Department: Operations – Policy, Research, and Legal Unit
Duty Station: Brussels
Contract Type: Full-time (100%)
Mission
Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups and De Facto Authorities (AGDAs) for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians. Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protecting civilian infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access.
Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Role
The Legal and Policy Adviser contributes to the implementation of Geneva Call’s operational strategy by providing policy and legal expertise on issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL), and other related fields relevant across different stages of armed conflicts. The Legal and Policy Adviser also contributes to the development of Geneva Call’s policies and tools related to operations, supports internal capacity-building, and represents Geneva Call in relevant technical expert meetings.
Work Relations
The incumbent will report to the Head of the Policy, Research, and Legal Unit and work closely with Regional Heads of Programs and country missions, thematic experts, the MEAL team, and the Donor Relations unit. They will also coordinate with the Policy and Legal teams to provide technical support.
Additionally,the incumbent will liaise with international organizations, technical experts, state authorities, and field-based stakeholders, including AGDAs. They will also participate in donor meetings and other external forums in coordination with the relevant Geneva Call teams.
Duties And Responsibilities
Legal and Policy Support
Provide IHL/IHRL legal and policy support to Geneva Call’s operations and program implementation, prioritizing issues of cross-regional relevance and operational activities that require technical expertise, and Geneva Call’s thematic priorities.
As an IHL expert, develop or provide technical input to draft training materials or dissemination materials, including through additional research and analysis, in coordination with the thematic experts.
Contribute to the implementation of the unit’s thematic projects (famine, healthcare, protection of children and education, displacement, and safe return of displaced persons), including through reporting and fundraising initiatives.
Contribute to the development and rollout of Geneva Call’s operational policies, such as the engagement guidelines, including through research and analysis, providing input to draft products, and supporting the implementation of these policies by field missions through advice, guidance, and training.
Contribute to the development of new thematics or the expansion of existing thematic priorities, in coordination with the thematic experts.
Analyze and provide informed recommendations on policy decisions in relation to Geneva Call’s engagement with armed groups and de facto authorities, as well as broader humanitarian policy developments that can impact the organization.
Coordinate with Regional Heads of Programs and country missions to provide regular analysis on Deeds of Commitment compliance by AGDAs.
In coordination with MEAL and Program teams, develop AGDAs’ behavior change matrix and its corresponding effect on addressing protection threats to vulnerable populations.
Programmatic Research
Provide legal and policy support to programmatic research projects, including research undertaken by field missions.
Accompany research with legal and policy advice throughout the research process, including providing input to inception reports and draft publications.
Advocacy and External Representation
Support outreach and legal/policy advocacy for Geneva Call, including through the development of key messages and building and maintaining links with relevant technical counterparts at peer organizations.
Support the Head of the Policy, Research, and Legal Unit in developing concept notes and proposals on specific humanitarian norms frameworks and contributing to evidence-based reports.
Provide regular briefings to partners and donors on Geneva Call’s engagements with AGDAs and compliance with commitments.
Represent Geneva Call in relevant forums, conferences, and meetings.
Capacity Building
Support staff development and continuous learning on IHL/IHRL and other relevant fields of international law in collaboration and coordination with the thematic experts and the MEAL adviser.
Requirements
Education (Essential)
A master’s degree in international humanitarian law, human rights, or public international law with a specialization in IHL or human rights law.
Experience (Essential)
Overall, 8 years of experience, with 6 years of relevant professional experience providing legal and policy advice to humanitarian organizations or other organizations working in conflict-affected areas.
Experience (Desirable)
Relevant field experience is a significant asset, including providing IHL advice in conflict-affected countries.
Experience with AGDAs is a plus.
Job related Competencies
Excellent analysis and research skills.
Proven excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly express ideas and tailor language to different audiences.
Experience in designing and implementing practice-focused trainings for various audiences and at different levels.
Proven experience in drafting reports and presentations, with the ability to simplify complex information and concepts.
Proven experience in developing and providing concise analytical guidance on humanitarian policy issues and organizational approaches, with experience in EU humanitarian policy issues being an asset.
Languages
Full professional proficiency in English and French, written and spoken.
A third working language of Geneva Call (Spanish or Arabic) is a plus.
Organizational competencies
Understanding and respect for humanitarian principles and the organization’s vision, mission, and confidentiality.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Collaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-oriented approach.
Additional Information
The incumbent must be willing and able to travel at short notice.
Testing and interviewing will be used as a form of screening.
Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
Additional background checks may be required.
Applications: Please submit your CV and Cover letter by 11th of July 2025 through the link below: