The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to protect and assist people affected by conflict and violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. A neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organisation, the ICRC is based in Switzerland. It employs 17,000 people in 100 countries and is financed mainly by voluntary contributions from governments and national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Consistent with its humanitarian mandate, the ICRC engages with armed and other security forces to encourage and support steadfast compliance with relevant international law and standards, notably international humanitarian law (IHL, also known as the Law of Armed Conflict (LoAC)).

The ICRC’s Regional Delegation for the Pacific (the Delegation) is seeking an Armed and Security Forces’ Programme Advisor to be based in Canberra. The role supports the development and implementation of strategies and engagement with Defence and other security forces, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. It promotes the ICRC`s mandate and operations, and the integration and implementation of IHL and other relevant laws and standards.

Main responsibilities.

The Armed and Security Forces’ Programme Advisor:

• Provides regular analysis of and timely reporting on developments and trends in relation to the security and humanitarian environment, particularly in the Pacific Region.
• Supports the Delegation in improving its understanding of armed and security forces to ensure that its efforts to promote knowledge and respect of the relevant laws are effective.
• Builds and maintains a network of relationships with key stakeholders to support the Delegation’s work to achieve its humanitarian objectives, now and in the future.
• Contributes to the planning, preparation, conduct and evaluation of dissemination and training activities to target audiences.
• Contributes to the ICRC’s strategic planning documents, such as annual planning, budget preparation, implementation and accountability.
• Supports ICRC leadership and subject-matter experts’ engagement with armed and security forces.
• Supports the Delegation’s internal training program and liaises across Departments within the Delegation to ensure that they are aware of, and best able to consider, military perspectives.

You will have an understanding of the ICRC’s work and operations globally and understand and adhere to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Skills and qualifications

• Professional military experience, ideally to include working at the operational level (i.e. within a Brigade or above Headquarters).
• Knowledge of the structure and functioning of Department(s) of Defence, demonstrated by practical experience.
• Capacity to identify and analyze military doctrine, policy and global developments related to issues of concern to the ICRC.
• Strong research, analytical and drafting skills and verbal communication.
• Confirmed networker and pro-active relationship builder, resilience and inter-personal skills.
• An understanding of IHL/LoAC and its practical operational implications.
• Availability to travel within the Pacific Region for short periods of time, as well as further abroad for courses, formal engagements or other reasons.
• Prior experience or familiarity with the ICRC and the humanitarian sector will be considered an asset.
• Overseas representational experience, experience in multinational coalition environments, experience in professional higher-level instruction (civilian or military) will be considered assets.

Conditions

The position is full-time (100%) based in Canberra, with travel. Estimated start date is mid-February 2025.

The starting salary is AUD 105,000 plus 11.5% super. The post is eligible for salary sacrificing. The ICRC offers an additional monthly contribution to your selected private health insurance.

Applicants must be entitled to lawfully reside and work in Australia.

How to apply

To apply, a letter of motivation and a CV with at least two referees should be submitted by clicking Apply Now.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.