Job Description

A quick overview - click on the links below

• Work for ICRC Video | Armed Forces & Non-State Armed Groups Delegate

• Interview with Katherine Stewart, Armed Forces Delegate

• Work with Us Pamphlet – Armed Forces and Non-state armed groups delegate

What we do

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.

Specifically for this role

In situations of armed conflict and in other situations of violence (OSV), the role of law enforcement officials may have key humanitarian consequences due to their responsibilities (maintenance of public order and security, prevention and detection of crime and provision of assistance to people in need) and the powers they have been granted (arrest and detention, search and seizure, use of force and firearms) to fulfil their duties. Armed Police and security forces can significantly influence the fate of those affected by such situations in the way they exercise their powers during law enforcement operations. Hence, maintaining a dialogue with law enforcement officials is an integral part of ICRC operations around the world to prevent and limit the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and OSV.

The Unit for Relations with Arms Carriers (FAS) and more specifically Police and Gendarmerie (PGE) Delegates have the primary responsibility for defining the concepts, guidelines, policies, working tools, rules and procedures governing the dialogue with armed, police and security forces participating in law enforcement operations. Moreover, PGE delegates contribute to delegation strategies and activities where their specific PGE expertise is required to support management and the relevant departments.

The ICRC does not provide operational/tactical advice (“how to do the job”), instead, it initiates and strengthens thinking processes on operational practice, lessons learnt, integration of the law and compliance that are fully owned by the law enforcement authorities themselves.

ICRC Police and Gendarmerie (PGE) Delegates work as part of one or several ICRC delegations around the world depending on the number of countries they are tasked to cover. They are responsible for contributing to the dialogue between the ICRC delegations and arms carriers (AC), notably, but not exclusively, Armed, Police, and Security Forces, with the strive toto improve the ICRC’s positioning and access as well as encourage legally compliant behavior in law enforcement operations, in order to limit or prevent suffering of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Participate in the development of ICRC delegation’s strategy, plan of action to prevent and respond to humanitarian consequences and in its activities to alleviate suffering from armed conflict and OSV.
• Provide real-time technical analysis of conflict/violence dynamics and advise and support delegations on dialogue with arms carriers.
• Assess the impact of law enforcement operations and work with the authorities supporting them in their efforts to assess the need for change and improvement for legally compliant operations.
• Provide expertise on the setting of a dedicated / tailor-made PGE program aiming at preventing and responding to humanitarian consequences caused by arms carriers during law enforcement operations.
• Support national efforts to integrate International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and application of international rules and standards into police doctrine, training, education, and relevant aspects of operations.
• Expose arms carriers to relevant law and the ICRC’s mandate and activities through bilateral dialogue and appropriate training initiatives (including pre-deployment briefings for police contingents).
• Contribute to the delegation’s security assessments and to its access to areas with humanitarian concerns.
• Maintain and develop a network of contacts, ensuring substantive engagement with armed, police, security command structures and institutions (at a national, regional and international level).

Professional experience required

• Ideal age: 40 to 55 years old.
• Police career: Minimum of 15 years professional experience in police-related positions (or equivalent such as Gendarmerie or another policing/law enforcement agency) - amongst which minimum of 5 years of recent operational experience in the following fields: crowd control, training, judicial/criminal investigation, and leadership.
• A minimum of 1 year (accumulated) operational international experienceas a law enforcement officer.
• Good knowledge of the international principles on the use of law enforcement responsibilities and powers.

Languages

• Proficiency in English language is mandatory ( C1 level minimum - according to the European framework of the reference for languages).
• Proficiency in a second language either; French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Portuguese (a minimum of C1 level is required, with a strong preference for French).

Desired profile and skills

• Strong motivation and commitment to humanitarian work and the ICRC values and principles.
• Confirmed capacity to adapt to new environments and integrate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to conceptualize, and proven analytical skills spanning complex, contemporary security environments, from the tactical to strategic level.
• Ability to communicate concisely and fluently, both orally and in writing, including the production of analytical papers and demonstrating strong presentation skills.
• Confident speaker confirmed instructor with a sound capacity to build a network and negotiate.
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law / international human rights law is a strong asset.
• Operational experience in conflict/post conflict environment is considered an asset.
• Confident using IT Office tools

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a valid driving license (for manual transmission vehicles.
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 6 months and when the mission allows it only.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Online trainings and onboarding course. 
• Generous social benefits.
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Please consult thispagefor more information on our package offer

Additional information

• Type of Position: Mobile.
• Working rate: 100%
• Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract, length of assignment is 24 months minimum.
• Estimated Start Date: Selected candidates will be integrated into the pool and will be deployed in the field depending on operational needs.
• Location: Global Field Deployment.
• Successful candidates must be ready to travel within 3 to 6 months from the date of selection and available for a period of minimum 2 years (renewable) for a field assignment.
• Application Deadline: 30th April 2026

Remember to check if you meet all the criteria before sending your application. You will need to upload your resumé and cover letter, as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, passport, and valid manual driving license. We will read cover letters carefully and be attentive to the expression of your motivation for the position.

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.