The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to protect and assist people affected by conflict and violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. An independent, impartial and neutral organisation, the ICRC is based in Switzerland. It employs 17’000 people in 90+ countries and is financed mainly by voluntary contributions from governments and national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

The Mission in Canberra is seeking a Legal Adviser to work with ICRC’s team in Canberra and in collaboration with the Regional Delegation for the Pacific. This position is suited to someone in the early stages of their career who is looking for a long-term role with opportunities for growth and development.

The Legal Adviser:

• Assists the Regional Legal Adviser (RLA) to strategize, plan and implement programs and activities to promote IHL generally, to influence stakeholders in favour of the ICRC’s legal and policy positions and to support the ICRC’s broader institutional and regional objectives.
• Monitors and analyses legislative developments in the Pacific region related to IHL.
• Research and drafts analyses, advice and presentations in support of RLA’s activities (papers, training sessions, speeches, legal advice, etc).
• Delivers presentations on IHL and other humanitarian issues to a wide range of audiences, including government, other components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, academic circles, students, and the general public.
• Liaises with academic circles in the Pacific region regarding ICRC pedagogical tools, resources and events.
• Assists with the planning, preparation and execution of visits, meetings and other events hosted by the ICRC.

You will have an understanding of the ICRC’s work and operations globally and understand and adhere to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Skills and qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent)
• A post-graduate degree in a relevant field is an asset
• Knowledge of IHL
• Experience in research, analysis and synthesis of legal and policy texts
• Strong communicator with a demonstrated ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely
• Demonstrated sense of initiative, autonomy, adaptability and attention to detail
• Demonstrated capacity to set and manage priorities, and to complete assignments rapidly and efficiently to meet deadlines
• Excellent organisational and computer (MS Office) skills
• Sense of team spirit, and an ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a culturally diverse and geographically dispersed team
• General interest in humanitarian issues
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Conditions

The position is full-time (100%) on a permanent contract based in Canberra. Estimated start date is late October 2025. 

The starting salary is AUD 95’000 plus 12% super. The post is eligible for salary sacrificing. The ICRC offers an additional monthly contribution to your selected private health insurance.

Applicants must be entitled to lawfully reside and work in Australia.

How to apply

To apply, a letter of motivation and a CV with at least two referees should be sent electronically to canberra@icrc.org. 

The deadline for applications is Monday 8^th September 9am (AEST). Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.