Legal Adviser

• Maximum Term opportunity until 10th August 2026
• Full time hours
• Flexible hybrid working + generous salary packaging
• Preferred locations: Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide or Perth

About Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian movement. We support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability. We act for humanity.

About the role

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) has a unique mandate under international legal frameworks to promote international humanitarian law (IHL), or 'the laws of war'.

As Legal Adviser – IHL, you will support the Head of IHL to ensure that Australian Red Cross meets this IHL mandate and delivers on the Australian Red Cross IHL sub-strategy.

This includes contributing to an environment conducive to increased respect for IHL across Australia, promoting IHL best practice across relevant Australian sectors, and influencing law and policy on emerging IHL issues nationally and within the Movement, to maximise the impact of, and respect for, IHL nationally, regionally and globally.

What you will do day to day

• Support the Head of IHL to deliver a vision, strategy and program of work that ensures that Australian Red Cross meets its mandate under international legal frameworks to promote IHL and the successful delivery of the Australian Red Cross IHL sub-strategy.
• Develop and implement humanitarian diplomacy and strategies (which may include advice, training, resources and other guidance) on matters relating to IHL, demonstrating the practical relevance and importance of these matters across the organisation and to key external stakeholders.
• Develop IHL policy positions on key thematic areas for Australian Red Cross
• Build strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders across priority sectors (ie. those that have a role in the application, implementation or development of IHL) locally and internationally.
• Provide advice and support to other Movement components in IHL and Movement dissemination as requested, building on Australian Red Cross' global reputation for excellence in this field.

What you will bring

• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in international humanitarian law and other relevant international and domestic legal frameworks.
• Law degree is required with extensive experience in providing training, advice and/or applying IHL in humanitarian, legal or related sectors.
• An understanding of the Fundamental Principles and Statutes of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – or the ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
• Demonstrated capability to work with others to reach common goals, share information, support and build positive and constructive relationships.
• Legal and policy research and analytical skills.
• Highly developed relationship management with proven negotiation and influencing skills.
• Sound judgement and risk management skills.
• Demonstrated capability to adapt to, support and manage change in a positive way, working to overcome challenges arising from change and raising concerns constructively.
• Experience in working with and/or supporting volunteers is an advantage.

Benefits that act for you, while you act for humanity

• Financial wellbeing: In addition to your salary, you can take advantage of salary packaging that could provide you with a great way to reduce the amount of tax you pay - and get more from your salary. You can salary package up to $15,900 for living expenses (such as rent, groceries, utility bills); up to $2,650 for holiday accommodation and meals when dining out; Novated car leases; superannuation and purchase additional annual leave.
• Health & Wellbeing: You can tap into specialist advice for nutrition, sleep, resilience and mindfulness. And access guided meditation and other wellbeing programs.
• Work/Life Flexibility: You can access a paid 'Me' day just for you and a wide range of other paid leave options.
• Career development: Access to ongoing learning, training, and development courses.

Further information

This role is covered by the Social, Community, Housing and Disability Award – Level 7. Competitive salary + superannuation + access to salary packaging.

For additional enquiries, please contact Kylie Leach at for a confidential discussion.

Applications close: Thursday 2nd October 2025.

While we appreciate all interest in our organisation, we won't engage with or accept candidates from agencies or consulting firms on this occasion.

Thank you for considering a career at Red Cross. We also have great opportunities to volunteer. Click here to find out more.

Job Ref # 12656

Red Cross strives to create a safe and inclusive culture with wellbeing at its centre. We embrace diversity and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with diverse lived experiences, abilities, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations. We are a child safe organisation with zero tolerance of any harm to children. Our vision is to be trusted as the leading humanitarian organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of people and communities.

Thank you for considering a career at Red Cross. We also have great opportunities to volunteer. Click here to find out more.