Armed and Security Forces (FAS) Adviser

WHO WE ARE

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.

THE PURPOSE

Under the technical supervision of the FAS Coordinator, acts as adviser to the Head of Sub Delegations (HoSDs) Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY), in matters relating to the Sub-Delegations’ dialogue with the Armed and Security Forces, especially the military. Also, supports the drafting and implementation of the Sub-Delegations’ communication strategy as well as the Protection Unit’s dialogue with the military on Conduct of Hostilities (CoH) and visits to places of detention under the custody of the military.

YOUR ROLE

• Advises the HoSDs on all matters concerning the best way to relate with the military hierarchy deployed in the North East operation.
• Proactively takes steps to expand the interlocutor base with relevant military interlocutors who can ensure better and deeper collaboration between the Sub-Delegations and the military in the North East.
• Supports the setting of the Sub-Delegations’ communication priorities, objectives, and strategies, as well as the planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of their communication activities.
• Supports the Protection Unit in their day-to-day engagement with the military in the area of visit to places of detention in the North East.
• Supports the Management and Protection Unit in developing and sustaining a dialogue on conduct of hostilities with relevant military commanders in the NE operations.
• Organizes International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and /IHRL training, including case studies, and conducts dissemination with the support of the FAS Coordinator.
• Conducts dissemination and training sessions on the applicable laws to relevant members of community defense groups deployed in the area of responsibility of the Sub-Delegations.
• In coordination with the FAS Unit, conducts IHL/IHRL briefings for troops in situ in the NE or during pre-deployment training sessions within the North East.
• Acts as a relay between the Sub-Delegations and the PGE Adviser in Abuja in respect of activities related to the Police file.
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

YOUR PROFILE: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in social sciences
• Retired commissioned military officer not below the rank of Major with a pass staff college (psc) award.
• Basic knowledge of IHL and human rights law
• Fluent in written and spoken English – knowledge of Hausa an advantage.
• Good analytical and writing skills.
• Efficient use of PowerPoint and Microsoft word
• 5-10 years’ experience in planning military or police operations or Legal (IIHL/IHRL) or multinational operations or civil-military cooperation.
• Applicant must have a valid working permit to work in Nigeria.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Competitive employment package with medical insurance and ICRC pension plan.
• In-house training opportunities for personal development.
• A full-time, open-ended contract.
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool, be considered for future assignments elsewhere and experience different contexts, fields, and challenges

Grade: B3