Legal Counsel

Contract

This is a ICRC - Max term contract. More about ICRC - Max term contracts.

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide 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.

Purpose of the position

The Legal Counsel seconds and supports the General Counsel in all areas within the General Counsel’s scope of responsibility and replaces him/her in case of absence.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with all departments and units;
• Externally, interacts with the Swiss judicial and administrative bodies, Swiss Mission external partners (commercial and others), IFRC and outside counsels.

Main duties and responsibilities

• 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.);
• Drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts for the ICRC in all areas where this is needed;
• Drafts legal opinions;
• Advises in the context of the adoption of various types of documents (policies, memos, position papers, risk assessments, etc.);
• Follows and contributes to decision making processes and internal procedures (notably in the area of compliance, information security, risk management;
• Represents the ICRC before Swiss judicial and administrative bodies and with the Swiss Mission for all matters pertaining to his-her areas of responsibility.

Scope & Impact

Global

Education and experience required

• Master in Law from a Swiss university;
• Admission to the bar;
• Computer proficiency;
• Oral and written fluency in French and English;
• Professional experience of at least five years in (above-mentioned) relevant areas, in particular contractual practice;
• Good knowledge of Swiss employment law;
• Good knowledge of the non-profit and international organization sector;

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: CD-Max
• Duration of assignment: 8 months
• Grade: C1
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: 01.01.2022
• Hiring manager: Simon Brunschwig
• Recruiter: Eileen de Saint Pierre
• Application deadline: Sunday, the 28th of November 2021

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