What we do
The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes - and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian 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.
Purpose
The head of the unit leads the development and promotion of ICRC strategies and activities in the field of the reaffirmation, the classification and the interpretation of IHL rules related to the conduct of hostilities and to weapons. They lead the team to represent the ICRC in multilateral negotiations and proposes the development of new rules or standards related to the conduct of hostilities and to weapons in response to humanitarian consequences witnessed in ICRC field operations or which may result from new scientific and technical developments.
Reports to (role)
- Head of the Legal Division
Main responsibilities and responsibilities
- Leads and develops, in cooperation with the head of the Legal Division/Chief legal officer and the Director of Law and Policy, the institution's legal-policy orientation, objectives and strategies on all issues related to the conduct of hostilities and weapons.
- Leads the institutional thinking on cross-cutting issues that include legal and policy aspects related to the conduct of hostilities and weapons.
- Works effectively across multiple organizational levels to create institution-wide support for legal initiatives and positions on the conduct of hostilities and weapons issues.
- Proposes and promotes the development and implementation of strategies to position the ICRC in the field of the conduct of hostilities and weapons. In particular:
- Leads the ICRC’s effort in understanding and addressing the humanitarian, legal, ethical and societal implications of the militarization and weaponization of new technologies, and
- Leads the implementation of the ICRC and Movement strategies on urban warfare by clarifying the legal and policy framework related to the conduct of hostilities in urban areas, and pursuing its advocacy on explosive weapons in populated areas.
- Represents ICRC legal positions on the conduct of hostilities in external fora, and weapons issues in multilateral fora, including in negotiations with States.
Other responsibilities
- Promotes and supports work on conduct of hostilities and arms issues by other components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including through implementation and development of positions adopted by the Council of Delegates and International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Communicates the ICRC's legal positions and concerns to a variety of audiences including through direct media contact and the planning and development of relevant ICRC communication materials (brochures, films, publications).
- Takes part in setting the objectives of the Legal Division, discussing issues with other managers within the Division, and analyzing the Division's strategies and activities.
People management responsibilities
The head of the unit leads, manages and supports a high achieving multidisciplinary team of around 10 legal, technical and policy advisers:
- Plans, coordinates and supervises the work of the unit and coordinates this work with other relevant headquarters and field units.
- Manages and motivates staff through an inclusive multidisciplinary team-based approach.
- Oversees the administration of institutional personnel and financial policies with the headcount and budget within the unit's responsibility.
Scope & Impact
- Takes part in setting the objectives of the Legal Division, discussing issues with other managers within the Division, and analyzing the Division's strategies and activities.
- Is responsible for the annual planning process (Planning for Results) and the budget of the Unit.
Relationships
- Internally, interacts with the Presidency, the Directorate and other governing bodies, and relevant units/departments at headquarters and in the field of weapons and conduct of hostilities files;
- Externally, interacts with key and influential State representatives, international organizations, Movement partners, IHL experts, civil society representatives, and media.
Education and experience required
- Advanced degree in law, international relations or international security issues, with confirmed expertise in IHL.
- Analytical skills, excellent writing and editing skills, ability to summarize, strategize and innovate.
- In-depth knowledge and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in IHL and human rights law, in the field of arms control law/regimes and of multilateral negotiations or processes; knowledge in other domains of public international law and policy-making is an asset.
- Proven competence to run complex legal and policy files, to lead strategic thinking on an institutional scale, and analysis of the multilateral environment.
- Proven capacity to represent the ICRC (or another large organisation) to a variety of audiences (e.g. state representatives, UN agencies, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, civil society representatives, media).
- Confirmed experience in and talent for personnel management, with the ability to motivate people and bring them on board for projects through open dialogue and skilful interpersonal communication (managerial experience at the ICRC considered an asset).
- Fluent knowledge of English and French.
- Field experience with ICRC or in humanitarian settings an asset.
Additional information
- Location: Geneva
- Type of contract: Open-ended
- Activity rate: 100%
- Estimated start date: 01 August 2020
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 10 May 2020
How to apply:
Follow the link to our Career Site: https://careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%28GVA%29-Head-of-Arms-and-Methods-of-Warfare-14987/597791201/?l...