Legal Adviser

The ICRC office in Poland is opening a full-time position for an Legal Adviser,based in Warsaw.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law (IHL) and universal humanitarian principles.

The ICRC regional office in Poland contributes to the ICRC’s humanitarian response to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the countries bordering Ukraine, Belorussia and Russia, helping reunite families separated by the conflict, supporting the work of the National Red Cross societies, working with national authorities, and strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.

Purpose of the position

The Legal Adviser supports institutional and delegation objectives to promote and integrate IHL and other relevant norms, fostering the conditions for their respect. Under the supervision of the Regional Legal Advisor, the Legal Adviser serves as the delegation’s focal point for IHL and other pertinent branches of international law, conducting legal work to position the ICRC as a reference on IHL. S/he develops and implements strategies to promote IHL, influence stakeholders, and address legal issues aligned with delegation objectives, while conducting legal research and analysis. Additionally, the Legal Adviser contributes to communication strategies on IHL-related topics, enhancing the delegation’s public profile, and coordinates or supports IHL-related events and activities.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Develops and implements strategies to address legal issues and support delegation objectives in line with ICRC policies and doctrines.
• Provides analysis, advice, and guidance on national and international legal frameworks to support delegation activities and strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with governments, IHL committees, national societies, and other stakeholders to promote IHL implementation.
• Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and contributes to reports, working papers, and communication materials related to IHL.
• Organizes and delivers IHL dissemination activities for specialized audiences and supports national authorities in developing legal frameworks for IHL implementation.
• Monitors legal developments and maintains networks with academic and legal experts to influence the domestic implementation of IHL.
• Engages stakeholders in adopting laws, establishing mechanisms, and strengthening protection measures for people under ICRC concern.
• Support national societies in strengthening their IHL capacities and develop partnerships to promote IHL across the region.
• Represent the ICRC in meetings and events, draft speeches, and contribute to IHL communication strategies.
• Plan and coordinate IHL-related events, ensuring alignment with delegation priorities and cost-effectiveness.
• Review and adapt IHL-related content in English and Polish and contribute in adapting ICRC messages on IHL issues.
• Provide technical support and advice to the delegation and partners, contributing to broader prevention and protection goals.

Professional experience and education required

• University degree in law.
• Master’s degree or specialisation in a discipline of public international law, preferably IHL and/or IHRL.
• Admitted to the bar/magistrate or PhD an advantage.
• Fluent in Polish and English, including legal drafting skills in both languages. Knowledge of other languages spoken in the region an advantage.
• Computer proficiency.
• 3-5 years’ working experience in a similar function.
• Working experience in government or the judicial sector an advantage.
• ICRC experience or experience with other components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement an advantage.
• Teaching/dissemination experience, including at the academic level.
• Connections to government and academic circles, including own network of interlocutors (actors of influence).

What we Offer:

• Rewarding and diverse work in a humanitarian, multicultural and international environment.
• Range of onboarding trainings.
• A reasonable compensation & benefits package including a 13th salary.

Additional information

• Location: Warsaw
• Type of contract: Resident
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: ASAP