What we do

The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization 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.

Our values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Purpose

Legal Adviser advises delegation(s) on international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), and national and/or international legal matters, with a particular focus on the IHL legal framework and national legislation. Under the supervision of the Head of the Legal Department, and in coordination with the Regional Legal Coordinator/Adviser and Legal Adviser to Operations for Africa, as required, s/he independently manages assigned legal files and contributes to the Delegation’s legal priorities. S/he initiates, formulates and implements strategies to address identified legal issues and Delegation objectives; conducts and guides legal research and analysis; and plans and implements activities related to legal priorities, including engagement with authorities, academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders. S/he acts as the focal point for assigned legal matters at Delegation level and contributes to setting and implementing priorities, objectives and strategies for files under their management, including related planning and budget responsibilities. S/he develops and maintains relevant external networks and contributes to strengthening the ICRC’s dialogue with authorities to promote respect for IHL and human rights and facilitate the ICRC’s acceptance and operational activities. S/he may deputize for the Head of Legal Department when requested by Management.

Reports to (role)

Operational Legal Adviser

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Formulates and implements legal strategies aligned with the delegation's prevention vision, Regional Strategic Framework, and overall operational objectives.
• Serves as the primary focal point for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) implementation in Sudan, advising on IHL, International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and domestic legal matters.
• Continuously tracks socio-political developments, judicial decisions, national legislation, and oversight mechanisms to assess legal impacts on protection and operations.
• Interacts directly with Sudanese authorities—including the judiciary, ministry advisors, and prosecutors—providing technical legal advice to advance IHL implementation.
• Leads capacity-building initiatives and maintains partnerships with key actors, such as the National Committee for IHL (NCIHL), the Prosecution Office, and the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRCS).
• Represents the ICRC at external events, positions the organization as an IHL reference, and maintains a strategic network of influential institutions and individuals.
• Conducts IHL/IHRL training sessions and dissemination activities for specialized audiences, public stakeholders, and academic circles.
• Produces legal analyses, working papers, and policy notes examining the relationship between IHL standards and the Sudanese domestic legal framework.
• Participates in annual planning and budget monitoring, manages logistical arrangements for legal events, and supervises external legal consultancies.
• Replaces the Head of Legal Department during absences—managing staff and budget oversight—and maintains IHL/IHRL promotional materials in coordination with the Communications team.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree in law.
• Master’s degree or specialization in law (including public international law, IHL or IHRL a strong asset).
• Admitted to the bar / magistrate or PhD an advantage.
• Fluent in English including legal drafting skills. Additional languages are an asset.

Professional experience required

• 3–5 years' working experience in a similar function or with similar responsibilities.
• Working experience in government or the judicial sector an advantage.
• ICRC experience an advantage.
• Teaching/dissemination experience, including academic level.
• Connections to government and academic circles, including own network of interlocutors (actors of influence) or experience mapping / developing such network.

People management responsibilities

No

Scope & impact

Contributes to formulating and achieving delegation objectives in the contexts covered (for regional delegations, in the countries covered). Participates in the annual planning and budget process (Planning for Results) and monitors implementation of the legal and policy aspects. Contributes to meeting legal and policy objectives of other delegations in the same region (if assisting/supporting a Regional Legal Adviser/Coordinator).

Relationships

Internally, interacts/cooperates with different departments within the delegation, with the Regional Legal Adviser/Coordinator or Operational Legal Adviser/Coordinator, and, as relevant, with technical reference persons at headquarters. Externally, interacts autonomously with partners and contacts, including international organizations, dealing with relevant legal, policy and thematic issues (e.g. lawyers, bar associations, the judiciary, legislators, the Attorney-General's Department, relevant UN agencies, international and national NGOs, prison working groups, etc.), and with academic circles and think tanks as relevant.