International Humanitarian Law - Legal Adviser - IHL

• Full time, Ongoing role  
• Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth based 
• Flexible hybrid working + generous salary packaging  

About Australian Red Cross 

Australian Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement. We support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability. We act for humanity. 

How this role supports our work 

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) has a unique mandate under international legal frameworks to promote international humanitarian law (IHL), or ‘the laws of war’. 

As Legal Adviser – IHL, you will support the Head of IHL to ensure that Australian Red Cross meets this IHL mandate and delivers on the Australian Red Cross IHL sub-strategy. 

This includes contributing to an environment conducive to increased respect for IHL across Australia, promoting IHL best practice across relevant Australian sectors, and influencing law and policy on emerging IHL issues nationally and within the Movement, to maximise the impact of, and respect for, IHL nationally, regionally and globally. 

What you will do day to day 

• Support the Head of IHL to deliver a vision, strategy and program of work that ensures that Australian Red Cross meets its mandate under international legal frameworks to promote IHL and the successful delivery of the Australian Red Cross IHL sub-strategy. 

• Develop and implement humanitarian diplomacy and strategies (which may include advice, training, resources and other guidance) on matters relating to IHL, demonstrating the practical relevance and importance of these matters across the organisation and to key external stakeholders.   

• Develop IHL policy positions on key thematic areas for Australian Red Cross 

• Build strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders across priority sectors (ie. those that have a role in the application, implementation or development of IHL) locally and internationally .   

• Provide advice and support to other Movement components in the area of IHL and Movement dissemination as requested, building on Australian Red Cross’ global reputation for excellence in this field. 

What you will bring 

• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in international humanitarian law and other relevant international and domestic legal frameworks. 

• Legal qualifications with extensive experience in providing training, advice and/or applying IHL in humanitarian, legal or related sectors. 

• An understanding of the Fundamental Principles and Statutes of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – or the ability to gain that knowledge quickly. 

• Demonstrated capability to work with others to reach common goals, share information, support and build positive and constructive relationships. 

• Legal and policy research and analytical skills. 

• Highly developed relationship management with proven negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Sound judgement and risk management skills. 

• Demonstrated capability to adapt to, support and manage change in a positive way, working to overcome challenges arising from change and raising concerns constructively. 

• Experience in working with and/or supporting volunteers is an advantage.  

Benefits that act for you, while you act for humanity 

• Take advantage of salary packaging that could provide you with a great way to reduce the amount of tax you pay - and increase your take-home pay. You can salary package up to $15,900 for living expenses (such as rent, groceries, utility bills); up to $2,650 for holiday accommodation and meals when dining out; Novated car leases; superannuation and purchase additional annual leave. 

• Access flexible working arrangements including generous hybrid arrangements and a paid ‘Me’ day 

Further information  

This role is covered by the Social, Community, Housing and Disability Award – Level 7.  

Applications close: 9am Monday 14^th July.  

For any enquiries, please contact Kylie Leach at [email protected] – please note this is only for enquiries, all applications must be submitted through our website for consideration.  

Thank you for considering a career at Red Cross. We also have great opportunities to volunteer. Click here to find out more. 

Job Ref # 12636