people who believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in various ways.

What we offer:
• Full-time employment contract for a fixed term of one year (with the possibility of extension).
• Rewarding and diverse work in a humanitarian, multicultural and international environment.
• On-boarding orientation course and in-house training opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Language learning opportunities.
• Our office is centrally located in Warsaw and easily accessible (Mokotowska street).
• A compensation & benefits package that includes a 13th salary.

Application Deadline: 25 September 2025