Legal Advisor - International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Provide legal advice on IHL and IHRL, conduct legal research, and support operational objectives.
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Overview
Provide legal advice on IHL and IHRL, conduct legal research, and support operational objectives.
You have:
- Master’s degree in international Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Public International Law, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
- Fluent in Spanish and English. French is an asset.
- At least 5 years of professional experience as a legal professional working in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and related areas of public international law.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Contract
This is a ICRC - Open-ended contract. More about ICRC - Open-ended contracts.
What we do
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.
In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.
We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.
Purpose
The Legal Advisor provides legal advice to the Regional Delegation on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and/or other branches of international law, as well as on national law relevant to ICRC operations, and carries out related legal work. They initiate, formulate, and implement strategies to address identified issues and the Regional Delegation's legal objectives. They guide and conduct research and analysis of specific legal issues and, more broadly, of the national legal system. They also contribute to strengthening the ICRC's dialogue with authorities, with a view to fostering greater respect for IHL/IHRL and facilitating the ICRC's acceptance and operational activities.
Accountabilities & functional responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and guidance on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and relevant national legal frameworks applicable to the Regional Delegation’s activities and objectives.
- Conduct legal research and analysis, prepare legal briefs and technical documents, and provide recommendations on issues relevant to the ICRC’s humanitarian work.
- Initiate, formulate, and implement legal strategies to address identified issues and support the achievement of the Regional Delegation’s objectives.
- Support operational priorities by providing technical and legal expertise on matters related to IHL, IHRL, and other relevant legal frameworks.
- Engage with government authorities, National IHL Committees, international organizations, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to support the implementation and promotion of IHL and IHRL.
- Build and maintain professional networks with relevant institutions, experts, and academic actors, contributing to the Regional Delegation’s legal priorities and objectives.
- Contribute to the organization of academic initiatives, training activities, conferences, and other events aimed at promoting and disseminating IHL and IHRL.
- Monitor legal and policy developments at the national, regional, and international levels relevant to IHL, IHRL, and the Regional Delegation’s areas of work.
- Represent the ICRC in external forums and meetings, contributing to dialogue on issues related to IHL, IHRL, and their implementation.
Desired profile and skills
Master’s degree in international Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Public International Law, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience. Fluent in Spanish and English. French is an asset. Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Experience
- At least 5 years of professional experience as a legal professional working in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and related areas of public international law.
Key Competencies
- Leadership
- Accountability
- Stakeholder management
- Networking and Relationship Building
- Analytical Thinking
- Strategic Thinking
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Communication
Language
- Spanish
- English
What we offer
Competitive salary, higher benefits than the law, opportunity to contribute to an international humanitarian organization.
Workplace: Mexico City with availability for frequent trips in Mexico and in Central America.
Application deadline: July 6, 2026
Foreign candidates must hold a valid Mexican work permit or work visa at the time of application.
"El CICR está firmemente comprometido con la diversidad e inclusión, y en sus procesos de reclutamiento no hace distinción por raza, género, edad, religión, orientación sexual, identidad de género, expresión de género, y/o cualquier otra índole. Animamos a participar en nuestras convocatorias a todas las personas que cumplan con el perfil profesional solicitado.”
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time you had to provide legal advice under pressure. How did you handle it? | To assess your ability to work under stress and provide timely legal counsel. | Give an example where you maintained clarity and focus despite obstacles. |
| How do you keep current with changes in International Humanitarian Law? | This checks your commitment to continuous learning in your field. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you improved a legal process or strategy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain how you build relationships with stakeholders in your legal work. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategy would you implement to promote adherence to IHL in a new context? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Talk about a challenge you faced while conducting legal research. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you approach engaging with government authorities on IHL matters? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a successful training activity you organized on IHL or IHRL. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 24 days ago
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Updated 18 days ago
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Source:
careers.icrc.org
