DISASTER LAW PROGRAMME INTERNSHIP - SPRING 2014 (BASIC) - 2 POSTS

Vacancy No: 2013-40-gva Date of issue: 8 November 2013	Application Deadline: 24 November 2013 Internships
Place of assignment:  Geneva	Organization Unit/Department/Division: Legal Department Mission dates: 06.01.2013 - 30.06.2013
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 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
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 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
Potential applicants are strongly recommended to consult the DLP's web page at www.ifrc.org/dl to learn more about the programme before applying. Applications are accepted only through the IFRC's "Jobnet" web page at https://jobnet.ifrc.org. All applicants are expected to provide an unedited legal writing sample of no longer than 10 pages (which may be a portion of a longer work). This should be sent separately to disaster.law@ifrc.org with the applicant's name and "DLP Internship" indicated in the subject line. A motivation letter should be sent with your application. Applications without this document will not be considered. The basic internship is intended for young people pursuing university level education to gain work experience in the area of their education. The basic intern must meet the following criteria: - Be currently-enrolled in a university or equivalent level, or have graduated recently (normally within 1 year from the date of hiring) in an area that is compatible with the IFRC activities. A minimum requirement is an endorsement letter attesting to the fact that the intern is currently a registered student and will continue to be enrolled for the envisaged period of the internship. Remuneration: - A daily allowance is paid to interns for each day worked at the IFRC at the end of each month (75CHF per day worked). - Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, insurance and living expenses are the sole responsibility of interns themselves.