Company: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Job Title: Legal Adviser 1
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract
Contract Duration: 1 year, renewable
Job Category: Protection / Human Rights / International Humanitarian Law / Humanitarian Diplomacy / Detention
Experience: 3 years of professional experience recommended
Education: University Degree in Law
Reports to: Operational Legal Coordinator
People Management: No
Application Closing Date: Not Specified
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is recruiting a Legal Adviser 1 to support its Abuja Delegation in Nigeria. The successful candidate will advise on the national implementation of international humanitarian law and maintain relationships with Nigerian authorities, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The role will involve legal research and analysis, providing technical assistance to national authorities, supporting the ratification and implementation of relevant treaties, and promoting the teaching and understanding of international humanitarian law in Nigeria.
About the International Committee of the Red Cross
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.
Working with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, the ICRC provides life-saving assistance, reconnects families, locates missing people, and supports people affected by armed conflict and violence regardless of their identity or affiliation.
The organisation also engages with authorities and armed forces to promote compliance with international humanitarian law and improve conditions for people affected by conflict, including detainees and civilians.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyse the situation and provide guidance on the national implementation of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and other relevant legal frameworks.
- Monitor developments relating to the national implementation of IHL and relevant human rights norms.
- Develop and follow up on objectives, strategies, and action plans addressing legal issues related to national implementation of IHL.
- Represent the ICRC delegation at meetings with external partners and stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with influential actors within the Government of Nigeria, including the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Support strategies and programmes relating to IHL treaty participation and the development of domestic legal and policy frameworks.
- Provide legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities.
- Develop and implement objectives, strategies, and action plans relating to academic engagement on IHL.
- Maintain relationships with academic institutions and support the teaching of IHL at key universities across Nigeria.
- Organise events, workshops, and lectures for IHL teachers and students.
- Provide targeted support to Nigerian IHL teachers and researchers to promote international exposure for Nigerian IHL experts.
- Maintain relations with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
- Support IHL dissemination activities targeted at specialised audiences.
- Ensure effective coordination and information sharing with relevant departments and other ICRC legal advisers.
- Organise IHL events, workshops, and lectures for national authorities, teachers, and students.
Requirements
- University Degree in Law.
- Master’s Degree in Public International Law, International Humanitarian Law, or Human Rights Law is an advantage.
- Knowledge of public international law, particularly International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law, International Refugee Law, Disarmament Law, or the Law of Treaties, is an advantage.
- Three years of professional experience after graduation is recommended.
- Experience through internships or traineeships is an advantage.
- Excellent command of English.
- Good computer skills.
- Must have a valid working permit to work in Nigeria.
- Strong motivation for humanitarian work.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
What the ICRC Offers
- Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
- Competitive employment package.
- Medical insurance.
- ICRC pension plan.
- In-house training opportunities for professional and personal development.
- Full-time fixed-term contract of one year, renewable.
- Opportunity to join the ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments in different locations and operational contexts.
Key Relationships
Internally, the Legal Adviser works with colleagues across the delegation and, where relevant, with the Regional Legal Coordinator/Adviser or Operational Legal Coordinator/Adviser.
Externally, the role interacts with partners and stakeholders including international organisations, lawyers, bar associations, the judiciary, parliament, the Attorney-General’s Department, relevant UN agencies, international and national NGOs, prison working groups, and academic institutions.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the International Committee of the Red Cross careers portal.
Apply Now – Legal Adviser 1: https://careers.icrc.org/job/Abuja-%28ABJ%29-Legal-Adviser-1-33049/1424827433/
Application Closing Date: Not Specified