Legal Advisor - Somalia Delegation

About the role

The ICRC Somalia Delegation needs a Legal Advisor to advise on international humanitarian law (IHL), international humanitarian right law (IHRL) and relevant national and international legal matters, with emphasis on the IHL framework and national legislation. Reporting to the Operational legal advisor, the post independently manages assigned legal files and contributes to the delegation's legal priorities. It is a national/resident position based in Mogadishu.

Key responsibilities

• Act as focal point for implementing IHL in Somalia and develop strategies to address legal issues and advance delegation objectives
• Provide independent legal advice and analysis to the delegation and ICRC units on IHL, IHRL and national/international law
• Monitor the socio-political and legal context and identify implications and proposed actions
• Research legal matters, prepare legal notes, analyses and contributions to reports and policy documents
• Develop legal strategies and plans of action with authorities and external stakeholders, including capacity-building with government institutions and the Somali Red Crescent Society
• Represent the ICRC externally and maintain a network of influential institutions and individuals
• Plan and follow up legal dissemination, training and other activities for authorities, academics and other stakeholders
• Coordinate external legal consultancies and projects, and contribute to the Legal Department's annual planning and budget
• Work with the Communication department to keep the field production book for IHL/IHRL materials up to date

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in law; a Master's degree or specialization in law (public international law, IHL or IHRL) is a strong asset
• 5 years of experience in a similar function or with similar responsibilities
• Teaching or dissemination experience, including at academic level, is an advantage
• Experience building and maintaining a network of contacts with key interlocutors in the area
• Fluent English, including legal drafting skills; additional languages are an asset
• Willingness to travel extensively in Somalia

Required skills

• Sound knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
• Excellent knowledge of the socio-political environment of Somalia
• Communication, reporting, analytical and presentation skills
• Computer proficiency, especially in the MS Office suite

What we offer

• A challenging job in a dynamic work environment within an international humanitarian organization
• Training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary with benefits under the ICRC Compensation and Benefits framework