The American Red Cross is pleased to accept applications for the 2016-2017 Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Legal Fellowship, with our International Humanitarian Law Unit.

The American Red Cross International Services Department (ISD) seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering around the world by responding to disasters, building safer, more resilient communities, and teaching the rules of war. In the coming years the American Red Cross will deepen and expand its programming around the world while also working to strengthen the global Red Cross Red Crescent network, in order to deliver vital help and hope to some of the most vulnerable communities.

About the Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Legal Fellowship

We are looking for a Clara Barton Legal Fellow to work with the international humanitarian law (IHL) team to support our legal education program on IHL. The fellow will work as part of a small team where he/she will gain hands on experience conducting legal research and writing, providing thorough legal analysis on relevant IHL issues, and working to support and strengthen the team’s IHL education programs.

A background in international law or policy, and an interest in social media and educational development are essential. Our fellows work as integral members of our team and carry out professional level work in a supervised atmosphere.

Responsibilities include working with the Legal Advisors and the IHL Director, as well as other members of the team to deliver IHL Legal Education programs; research and write short updates for the team’s IHL blog; and compile updates on current IHL issues. Fellows will create promotional materials for use by ARC chapters, partner agencies, and community groups, as well as promoting IHL awareness internally. Fellows will also develop content for IHL-related events, brown bags, and speaking engagements; monitor social media and perform follow-up activities to strengthen our networks; and gather information on IHL programs for monitoring and reporting purposes. Fellows will have an opportunity to work with an IHL Legal Advisor to pursue an independent project related to a timely international humanitarian law issue.

Skills and Qualifications

Recent law school graduate, with an interest in pursuing a career in international law or policy, international relations, or a related discipline. Prior knowledge of international humanitarian law or international criminal law essential; Must have strong written and verbal communication skills; robust legal research skills, and computer skills, including familiarity with social media tools; Ability to translate complex legal issues into terms understandable by an average member of the public with no prior IHL knowledge; passion for international law issues and humanitarian values; Interest in educational development; Must be responsible, mature, able to work independently, highly organized, detail-oriented, able to handle multiple tasks at the same time and work under deadline pressure; Willingness to do background research and perform general office duties, as required.

This position will begin September 1, 2016. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and writing sample to ihlaw@redcross.org by July 1, 2016.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For more information about the International Humanitarian Law team’s mission, please see: http://www.redcross.org/humanityinwar.