A quick overview - click on the links below
- Work for ICRC Video | Armed Forces & Non-State Armed Groups Delegate
- Interview with Katherine Stewart, Armed Forces Delegate
- Work with Us Pamphlet – Armed Forces and Non-state armed groups delegate
What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Role description
The Armed Forces and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) Delegate supports ICRC’s dialogue with armed forces, law enforcement agencies, NSAGs and other arms carriers by sharing their knowledge and experience, across the full range of ICRC activity. We strive to improve the ICRC’s positioning and access as well as encourage legally compliant behavior in military operations, in order to limit or prevent suffering of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.
Our Delegates act as operational adviser on military affairs, procedures and conduct, in support of the full range of ICRC operations, drawing on the delegate's knowledge and experience. The delegate supports the development and application of strategies to engage with weapons bearers of all backgrounds, to promote and encourage legally compliant behavior including, where necessary, capacity building programmes and facilitate ICRC’s safe access to areas of conflict.
Are you ready to make a tangible difference in conflict-affected regions as an ICRC delegate? Based at one of our duty stations, your role will be dynamic, responding swiftly to operational demands and evolving situations in alignment with ICRC’s strategy for 2024-2027.
Main responsibilities
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As an expert within a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, the Delegate contributes to the definition of national-level strategies and their implementation in respect of state armed forces and NSAGs.
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Provides technical advice on the humanitarian implications of military operations to the Delegation.
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Advises on the approach to dialogue with state armed forces and NSAGs and on the technical and operational aspects of alleged LOAC (Law of Armed Conflict) violations, based on the delegate's experience.
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Provides country analysis of military and NSAGs, including respect for humanitarian principles and conflict/violence dynamics; advises and supports dialogue with arms carriers across a wide range of humanitarian issues.
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Accompanies armed forces and NSAGs in implementing mechanisms which support and enable legally compliant operations, including through targeted capacity building programmes.
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Builds and maintains a network of contacts with relevant military commanders, staff and institutions (National and Regional), to support the wider humanitarian diplomacy effort of the ICRC.
Relationships
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Internally, interacts primarily within the delegation with those engaged in dialogue with arms carriers, and with headquarters (FAS Unit) for functional technical support.
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Externally, represents the ICRC in its dialogue and/or activities with armed and security forces on issues related mainly to integration of IHL and/or IHRL into operational practice.
Education / Certifications required
- Military Staff College Diploma
Professional experience required
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Former mid to senior level military officer with minimum rank of Major and 15 years of professional experience.
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Strong operational experience covering design and implementation of military operations, preferably at Brigade level and above.
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A minimum of 1 year (accumulated) operational international experience, deployed on operations in conflict areas, with more extensive operational experience considered an advantage.
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Experience in an operational or strategic HQ level is an asset.
Languages
- Strong proficiency in two languages on a C1 level is required: English and one of the following: Portuguese, or French, or Arabic or Spanish or Russian.
Desired profile and skills
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Strongly motivated by humanitarian work;
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Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.
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Capacity to conceptualize, and proven analytical skills spanning complex, contemporary security environments, from the tactical to strategic level.
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Willingness to work impartially with arms carriers of all natures in a contemporary operating environment.
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Demonstrable understanding of the nature of both contemporary and future conflict, and the implications for humanitarian actions.
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Knowledge and practical experience of incorporating LOAC considerations in the planning and conduct of military operations is an advantage.
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Ability to communicate concisely and fluently, both orally and in writing, including the production of analytical papers and demonstrating strong presentation skills.
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The capacity to integrate within a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team and adapt to new settings is essential.
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Strong networking skills and the ability to engage and persuade decision makers – both civilian and military - from the tactical to the strategic level to act in the interests of vulnerable people.
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Available for a period of minimum 2 years (renewable) for a field assignment.
Our operational & field constraints
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In line with the principle of neutrality, we do not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals. Furthermore, for operational and security reasons, some nationalities cannot be deployed in particular countries.
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Candidates must be prepared to accept overseas missions without your family, partner, other dependents and without receiving visits (for at least 6 months and possibly beyond, depending on the nature of the context).
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Candidates should be in good health and will have to successfully complete a medical check-up prior to departure.
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Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).
What we offer
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Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
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Online trainings and onboarding course.
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Generous social benefits.
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Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.
Please consult this page for more information on our package offer.
Additional information
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Type of Position: Mobile.
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Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract, length of assignment is 24 months minimum.
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Estimated Start Date: Selected candidates will integrate in the pool and will be deployed in the field depending on operational needs.
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Location: Global Field Deployment.
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Application Deadline: 23rd April 2026.
Our values
At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.