Internship - Disaster law programme

Background

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.

Organizational Context

The IFRC's Disaster Law Programme seeks to reduce human vulnerability by promoting legal preparedness for disasters. Until recently known as the International Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles (IDRL) Programme, the IFRC has now broadened its focus to provide support and information to its member National Societies and states on a wider array of legal issues related to disaster management at the domestic and international levels.

Legal gaps in disaster risk reduction can have a significant impact on the resilience of communities to disasters. Similarly, experience shows that without the appropriate legal instruments to deal with disaster response, authorities can be overwhelmed by relief operations and vital aid can be delayed.

The Disaster Law Programme contributes to more effective disaster preparedness and getting relief to vulnerable people faster.

The Programme works in four main areas:

• Cooperating with National Societies and other partners to provide technical assistance to governments in strengthening domestic legal frameworks for enhanced disaster risk Reduction, preparedness and response;
• Building the capacity of National Societies, IFRC staff, humanitarian partners and academic stakeholders, including students, to promote strong and effective disaster laws through online and live workshops, the development and dissemination of informational materials, and the organization of a law student competition;
• Advocating for strong and effective disaster laws and procedures with governments and inter-governmental organizations;
• Undertaking and encouraging new research on key legal issues in disaster management, in particular in the areas of disaster risk reduction and regulatory barriers to shelter.

Purpose of position

The Disaster Law programme Intern will contribute to the work of the Disaster Law programme, working from Geneva with the team based in the headquarters of the IFRC as well as in the field. The intern will performs a variety of legal, communication and administrative tasks.

Description of Key Duties and Responsibilities

Legal research

Perform research online, in Geneva libraries, and through the IFRC's practitioner and academic networks as needed in support of Programme products, projects and articles. The intern will also be expected to produce one publication-quality article for the Disaster Law Working Paper series.

Development of training workshops and modules

Assist in the development of training materials on legal issues in disaster risk reduction and response.

Elaboration of legal database and outreach products

Collect and register legal documents for online legal and bibliographic databases and assist in developing and updating dissemination products

Conference organization

Assist Programme staff in organizing legal workshops and other meetings

Disaster law news service and newsletter

Assist in the preparation of the weekly news service and bi-monthly newsletter

Duties applicable to all staff

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat's goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Position Requirements

Education

• Completed university degree in law
• Advanced study in international or comparative law at the masters level

Experience

• Experience with or knowledge of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, the IFRC or other international organisations would be preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with online research and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Strong organisational and analytical skills

Languages

• Fluency in spoken and written English required
• Fluency in French or Spanish highly desirable; Arabic and Russian skills also valued

Competencies

• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Innovation