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

The ICRC’s Legal Division is offering six (6) paid traineeships at its headquarters in Geneva for a period of one year.

The traineeships will start in February 2025. 

Education and experience required

• 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 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.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.Strong legal research, drafting, analytical and writing skills.
• Prior work experience, including voluntary experience, particularly in government, military, or international organisations or in the fields of international relations, humanitarian policy / multilateral diplomacy, or arms control and disarmament.
• Fluency in English (required); very good understanding of French or Spanish (desired); Arabic, Chinese or Russian (an asset).
• Flexibility and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values.

For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
• Visa/permit: Legitimacy card provided
• Gross monthly salary: 3,840 CHF
• Estimated start date: 15 February 2025
• Application deadline: Friday, 17 May 2024
• Long-listed candidates will be invited to sit a written test. 
• Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview.

The ICRC Legal Division actively welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates.  We will provide equality of opportunity and foster a team culture that embraces and exemplifies our commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
 

Application submission guidelines

Please ensure your application includes the following:

• A Cover Letter not exceeding 750 words.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV), not exceeding 2 pages without photos.
• Copies of your diplomas, work certificates, and a colour scan of your passport should be uploaded in your candidate profile's 'Additional Documents' field.