Legal Associate – Traineeship in International Humanitarian Law

About the role

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Legal Division is offering a paid one‑year traineeship for an Associate to support its various legal teams in Geneva. The role is designed for early‑career professionals eager to contribute to the development and promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) while gaining hands‑on experience in a leading humanitarian organization.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on specific IHL questions and related topics.
• Review and analyse legal documents, draft reports, and prepare minutes of meetings.
• Assist in the preparation of meetings, events, and workshops.
• Monitor current developments in online and academic discourse on IHL.
• Support thematic units such as the Advisory Service on IHL, Arms and Conduct of Hostilities, and the Privileges and Immunities team.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in public international law or equivalent university studies (minimum five years).
• Demonstrated knowledge of IHL (at least 20 hours of IHL courses or participation in an IHL‑focused moot court competition).
• Familiarity with at least one area of public international law (e.g., Human Rights, Refugee Law, Criminal Law, Disarmament, Law of Treaties).
• Maximum of one year professional experience or two years of internships in international law, government, military, or related fields.
• Strong motivation for humanitarian work and early‑career interest in IHL.

Required skills

What we offer

• Paid one‑year traineeship based at ICRC headquarters in Geneva.
• Opportunity to work with leading experts in International Humanitarian Law.
• Exposure to high‑level legal dialogues with parties to armed conflicts.
• Professional development in a globally recognised humanitarian organization.