Political Advisor

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The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. ICRC employs more than 20,000 staff and is present in 80 countries. The ICRC Regional Delegation in Pretoria is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the following vacancy:

Political Advisor  

The Political Adviser 2 provides key support to the delegation’s humanitarian diplomacy by improving its understanding and influencing capacity with regards to the wider political and humanitarian environment in southern Africa. He/She advises the Delegation on relevant political developments and changes with a focus on conflict, violence, and security dynamics. He/She identifies, maintains, and broadens a network of contacts at the national level, and facilitates PRE-Management’s access to them. 

Description of the role:

The incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Research, analyze, and provide advice to staff on a variety of topics of interest, including the conduct of hostilities, the development of international humanitarian law, the promotion of humanitarian action, and multilateral peace and security initiatives in Africa and beyond. 
2. Analyze the financial capacities and spending trends of target governments, the private sector and development banks within South Africa for the Pretoria region Delegation, highlighting evident fundraising opportunities and possibilities for innovative practices and processes to address humanitarian concerns.
3. Carry out environment scanning to gain a better understanding of challenges and possibilities for the organisation in Southern Africa. 
4. Produce anticipatory research to inform ICRC positions and strategies.
5. Coordinate humanitarian, research-based and other relevant briefings for Pretoria Regional Delegation stakeholders including the diplomatic corps, political parties, civil society, and other influential stakeholders.
6. Leads on law and policy thematics that are of humanitarian diplomacy value in the region and beyond.
7. Design the Pretoria Regional Delegation’s engagement with SADC on strategic thematics, notably the identification, country positioning and profiling of thematics.

Profile - Minimum required qualification & experience:

1. Master’s degree in public international law, International Relations or similar
2. Good knowledge of IHL (knowledge of International Human Rights Law and International Criminal Law an additional asset)
3. Fluent in spoken and written English 
4. Knowledge of a local Southern African language an asset
5. Knowledge of French or Portuguese an asset
6. Computer proficiency
7. 4-6 years work experience in a similar function as an asset
8. Advanced research and analytical skills
9. Ability to demonstrate the existence of a relevant network of contacts.

We are looking for someone responsible and organized, with a good sense of teamwork, initiative, and respect for ICRC values. Should be able to work autonomously and be proactive. 

Please submit your application: CV, cover letter, and copies of degree/certificates by electronic mail with the mention in the subject “application to the position of Political Advisor to:  pre_hr_services@icrc.org .

Only applications with all required documentation will be considered:

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The last date for receiving applications is 14 October 2024 Start date 01 December 2024. Candidates must be South African citizens or hold valid South African work permits.