Legal Advisers International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

Exceptional lawyer, humanitarian at heart? This is your opportunity. At a time of urgent need of and high interest in international humanitarian law, we are expanding our team. We are looking for outstanding individuals with legal expertise who have a shared ambition to strengthen international humanitarian law. Join us. Together we will work for more humanity in conflict.

Legal Adviser International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is a leading provider of legal and policy advice for the humanitarian community: innovative and inclusive, independent but not indifferent. The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is a global legal centre of excellence set up to share knowledge about and promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL). We are driven by the belief that law is a crucial tool to increase protection in armed conflict, to preserve fundamental humanitarian values and reduce human suffering. We are independent and develop our interventions based on the greatest needs for protection. We conduct thorough and contextualized IHL-based analysis, and advance a purposive interpretation of international law, to promote the strongest possible humanitarian protection. The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre serves the humanitarian community as knowledge hub and independent advisory group on the laws of war. We provide practical legal and policy advice to the humanitarian sector. We carry out trainings and advocacy to raise awareness with the aim of creating lasting change in the behaviour of armed actors.

We are looking for passionate, creative, and dynamic international lawyers to join our team and become part of the Centre as we are expanding our work. If you see yourself as a humanitarian first, and lawyer second, you could be a perfect fit.

The Centre offers multiple positions across its Global, Syria Regional and Mali Regional Desks, based in one of our offices or remotely, and on full-time or part-time basis.

Purpose of the roles

The Legal Advisers will conduct research, draft legal and policy documents, and provide advice and analysis on a range of issues related to armed conflicts and international law. Working alongside the Desk Manager, they will turn research into publications and other products, identify opportunities for advocacy, and support colleagues of other desks within the Centre as required. They will represent the Centre at national, regional, and international fora. In their work, they will appreciate the age, gender, and disability dynamics of armed conflict and take a gender-inclusive and intersectional approach.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Exceptional communication and people skills
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct advanced legal research and analysis independently, and draft high-quality legal texts in English and/or French
• Outstanding level of English writing and speaking proficiency, other languages are an asset (including Arabic, Portuguese, French, or Spanish)
• Commitment to explore and develop innovative approaches to the dissemination of international norms
• Commitment to work based on feminist principles
• Degree in law (JD or LLM) with specialisation and/or experience in international humanitarian law, international human rights law and/or international criminal law
• 3-5 year’s relevant experience in legal research for an international organisation or NGO
• Relevant publications or participation in conferences and panels are desirable
• Experience in developing and providing trainings is desirable

Conditions and Fees (for all positions)

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment or consultancy. Part-time or full-time basis. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive package based on level of experience and qualifications.

Location: Flexible. Remotely or in one of our offices (Beirut / Bamako / Jerusalem / Stockholm / Possible Europe Wide Mobility)

Duration: Up to 1 year with the possibility of extension