What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 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 endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

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.
 

Purpose of the position

The ICRC’s Legal Division is offering paid traineeships for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. The traineeships will start in February 2026.
 

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, the Global IHL Initiative unit, and the Privileges and Immunities team. Associates undertake a variety of assignments, including 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, and monitoring current developments in the online and academic discourse related to IHL.
 

Education and professional background

• A university degree in law or international relations.
• 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 (Pictet) or regional moot court competition with a focus on IHL.
• 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 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, an asset.
• Fluency in English and a good understanding of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian required.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical and writing skills.
• Flexibility and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.

Additional information

• Application: 
  • Please note that a few short screening questions will be asked prior to submitting your application​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • A cover letter, not exceeding 750 words, that specifies the number of IHL classroom hours and/or any IHL moot court competition experience at the top.
  • A CV, not exceeding 2 pages.
  • Only long-listed candidates will be invited to sit a written test.

• Only short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview.

• Practical information:
  • Type of role: Associate
  • Working rate: 100% 
  • Location: Geneva (This position allows you to get a visa and permit for working and living in Geneva, Switzerland) 
  • Type of contract: Traineeship
  • Gross monthly salary: 3917 CHF
  • Length of assignment: 12 months 
  • Application Deadline: 1st of June 2025
  • Start date: February 2026

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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.

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