Auf einen Blick
- Aufgaben: Lead legal affairs and manage risks for a global humanitarian organization.
- Arbeitgeber: Join the ICRC, a respected leader in humanitarian aid and international law.
- Mitarbeitervorteile: Enjoy a full-time role in Geneva with professional development and a competitive benefits package.
- Warum dieser Job: Make a real impact while working in a diverse, collaborative environment focused on humanitarian values.
- Gewünschte Qualifikationen: 15 years of experience, advanced law degree, and fluency in French and English required.
- Andere Informationen: Open-ended contract starting March 2025; applications due by February 18, 2025.
Das voraussichtliche Gehalt liegt zwischen 72000 - 108000 € pro Jahr.
General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a global humanitarian organization that provides protection and assistance to people affected by conflict and violence.
Our mission is to ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and to provide support during emergencies and protracted crises.
We are a neutral, independent organization with a mandate based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, working alongside the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide.
The Role
We are looking for a strategic and experienced General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs to lead our Office of Corporate Legal Affairs (OCLA). The role involves overseeing the prevention and management of legal risks impacting the ICRC, offering legal advice and support on all matters affecting the institution, and leading the OCLA team to ensure optimal protection of the ICRC’s interests and alignment with the ICRC’s mission and organizational goals. This position will work closely with the senior leadership and key stakeholders to support decision-making and compliance across various domains.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Advice & Risk Management: Provide legal advice to ICRC leadership and internal clients and drive legal risk management on a wide range of matters such as employment and social security, contracts, liability, insurance, governance, data protection, legal compliance and litigation.
- Strategic Leadership: Oversee the OCLA’s operations, manage the team, and ensure the optimal delivery of services.
- People Management: Lead the OCLA team (colleagues based in Geneva and other locations), providing vision and guidance while ensuring an efficient and collaborative work environment.
- External Legal Coordination: Manage relationships with external legal counsel and coordinate legal services across ICRC’s global network.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensure legal compliance with Swiss employment and social security laws, as well as with applicable laws and regulations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN and other ICRC units, to address key legal matters.
Education & Experience Required
- Typically, 15 years of professional experience.
- Advanced university degree in law (M.A. minimum; L.L.M. is an asset).
- Admission to a national bar (brevet d’avocat).
- Expertise in Swiss law is a strongly preferable asset.
- Experience as in-house counsel handling matters like public international law, board governance, human resources, contracting, litigation, and strategy development.
- In-depth knowledge of Swiss employment law and contract law is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of non-profit law and international organization law is beneficial.
- Fluent in French and English (written and spoken).
- Knowledge or experience with the ICRC is a plus.
Desired Profile and Skills
- Passionate about humanitarian work.
- Strong leadership skills with a focus on coaching and mentoring.
- Solution-oriented, client-focused, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment involving frequent changes.
- Ability to manage a diverse, geographically distributed team.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Strong emotional intelligence and facilitation skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- High levels of integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
- Resilient, rigorous, and precise in managing priorities and tasks.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to lead corporate legal affairs for one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations.
- A full-time resident position in Geneva, Switzerland.
- A rewarding role in a dynamic, multicultural work environment.
- Professional development and an adequate benefits package.
Additional Information
- Contract Type: Open-ended
- Grade: D1
- Activity Rate: 100%
- Start Date: March 2025
- Recruiter: Yana Makaveeva
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, 18 February 2025
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Our Values
At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values.
How to apply
Ready to apply?
You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, valid license to practice, passport and driving license.
Learn more about our recruitment process here .
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General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs Arbeitgeber: International Committee of the Red Cross

Kontaktperson:
International Committee of the Red Cross HR Team
StudySmarter Bewerbungstipps 🤫
So bekommst du den Job: General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the ICRC's mission and values. Understanding their humanitarian focus and commitment to international humanitarian law will help you align your experience and passion with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing legal risks and compliance, especially in relation to Swiss employment and social security laws. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal landscapes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing instances where you've successfully led diverse teams or projects. The ICRC values strong leadership, so showcasing your ability to mentor and guide others will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to engage with various stakeholders, both internal and external. Think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with different parties to resolve legal issues, as this will be key in the role.
Diese Fähigkeiten machen dich zur top Bewerber*in für die Stelle: General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs
Tipps für deine Bewerbung 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the General Counsel & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in legal advice, risk management, and leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for humanitarian work and demonstrate how your skills align with the ICRC's mission. Be specific about your experience in Swiss law and your ability to manage diverse teams.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your resume, emphasize your 15 years of professional experience, particularly in areas like public international law, governance, and compliance. Include any experience with non-profit organizations or international law that may set you apart.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Ensure you have all required documents ready for submission, including copies of your diplomas, certifications, valid license to practice, passport, and driving license. Double-check that everything is up-to-date and clearly presented.
Wie du dich auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch bei International Committee of the Red Cross vorbereitest
✨Understand the ICRC's Mission
Familiarize yourself with the International Committee of the Red Cross's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your legal expertise aligns with their humanitarian goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Highlight your experience in public international law, Swiss employment law, and governance. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've managed legal risks and provided strategic legal advice in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential leader of the Office of Corporate Legal Affairs, emphasize your leadership style and experience in managing diverse teams. Discuss how you foster collaboration and mentorship within your team.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you successfully engaged with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach collaboration with internal and external parties, particularly in a complex organizational structure like the ICRC.