Legal Adviser 1 at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Adviser 1

Job Reference No: ABJ202200324
Location: Abuja
Career Category: Advocacy/Communications
Theme: Protection and Human Rights

Job Description

• Under the supervision of the Operational Legal Coordinator in Abuja, the Legal Adviser 1 advises on national implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Nigeria as well as maintaining an extensive and effective network among the Government of the Federation, Nigerian authorities, the National Assembly, and other relevant actors (CSO, etc.) for that purpose.
• S/He initiates, formulates, and implements strategies to advance ratification of relevant treaties and national implementation of the law.
• S/He guides research on related issues as well as analysis of the national legal system, including repression of violations of IHL.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyses the situation, advises, and provides guidance on the applicable national and international legal frameworks and related political developments.
• Performs independent research on and analysis of specific legal issues, as well as broader sectors of the national legal system.
• Plans and supports IHL dissemination and training activities directed at specialized audiences and the public at large and sets and supports the implementation of strategies, programmes and action plans related to IHL treaty participation, the development of relevant domestic legal and policy frameworks and mechanisms for their implementation.
• Supports the provision of legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities and other interested parties.
• Establishes and maintains an effective network of actors of influence within the Government of Nigeria, notably the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, the Vice-Presidency, the National Assembly, and civil society.
• Monitor’s developments in the national implementation of IHL and international human rights law (IHRL) norms related to thematic files under his or her responsibility.
• Represents the delegation(s) in meetings with external contacts; participates in dissemination sessions if required.
• Advises on socio-political and legal aspects related to delegation strategy and operations.

Education and Experience Required

• Degree in Law
• 3-5 years relevant work experience, preferably in international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and Nigerian criminal law
• Called to the Nigerian Bar an asset
• Studied international law with a strong understanding of international humanitarian, human rights and criminal law
• Relevant work experience in international organizations, Nigerian organizations, or Government

Desired Profile and Skills:

• Proven research and analytical skills; able to think critically and articulate legal arguments in a structured and professional manner
• Excellent spoken and written English; passive understanding of French as asset
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Computer literacy (competency in Microsoft Office and legal research databases)
• Understanding of the work and role of the ICRC in Nigeria

Application Closing Date
18th Septemeber, 2022 at 16:30hrs.