Legal Adviser 1

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The International Committee of the Red Cross is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization working to protect the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflict and other violence. It provides assistance, reconnects families, supports missing-person efforts, engages authorities and armed actors and promotes compliance with international humanitarian law.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Legal Adviser 1 will advise the ICRC Abuja Delegation on the national implementation of international humanitarian law in Nigeria. The adviser will analyse the national legal system, maintain effective networks with authorities, academics and other actors and develop strategies supporting treaty participation, domestic implementation and stronger academic engagement with international humanitarian law.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEGAL ANALYSIS AND ADVICE

• Analyse Nigeria’s implementation of international humanitarian law, international human-rights law and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Monitor legal and policy developments affecting implementation of IHL and related norms.
• Set and follow up objectives, strategies and action plans addressing identified legal issues.
• Conduct legal research and analyse the national legal system.
• Provide legal advice and technical assistance to national authorities.
• Support development of domestic legal, policy and institutional mechanisms implementing relevant treaties.

GOVERNMENT AND EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

• Represent the delegation in meetings with external partners and contacts.
• Build and maintain networks within the Government of Nigeria, including the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs.
• Support strategies promoting participation in and implementation of IHL treaties.
• Maintain relations with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
• Coordinate with organizations and professional actors working on relevant legal and humanitarian issues.

ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION

• Lead objectives and plans supporting academic engagement.
• Maintain relationships with academic institutions and support IHL teaching in key Nigerian universities.
• Organize workshops, events and lectures for teachers, researchers and students.
• Provide targeted support helping Nigerian IHL experts gain international exposure.
• Support IHL dissemination for specialized audiences.
• Coordinate information flow with relevant ICRC departments and other legal advisers.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University degree in Law.
• Master’s degree in Public International Law, International Humanitarian Law or Human Rights Law is an asset.
• Knowledge of public international law, particularly IHL, human-rights law, international criminal law, refugee law, disarmament law or treaty law.
• Three years of professional experience after graduation is recommended.
• Internship or traineeship experience is an asset.
• Valid authorization to work in Nigeria.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Legal research, analysis and advisory ability.
• Knowledge of international humanitarian and human-rights law.
• Government and academic stakeholder engagement.
• Strategy and action-plan development.
• Workshop, lecture and event coordination.
• Strong motivation for humanitarian work.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent English.
• Computer proficiency.
• Collaboration, respect, compassion and impact orientation.

CONTRACT DETAILS

• Contract type: Full-time, fixed-term.
• Initial duration: One year, renewable.
• Duty station: Abuja, Nigeria.
• Job family: Protection, Human Rights, IHL, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Detention.
• Reports to: Operational Legal Coordinator.
• People-management responsibility: None.
• Salary: Competitive; exact amount not specified.
• Benefits include medical insurance, an ICRC pension plan and in-house training.
• Vacancy reference: 33049.
• Number of positions: Not specified.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates.

Role-specific safeguarding and background-check requirements: Not specified on the accessible vacancy page.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the application through the official ICRC careers portal while the vacancy remains active.

Required supporting documents: Not specified on the accessible vacancy page.

Closing date: Not specified by the official employer page.