Operational Legal Coordinator

The Regional Delegation for Mexico and Central America of the International Committee of the Red Cross

is looking for a professional highly qualified for the position of: 

Operational Legal Coordinator  

(Local contract based in Mexico City) 

PURPOSE

The Operational Legal Coordinator leads the Regional Delegation’s legal department based in Mexico and functionally oversees legal advisers (or colleagues with some time reporting dedicated to legal files) based in Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and El Salvador. She/he is responsible for the identification, planning, implementation, coordination and follow-up of the main legal activities of the Regional Delegation. She/he contributes to strengthening the ICRC’s dialogue with authorities to ensure a better respect for, integration and implementation of the law and to facilitate the acceptance of its operational presence. As member of the Prevention Team, she/he contributes to the design of multidisciplinary Prevention strategies supporting the Protection ambitions.

POSITION WITHIN THE ORGANISATION

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Is responsible, in coordination with the legal and operational focal points in the Missions, for providing legal advice in furtherance of the operational priorities defined in the internal strategy. Ensure legal contributions and participation in the strategic planning (notably elaboration of strategies, Plans of Action, internal guidelines, drafting/editing of interventions, external meetings).

·       Proposes and contribute to démarches aiming for a better respect of the law, ensuring their consistency with the relevant applicable legal frameworks (International Human Rights Law, IHL, Refugee Law, domestic law) and ICRC policies/positions.

·       Provide legal input to the public ICRC positionings  as required, including press releases, reactive press lines, publications, blog posts, and annual reports.

·       Lead legal risk analysis and efforts aiming at mitigating risks and strengthening ICRC Privileges and Immunities.

·       Maintain and strengthen the Regional Delegation’s network of actors of influence in law and policy circles (in particular in the three branches of government, international organizations and the diplomatic community).

·       Organize regular meetings within legal team (Mexico and Mission based legal advisers) to ensure optimal coordination of work and proper flow of information.   

Requirements:

·       Master´s degree in international Human Rights Law (IHRL), in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Public International Law (PIL) or International Law (ICL).

·       Preferably admitted to the bar / magistrate.

·       C1 level in English required, including legal drafting skills.

·       Excellent writing skills.

·       French is an asset.

·       Proven teaching/coaching experience.

·       Computer proficiency.  

·       Willing to travel

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in International Humanitarian Law is required.

It will be an advantage to have in-depth knowledge of the ICRC and its mandate.

Thorough knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law

Comprehensive knowledge of the countries covered by the Regional Delegation contexts.

Key Competencies

·       Leadership

·       Accountability   

·       People management        

·       Stakeholder management

·       Networking        

·       Teamwork & Collaboration           

·       Communication 

What we offer? A competitive Salary, higher benefits than those offered by law, opportunity to join an international humanitarian organization.

Work location:  Mexico City with availability to travel frequently in the region.