The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a global humanitarian organization that provides protection and assistance to people affected by conflict and violence.

Our mission is to ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and to provide support during emergencies and protracted crises.

We are a neutral, independent organization with a mandate based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, working alongside the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide.

The Role

We are looking for a strategic and experienced General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs to lead our Office of Corporate Legal Affairs (OCLA). The role involves overseeing the prevention and management of legal risks impacting the ICRC, offering legal advice and support on all matters affecting the institution, and leading the OCLA team to ensure optimal protection of the ICRC’s interests and alignment with the ICRC’s mission and organizational goals. This position will work closely with the senior leadership and key stakeholders to support decision-making and compliance across various domains.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice & Risk Management: Provide legal advice to ICRC leadership and internal clients and drive legal risk management on a wide range of matters such as employment and social security, contracts, liability, insurance, governance, data protection, legal compliance and litigation.
Strategic Leadership: Oversee the OCLA’s operations, manage the team, and ensure the optimal delivery of services.
People Management: Lead the OCLA team (colleagues based in Geneva and other locations), providing vision and guidance while ensuring an efficient and collaborative work environment.
External Legal Coordination: Manage relationships with external legal counsel and coordinate legal services across ICRC’s global network.
Governance & Compliance: Ensure legal compliance with Swiss employment and social security laws, as well as with applicable laws and regulations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN and other ICRC units, to address key legal matters.

Education & Experience Required

Typically, 15 years of professional experience.
Advanced university degree in law (M.A. minimum; L.L.M. is an asset).
Admission to a national bar (brevet d’avocat).
Expertise in Swiss law is a strongly preferable asset.
Experience as in-house counsel handling matters like public international law, board governance, human resources, contracting, litigation, and strategy development.
In-depth knowledge of Swiss employment law and contract law is a strong asset.
Knowledge of non-profit law and international organization law is beneficial.
Fluent in French and English (written and spoken).
Knowledge or experience with the ICRC is a plus.

Desired Profile and Skills

Passionate about humanitarian work.
Strong leadership skills with a focus on coaching and mentoring.
Solution-oriented, client-focused, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment involving frequent changes.
Ability to manage a diverse, geographically distributed team.
Entrepreneurial mindset with excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
Strong emotional intelligence and facilitation skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
High levels of integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
Resilient, rigorous, and precise in managing priorities and tasks.

What We Offer

An opportunity to lead corporate legal affairs for one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations.
A full-time resident position in Geneva, Switzerland.
A rewarding role in a dynamic, multicultural work environment.
Professional development and an adequate benefits package.

Additional Information

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Contract Type: Open-ended
Grade: D1
Activity Rate: 100%
Start Date: March 2025
Recruiter: Yana Makaveeva
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 18 February 2025

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values.

For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to provide legal advice under tight deadlines.	This assesses your ability to work under pressure and deliver timely legal counsel.	Share a specific situation where your timely advice made a significant impact.
How do you ensure compliance with international law in a corporate setting?	The interviewer wants to understand your approach to compliance and governance.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe an experience where you had to lead a diverse team?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to manage external legal counsel?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you faced a significant legal risk. How did you handle it?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.