Legal Adviser 2 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 2

Job Code: ABJ202300397
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Grade: B3
Employment Type: Full-time

Desciption

• Under the direct supervision of the Operational Legal Coordinator, the Legal Adviser 2 advises the ABJ Delegation on international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law, and national law, as well as maintains an extensive and effective network among the Government of the Federation, Nigerian authorities, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and other relevant actors (CSOs, Nigerian Bar Association, etc.) for that purpose.
• S/he initiates, formulates, and implements strategies to address identified issues and delegation objectives as it applies to IHL, with a particular focus on the implementation of judicial guarantees in detention.
• S/he supervises and guides research on the national criminal justice system and other relevant IHL or thematic issues.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• The Legal adviser 2 holds responsibility for activities relating to judicial guarantees in detention (60%), legal support to thematic files, including but not limited to the Sexual Violence (SV), Child Protection and Health Care in Danger (HCiD) and Emblem files (20%), as well as support the Operational Legal Coordinator in legal operational matters (20%).
• Analyses the situation, monitors the developments, and advises and provides guidance on the applicable national and international legal frameworks and norms in relation to judicial guarantees, other thematic files (SV, child protection, HCiD, Emblem/NRCS), and other legal operational priorities.
• Develops a mapping of the key State organs, international organizations, development agencies and other relevant actors involved in judicial guarantees related programs; Establishes and maintains an effective network of actors of influence within the Government of Nigeria, notably the Federal Ministry of Justice (including DPP), the Judiciary, legal offices of detention authorities, the National Assembly, Bar Associations and Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, civil society, and national/ regional/international oversight mechanisms or institutions working in the field of judicial guarantees; assists in producing guidelines in the field of Judicial Guarantees in Detention.
• Drafts legal notes/analyses and contributes with legal aspects to working papers, thematic reports, summary reports, 'non-papers' etc. related to judicial guarantees, other thematic files (notably SV, child protection, HCiD, Emblem/NRCS), and other legal operational priorities.
• Supports IHL and IHRL dissemination activities directed at specialized audiences and the public at large and supports the implementation of strategies, programmes and action plans related to judicial guarantees and other thematic files (mainly but not limited to SV, HCiD, child protection, Emblem/NRCS).
• Supports protection objectives and activities (including in the fields of detention, sexual violence, child protection, etc.), especially supports detention delegates in developing plans of action, evidence-based studies and analysis and provides briefings and technical support relating to judicial guarantees to staff involved in detention activities.
• Ensure coordination and flow of information with the Detention department and the Operational Legal Coordinator, and other relevant departments within the ICRC.
• Provides legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities.
• Advises on socio-political and legal aspects of delegation strategy and operations.
• Supports as relevant the implementation of other prevention or protection-related objectives of the delegation.

Education and Experience Required

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Law
• Master's degree or specialization in a discipline of public international law, including IHL and IHRL.
• Admitted to the bar.
• 3–5 years' working experience in a similar function
• Experience as a lawyer, criminal justice expert, or similar, or in other relevant organizations, an asset.

Desired profile and Skills:

• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong understanding of criminal law.
• Computer literacy (competency in Microsoft Office and legal drafting skills)
• Understanding the work and role of the ICRC in Nigeria is an advantage.
• Working experience in government or the judicial sector is an advantage.
• Teaching/dissemination experience.
• Connections to the government, criminal justice system, and/or academic circles, including own network of interlocutors (actors of influence).

Application Closing Date
3rd December, 2023.