Overview
The Legal Advisor represents the ICRC to the EU, NATO, and the Kingdom of Belgium, focusing on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The role involves legal research, analysis, and advocacy to ensure IHL is considered and implemented.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyses legal documents and policies from European institutions and Belgium from an IHL/ICRC perspective.
- Drafts legal notes/analysis and contributes legal aspects to briefing files, working papers, and reports.
- Conducts independent legal research and analysis on specific legal issues.
- Maintains and builds a network of relevant IHL interlocutors within EU Institutions and Belgian authorities.
- Represents the ICRC mandate and IHL positions in external meetings/events.
- Contributes to the organisation of briefings with EU bodies working on IHL-related files.
- Identifies challenges, opportunities and contributes to the drafting of engagement strategies with the EU and Belgium.
- Collaborates with colleagues in relevant delegations and legal units at ICRC’s HQ.
- Maintains relations with Belgian academic circles, supports the teaching of IHL and develops relations with influential players.
- Oversees the organisation of the annual Bruges Colloquium on IHL.
- Provides support across the IHL team activities, including engagement with NATO and organisation of dissemination events.
- Contributes to the recruitment and selection of the Junior Legal Advisor and delegates tasks.
- Contributes to the definition and implementation of the team’s objectives, budget planning and monitoring of results.
- Reports appropriately for their activities.
Required Experience
Minimum 3-5 years work experience in a similar function. Working experience in government or the judicial sector is an advantage. ICRC experience is an advantage. Teaching/dissemination experience, including at academic level. Connections with government and academic circles, including own network of interlocutors. Experience in event organising is an asset.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in international law; solid knowledge of IHL, of human rights law and of European law.
