What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to relieve suffering and preserve human dignity during war and armed violence. Alongside our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, we deliver life-saving aid across front lines and strive to reconnect families and locate missing people.

Engaging with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, we advocate for humane treatment of detainees and urge compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm, including online.

Purpose

The ICRC’s Legal Division is offering paid traineeship for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. 
The ICRC Legal Division fosters the respect for and promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL) and other relevant bodies of law. This is, in particular, achieved by delivering legal expertise necessary to the ICRC’s actions in its dialogue with parties to armed conflicts, and by assisting States in implementing IHL at the national level. Moreover, the Legal Division works for the reaffirmation, clarification and development of IHL.

Main duties and responsibilities

Associates support one or more teams in the Legal Division: the Thematic Legal Advisers unit, the Advisory Service on IHL, the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities unit, the Legal Advisers to the Operations unit, the Project to update the Commentaries on the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and the Privileges and Immunities team. 

Associates undertake a variety of assignments:

• Carrying out research on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, 
• Reviewing legal documents, 
• Contributing to the preparation of meetings and events, 
• Preparing draft reports or minutes of meetings, 
• Monitoring current developments in the online and academic discourse related to IHL.

Experience and education background

• A master’s degree in public international law (or at least 5 years of university studies including an equivalent training in public international law).
• Excellent knowledge of IHL, obtained through at least 20 hours of IHL courses or participation in an international or regional moot court competition with a focus on IHL, such as the Jean-Pictet Competition.
• Confirmed knowledge of at least one of the following areas of public international law: International Human Rights Law, International Refugee Law, International Criminal Law, Disarmament Law, the Law of Treaties or arbitration.
• Maximum of one year of professional experience related to international law since graduation, or two years of internships, including unpaid internships/traineeships. Such experience – particularly in government, military or international organisations, or in the fields of international relations, humanitarian policy / multilateral diplomacy or arms control & disarmament, is an asset.

Desired profile and skills

• Early-career professional starting in the field of international humanitarian law.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical and writing skills.
• Fluency in English (C1 level required) and good command of one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish (B2 level required).
• Flexibility and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: 12 months traineeship
• Activity rate: 100%
• Start date: January 2027
• Gross monthly salary: CHF 3’935 (13 salaries per year)
• Recruiter:  Diara NIANG
• Application deadline: Sunday, 28th of June 2026
• Long-listed candidates will be invited to do a written test. 
• Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview.

Application information:

• A cover letter, which is not exceeding 750 words, that specifies the number of IHL classroom hours and/or any IHL moot court competition experience at the top. Your cover letter is your chance to tell us, in your own voice, why this role matters to you. We are looking for genuine reflection and personal motivation, so please avoid using AI-generated content.
• A CV of no more than 2 pages, focusing on the experience most relevant to this role.

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

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.