United States of America: Legal Assistant/Paralegal

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, neutral humanitarian organization ensuring protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law

The ICRC’s Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada, based in Washington D.C., is hiring a legal assistant/paralegal to support its Legal Department. The position will involve project management (U.S. trade controls compliance), legal research (International Humanitarian Law, Immigration Law, National Security Law, etc.) and writing, along with limited administrative support.

Minimum required knowledge & experience

• Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• 2-5 years experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal (experience working in a law firm or international organization strongly preferred)
• Project management experience and strong organizational skills required
• Experience working with U.S. export controls system a plus
• Proven interest in working in the humanitarian sector
• Excellent English; French language a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including in multicultural environments
• Very good computer skills
• US national or Green Card holder

Main Responsibilities

1. Project Management: Supports the Deputy Head of the Legal Department in managing ICRC compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls. Coordinates with ICRC Headquarters in Geneva and field delegations to ensure ICRC licensing stays up to date and all internal compliance processes are followed.

2. Coordinate OFAC/BIS licensing by collecting information from ICRC operational colleagues and working with external law firm to process license applications.

3. Monitor changes in U.S. sanctions laws and policies and update colleagues as needed.

4. Legal support: Provides legal research on International Humanitarian Law and U.S. domestic law, including national security law and immigration law.

   1. Conducts legal research on Lexis Nexis, Pacer, and other platforms.

   2. Drafts and edits legal memos and correspondence

5. Administrative support: Provide administrative support to legal department.

   1. Filing and archiving, organization of events and meetings, and other administrative tasks.

   2. Support legal team in preparing and implementing budget.

Applications are due July 29th or thereafter on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The desired start date is September 2019.

For questions, please contact Andrea Harrison atanharrison@icrc.org.

To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter, along with a writing sample, to Laure Macabrey atlmacabrey@icrc.org.