Legal Counsel

Reports to (role)

Head of Delegation

with technical reporting line to the Office of Corporate Legal Affairs (OCLA) at HQ

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

The humanitarian sector has been undergoing a significant digital transformation in recent years, creating both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, people affected by humanitarian emergencies are increasingly connected, and humanitarian organizations are developing and offering digital humanitarian services. On the other hand, unauthorized access to or extraction of humanitarian data by malicious actors, to gain operational advantages or for other non-humanitarian purposes, can create significant risks for the dignity and safety of vulnerable people whilst undermining the work of humanitarian actors.

The recent creation of an ICRC Delegation for Cyberspace aims at strengthening its capacity to be operational, also in a digital space, according to the standard working modalities of the ICRC. The ICRC Delegation for Cyberspace aims at exploring new ways to support, enable, and protect the ICRC’s digital footprint, which is made up primarily of the data that affected populations entrust it with. The Delegation also aims at creating a safe R&D environment to develop a response to the challenges brought by digitalization, notably in conflict settings, and anticipate those that will continue to emerge with its expansion. Understanding what adherence to the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence of exclusively humanitarian action means in a digital world, and adapting its operating modalities and technology choices accordingly, is a key component of this. This is essential for the ICRC to gain and preserve the trust of affected populations as well as interlocutors, to continue to have access to affected areas, also by digital means, to ensure that affected communities access essential humanitarian services, and to ensure the acceptance and safety of its own staff.

Purpose

Within the ICRC Delegation for Cyberspace, the Legal Counsel is in charge of providing substantive advice and ad hoc support to the various internal clients at the Delegation (i.e., on HR/employment law related matters,- fundraising (including: identification of relevant funding sources, and grant application and management), contractual matters, Intellectual Property law (particularly linked to the Free and Open-Source Software work of the Delegation in the area research and development and community mobilisation), administrative law of international organizations, regulatory matters and in general on all legal claims, commitments and liabilities of the organization, etc.).

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

General duties

Provides legal advice and support in all areas impacting the ICRC (HR, logistics, procurement, administration, operations, data protection, governance, fundraising, innovation, intellectual property, privileges and immunities, regulatory issues, etc.), with a specific focus on either HR/employment/contractual matters or any corporate legal issue;
Drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts for the ICRC in all areas needed, and drafts legal opinions;
Advises in the context of the adoption of various types of documents (policies, memos, position papers, risk assessments, etc.);
Advises, in cooperation with the Legal Division, in relation to the implementation of the innovative provisions of the HQA and assists in the elaboration of specific protocols, standard operating procedures, and guidance that may be required in that regard;
Follows and contributes to decision making processes and internal procedures (notably in the area of compliance, information security, risk management, intellectual property, management of volunteers and communities of software developers, cybersecurity experts, and white hat hackers);
Represents the ICRC before judicial and administrative bodies for all matters pertaining to his/her areas of responsibility;
Liaises with, supervises and manages external counsel.

People management responsibilities

Scope & Impact

Geographical remit: Global

Relationships

The Legal Counsel is placed under the hierarchical supervision of the Head of Delegation, in coordination with the Office of Corporate Legal Affairs (hereafter “OCLA”).

Certifications / Education required

Advanced university degree in law (M.A. minimum, L.L.M. would be an asset)
National bar exam a strong asset
Oral and written fluency in English
Professional knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian a strong asset
Computer proficiency

Professional Experience required

Typically 10 to 12 years of overall professional experience
Minimum five (5) years as a legal adviser required
Solid experience in intellectual property law, knowledge transfer, international organizations law, contract law, employment law, the law of international civil service or equivalent experience in applicable administrative law is a strong asset
Solid experience in research grants acquisition and management is a strong asset
Solid experience either in-house or in a law firm on corporate legal matters with a multinational dimension is a strong asset.
Experience in the legal sector with IO/NGO entities a strong asset
Good knowledge of the non-profit and international organization sector
Knowledge or experience of the ICRC an asset.

Desired profile and skills

Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
Rigor and precision
Critical-thinking skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as within a team with remote team members
Solution-oriented, client-focused and geared towards practical solutions
Ability to work within and adjust to a developing framework/office
Entrepreneurial mindset
Outstanding problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
Emotional intelligence, active listening and facilitation skills
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Excellent levels of integrity, morality, honesty and responsibility
Ability to set priorities and work under pressure

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

What we offer

Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
Attractive social benefits.

Additional information

Location : Luxembourg
Activity rate : 100%
Length of assignment : Open ended
Estimated start date : 01/01/2024
Application deadline : 26/11/2023

How to apply

Ready to apply?

You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, valid license to practice, passport and driving license.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working

Location: Luxembourg (LUM)

Job Family: Protection / Human Rights / IHL / Humanitarian Diplomacy / Detention

Contract Type: Open-ended contract

Title: Legal Counsel

Job Specific Details

How to Apply?

Before applying, make sure to read the pre requisites

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