Armed Forces and Security (FAS) Programme Adviser – Kyiv – 873878 in International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC is mandated to work in countries affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence. The ICRC is present in over 100 countries and has 18,000 staff worldwide. In 2014, the ICRC expanded its presence in Ukraine, with over 900 team members working across the county in various professional fields.

About the job 

The ICRC Armed Forces & Security (FAS) Unit seeks a skilled and dynamic Armed Forces and Security (FAS) Programme Adviser to join our team in Kyiv. This role is instrumental in advancing the FAS unit’s contributions to the operational priorities of the ICRC in Ukraine, with a particular focus on digital and emerging technologies. Key responsibilities include analyzing cyber warfare and innovative technologies in the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict, mapping key influential actors comprehensively, and facilitating humanitarian engagement with these actors. The FAS Programme Adviser will also support ongoing protection, prevention, and advocacy initiatives within the FAS unit.

Start date: As soon as possible

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

• Explore and analyze regularly how digital technologies are evolving in the conflict, focusing on their impact on civilians and alignment with International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
• Build and nurture open, constructive dialogues with the Ukrainian government to explore digital technologies' technical and legal effects in the ongoing conflict
• Connect with non-state cyber groups engaged in cyber operations to discuss how their actions impact humanitarian considerations in the context of the conflict
• Partner with Ukrainian and international technology companies, raising awareness of IHL and encouraging them to assess how their technologies affect civilians and comply with humanitarian standards
• Represent the ICRC in bilateral and multilateral discussions in Ukraine with government representatives from other countries, highlighting the humanitarian implications of new digital technologies in warfare
• Work closely with Ukrainian government bodies, tech companies, and the URCS to explore innovative digital solutions, including the potential use of a digital Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem
• Share a humanitarian perspective by participating in conferences on digital warfare technologies and advocating for the protection of civilians
• Provide insights and findings to deepen the ICRC’s understanding of digital warfare technologies and shape future strategies and preparedness
• Lead awareness-raising sessions with military and security forces, discussing IHL, human rights law, and the ICRC’s mission, and assess the impact of these initiatives
• Support the ICRC’s protection dialogue with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, contributing to strategy development and interventions with military and security forces
• Represent the ICRC in meetings with UAF representatives, documenting discussions and ensuring follow-up actions are in place.

What we offer you

• A great team to work with and an organization where you have an impact
• Employment contract according to Ukrainian labor law with flexible working arrangements 
• Competitive salary between UAH 84,000 and 110,000 (gross) before taxation
• Medical insurance for you and your depending family members
• Comprehensive onboarding and learning opportunities
• 20 days of annual paid leave
• Convenient office location in the city center

The ICRC is an equal-opportunity employer that prioritizes staff safety and security. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce and encourage qualified female and male candidates of all backgrounds, including candidates with disabilities to apply for the position. We also value our employees' professional growth and offer a supportive and inclusive work environment. For more information, visit the website http://www.icrc.org/.

About you

To be successful as an FAS Programme Adviser in the FAS Unit, you should possess the following qualifications and experiences and have the following characteristics:  

• Ukrainian citizenship or permanent residence permit in Ukraine
• Background in military or police service 
• War College graduate is a strong asset
• Legal studies or knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) is an asset
• University degree or relevant professional certification.
• Typically, 3–5 years of experience in planning military or police operations, legal (IHL/IHRL), multinational operations, or civil-military cooperation
• Experience in military or police operations is a strong asset
• Strong knowledge of the geographically assigned environment
• Professional fluency in both written and spoken English and Ukrainian
• Proficient in digital learning tools
• Computer literacy, including strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Self-motivated with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn
• Ability to work independently, as well as effectively under supervision
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work within a diverse team and establish and maintain good working relations in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary environment

Interested? Yes? THEN APPLY!

Please submit your English CV, along with your motivation letter and salary expectations, to the attention of the ICRC People and Culture Team. Please label your CV with your first and last names (First Name LAST NAME). In addition, please complete the compulsory ICRC questionnaire. The questionnaire is available through the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/APw3dvQMHJ. (Click on the link or copy the link into your internet browser.)

Your application will be considered only once you have completed the ICRC questionnaire and uploaded your English CV.

Application deadline: 16 February 2025

Only candidates meeting the abovementioned criteria will be contacted to move forward in the recruitment process.

The ICRC reserves the right to re-issue the vacancy, cancel the recruitment process, offer a position at a lower grade, with an adjusted job description or different duration, or to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the deadline.