Disaster law programme internship

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 187 member National Societies. The Organisation acts before, during and after disasters and health emergences in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

The DLP seeks to reduce human vulnerability by promoting effective laws for disaster risk management and response. As a pioneer in the field of international disaster response laws, rules and principles, the DLP led development of the most widely used international guidelines on the regulation of international relief. At the request of the IFRC's members and the state parties to the Geneva Conventions, the DLP recently expanded its work into research and advocacy concerning legal issues related to domestic disaster management. It is currently engaged in intensive technical assistance projects in over a dozen countries, major research projects, and advocacy initiatives in regional and global fora around the world.

Description of key duties and responsibilities:

• Legal research and writing (with an emphasis on comparative laws and including the development of a publication-quality article for the Disaster Law Working Paper Series)
• Organization of workshops and conferences
• Development of communications products (including the programme's web pages, social media, news service, newsletter)
• Maintenance of the DLP legal database
• Support to the DLP's regional representatives

Position requirements

Education:

• Completed university degree in law and advanced study in international or comparative law at the masters level required, preferably with a focus in environmental law, humanitarian affairs or other related topics

Experience:

• Experience with page layout and/or web page design is valued
• Previous experience with the Red Cross and Red Crescent is valued

Knowledge and skills:

• Familiarity with online research and standard office software required,

Languages:

• Excellent spoken and written English and legal writing skills required as is high-level capacity in at least one of the following languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian