Legal Adviser of Global Independent Board of Appeal (GIBA)
Requisition ID: 15448
Region: Europe & Central Asia
Contract type: Open-ended contract
Reports to (role)
Chair of Global Independent Board of Appeal (GIBA)
What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and other situations of 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 other situations of violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.Organizational context
The Global Independent Board of Appeal (hereafter “GIBA” or “Board”) is an internal review mechanism offered by the ICRC to employees that allows them to challenge employer decisions affecting them if they believe that such decisions infringe their rights and/or are in breach of internal rules and regulations. It is meant to ensure independent review of specific employment disputes internally. The GIBA is an internal administrative body vested with the power and responsibility to make objective, independent and impartial recommendations on cases brought before it.
In order to fulfil its mandate in a professional and impartial manner, the Board is presided by a Chair, independent from the ICRC management and governance.
The Chair heads the GIBA Secretariat and manages individual cases with the support of a network of GIBA Members constituted of voluntary ICRC employees (Peer Members). In compliance with the GIBA Rules and Regulations, the Chair is not under any hierarchical supervisor and performs his/her functions independently, and in a way, which allows for effective and collegial decision-making with Peers selected and/or the Vice-Chair to ensure institutional consistency.
The Chair and Vice-Chair of the GIBA are appointed by the ICRC Supervisory and Selection Committee, composed equally of representatives of the ICRC and ICRC staff.
The ICRC is currently in the process of establishing the GIBA, with a target launch foreseen in Q2 2021.Main responsibilities
Within the GIBA permanent Secretariat, the Legal Adviser is in charge of providing substantive advice and ad hoc support to the various activities led by the Case Managers and the governing functions of the Board:
Primary responsibilities
- Providing legal and regulatory advice to the Chair, Vice-Chair and Peer Members on applicable ICRC Staff Rules and Regulations, HR policies and administrative procedures;
- Supporting the Board’s Secretariat in the management of appeal proceedings by providing legal input;
- Supporting the selection process of Peer Members in compliance with GIBA rules and procedures, as well as the development and update of capacity-building training activities for the GIBA team (Secretariat staff and voluntary Peers).
Case management and legal support
- Providing advice to Case Manager(s), upon request, on the admissibility of appeals submitted in line with the Board’s rules of procedure;
- Supporting Case Manager(s) in their preparation of case files, summarizing parties’ pleadings and by interpreting applicable rules, regulations and technical terms;
- Providing expert legal support for the GIBA’s policy and the Chair’s supervisory activities, including advising on and drafting technical standards, templates, guidelines and recommendations;
- Providing advice on the drafting of decisions and recommendations issued by the Board;
- Conducting research and preparing legal analyses in coordination with the Case Manager(s);
- Documenting ICRC case-law with the technical support of the Case Management Coordinator.
Communication and training
- Monitoring and advising on relevant developments and training in areas of internal dispute resolution, and on legal aspects of human resources and administrative matters relating to the GIBA’s tasks and functioning;
- Liaising with other human resources or compliance-related functions across the organization to seek clarification, foster general understanding and dissemination of information on ICRC policies, institutional rules and regulations;
- Executing other related tasks as requested by the Chair of the Board.
- The Legal Adviser is placed under the hierarchical supervision of the GIBA Chair.
People management responsibilities
NoRelationships
- Internally, interacts with the GIBA Chair, other governing bodies such as the GIBA Supervisory & Selection Committee, senior management or functional services (HR, Legal, Global Compliance Office, Office of the General Counsel, etc.), and staff members at all levels.
- Externally, interacts with peers in other international organizations, auditors or legal professionals when necessary.
Education and experience required
- Typically 8-10 years’ overall professional experience.
- Advanced university degree in law (M.A. minimum, L.L.M. would be an asset).
- Solid experience in the law of the international civil service or equivalent experience in applicable administrative law and/or dispute resolution or the judiciary (court or tribunal) is required.
- Experience in the legal sector with UN/NGO entities or a multinational dimension, a strong asset.
- Certification in employment law would be a strong advantage.
- Admission to the Bar in a national jurisdiction, an asset.
- Excellent command of English and proficiency in French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian (English mandatory B2 minimum with at least comprehension, basic speaking, reading and writing abilities of the other language(s)).
- Knowledge or experience of the ICRC, a plus.
- Good computer skills.
Desired profile and skills
- Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
- Rigour and precision
- Critical-thinking and decision-making skills
- Outstanding problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
- Emotional intelligence, active listening and facilitation skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent levels of integrity, morality, honesty, and responsibility
- Ability to set priorities and work under pressure
What we offer
- An opportunity to work for the world’s oldest and unique humanitarian organisation
- Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
- Exciting professional development and stimulating benefits package
- A full-time resident position based in Brussels, Belgium
Additional information
- Location:Brussels, Belgium
- Working rate: 100%
- Type of role: Resident contract
- Starting date: January 2021
- Type of contract: Open-ended contract
- Application deadline: 30 September 2020
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
