Regional Legal Adviser

Australia

Regional Legal Adviser

Organization

• International Committee of the Red Cross

Posted 30 Sep 2025 Closing date 21 Oct 2025

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to protect and assist people affected by conflict and violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. An independent, impartial and neutral organization, the ICRC is based in Switzerland. It employs 17,000 people in 100 countries and is financed mainly by voluntary contributions from governments and national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific is seeking a full-time Regional Legal Advisor, based in ICRC's Mission in Australia (Canberra), to promote and assist the ratification and implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. This is a long-term role with many opportunities for growth and development.

Regional Legal Adviser Job Responsibilities

• Promoting the ratification and implementation of relevant IHL treaties, including supporting the development of implementing legislation and providing technical assistance and training on IHL implementation.
• Liaising with governments and other authorities (including diplomatic circles and militaries) in relation to IHL issues of particular concern to ICRC.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with relevant academic circles throughout the region, supporting IHL teaching and debate, and raising awareness of the mandate and work of the ICRC.
• Supporting and advising Pacific National Societies on IHL issues and matters related to the protection of the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems.
• Delivering presentations on IHL and other humanitarian issues of particular concern to ICRC to a wide range of audiences, including military, other components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, academic circles, students, and the general public.

Internally, The Regional Legal Adviser Is Responsible For

• Supervising, coaching, training and providing technical support to the Legal Adviser in the Australian Mission, including undertaking regular Performance Management & Development cycle activities.
• Providing legal advice in support of the ICRC's operations in the region (including through close cooperation with Management, Communication and others).
• Contributing to the Regional Delegation's Coordination Team, notably to lead the Delegation's approach to achieving its objectives on IHL and related matters and ensuring that ICRC's action is consistent, accurate and relevant.
• Participating in the planning and execution of events hosted by the Regional Delegation.
• Supporting the work of the Legal Division at ICRC Headquarters in Geneva, and other ICRC delegations.
• Briefing the Regional Delegation on relevant priorities, new developments and other matters.
• Where required, providing initial legal advice to the Regional Delegation on matters of domestic law.
• Contributing to the development of the Regional Delegation's budget and work plans, developing a regional strategy for IHL issues, and managing the planning process, budget and other relevant matters for activities within the Regional Legal Adviser's areas of responsibility.
• Other tasks as required.

Requirements

• Detailed knowledge of international humanitarian law.
• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent and an advanced degree in IHL or a related field.
• At least three years of professional experience, including experience working in or with governments or with an intergovernmental organization.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort with public speaking.
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in a culturally diverse environment.
• Availability to travel frequently within Australia and overseas.

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.

Benefits

• Work from Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 3.30pm
• Generous Salary Packaging | NFP Benefit
• 12% superannuation
• Possibility of internal and external trainings
• Starting salary AUD 125'000 per annum

Applicants must be entitled to lawfully reside and work in Australia.

How to apply

To apply, a letter of motivation and a CV with at least two referees should be sent electronically to

The deadline for receipt of applications is
Tuesday 21st October 2025
midnight (AEST). Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job details

Country

• Australia

City Canberra Source

• International Committee of the Red Cross

Type

• Job

Career category

• Program/Project Management

Years of experience

• 3-4 years

Theme

• Protection and Human Rights

Share

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on X
• Post this on LinkedIn