The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is recruiting a Policy Adviser for an open-ended, 80%-activity position at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, starting in December 2026. The role sits in the Policy and Research Unit, part of the Department of International Law, Movement and Partnerships. Applications close on 15 November 2026.
About the ICRC
🕊️ Founded in 1863, the ICRC has worked for more than 160 years to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence. It engages with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees and urging compliance with international humanitarian law.
The Policy and Research Unit
The Policy and Research Unit plays a central role in developing and delivering institutional policy and research objectives, working closely with the ICRC's Presidency, the Office of the Director General, and the Department of Operations to shape strategic policy objectives and influence key stakeholders.
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Main Duties and Responsibilities
📄 Policy briefs and analytical products: develops policy briefs and analytical products on the Unit's priority thematics, consulting relevant stakeholders, and disseminates them to internal networks
🔬 Research contributions: contributes to longer-term research projects, including literature review, background research, and identification of potential research partners
📝 Editorial coordination: supports the coordination of the Unit's editorial outputs
📅 HAA network coordination: supports the planning and coordination of the Humanitarian Affairs Adviser (HAA) network
🎙️ Policy and diplomatic outreach events: organizes policy and diplomatic outreach events including the NGO policy dialogue
🌐 Multilateral conferences: supports preparations for major multilateral conferences (e.g. COP)
📋 Briefing materials: drafts and compiles speaking and briefing materials for high-level engagements by senior ICRC leaders
Experience and Education Requirements
🎓 Master's level qualification in International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies or relevant subject, or evidence of high-level research
🗓️ Minimum of 6 years of professional experience, including at least 2–3 years in the humanitarian or policy sector
🗣️ Experience communicating complicated issues in a simple and compelling way, orally and in writing
🏛️ Experience of advocacy or policy initiatives
🗺️ Command of spoken and written English; knowledge of French and other languages is a plus
Desired Profile
🧠 Analytical thinking and strong report writing | ⚡ Ability to work fast and slow | 📣 Communication, pitching and influencing skills | 🤝 Team player with diplomatic and stakeholder management skills | 💙 Empathy for the people ICRC serves
Contract Details
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland | 📄 Contract type: Open-ended | ⏱️ Activity rate: 80% | 📅 Start date: December 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of experience does the ICRC Policy Adviser role require?
Minimum of 6 years of professional experience, of which at least 2–3 years must be in the humanitarian or policy sector. A master's level qualification in a relevant subject is required.
Is this position full time?
No. The position is listed at an 80% activity rate, meaning it is a part-time open-ended contract. Start date is December 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Does the ICRC accept applications from all nationalities?
Yes. The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. There is no specific nationality requirement stated.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
