Legal Counsel

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 and of the digital means – products and services – it deploys in conflict zones. 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.

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

Function description:

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 and 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: No.

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”).

General Duties:

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times.
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

Person Specification (Certifications / Education & Professional Experience required)

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in law (M.A. minimum, L.L.M. would be an asset).
• Oral and written fluency in English.
• Typically 10 to 12 years of overall professional experience.
• Including ninimum 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.

Desirable:

• National bar exam a strong asset.
• Professional knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian a strong asset.
• Computer proficiency.
• 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:

• 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.

Additional Information:

• Location: Luxembourg.
• Activity rate: 100%.
• Length of assignment: Open ended.
• Estimated start date: 08/01/2024.
• Application deadline: 26/11/2023.
• Resident Position – only candidates able to settle in Luxembourg will be considered.

Application Process:

The closing date for applications will be midnight on Sunday 26 November 2023. Please attach your CV and motivation letter to the application on this link. Interviews are expected to take place in December 2023. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a panel interview.

Please note that we will not be able to assess speculative CVs.