We are looking for a passionate humanitarian and outstanding lawyer to join our Global Desk team as maternity cover for 6 months.

WHO WE ARE

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth advice on the laws of war to ensure the protection of persons in conflict zones worldwide.

As a group of experts, we share knowledge about and promote international law relevant for situations of armed conflict through research, advocacy, and training. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector to respond to urgent needs and improves understanding and application of international law.

The International Humanitarian Law Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has regional teams based in Bamako, Beirut, Geneva, Jerusalem and Nairobi, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, and emerging crises worldwide.

The Global Desk

The Global Desk sits within the International Humanitarian Law Centre. The Global Desk has a help-desk function, leads and coordinates core thematic projects, provides surge support to our context-specific desks and works on contexts where we do not have a physical presence. The Global Desk works with a range of stakeholders including arms bearers, UN (United Nations) mechanisms and treaty bodies, regional bodies, and inter-governmental organisations, as well as civil society and self-advocates. Our goal is to support and facilitate the inclusive interpretation, application and monitoring of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the Global Desk Manager, the Senior Legal Adviser will provide legal advice to humanitarian partners via our IHL Advisory Service. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality law and policy analysis and advice to the humanitarian community, both written and oral, on conflict related issues such as classification, humanitarian access, forced displacement and use of EWIPA.
• Development and delivery of workshops and other capacity development activities with a range of stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities for advocacy and policy development.

In addition, they will also 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.

The successful candidate will be a passionate humanitarian and outstanding lawyer. They will be a dynamic, yet pragmatic and strategic thinker, who is committed to strengthening the inclusive interpretation, application, and monitoring of international humanitarian law. They will be an assertive individual who has excellent time management and interpersonal skills. They will be a dedicated team player who will excel in a diverse and respectful team environment.

Essential experience and qualifications

• High-level of expertise in international humanitarian law (IHL).
• Degree in law (JD or LLM) with specialization and/or experience in international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law.
• Over 8 years’ relevant experience as a researcher or legal adviser within an international governmental organization, the United Nations or non-governmental organizations.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct advanced legal research and analysis independently, and draft high-quality texts in English.
• Expertise in intersectionality, and the age, gender and disability dynamics of armed conflict would be an asset.
• Outstanding level of English writing proficiency, other languages are an asset.