Special Advisor to the Armed Forces Department

Special Advisor to the Armed Forces Department 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada

Resident position based in Washington D.C

(Only US citizens or Green Card holders may apply)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organization seeking to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Formed in 1863, the ICRC was at the origin of international humanitarian law (IHL) and of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The ICRC Regional Delegation for the US & Canada, based in Washington D.C, is at the heart of our efforts to deliver on the ICRC's mandate, working to secure much needed and widespread support, influence, and partnerships for our work in conflict zones. We cultivate relationships with US government agencies, civil society, and the media. The team also works closely with our partners such as the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross. 

The Armed Forces Department of the ICRC Regional Delegation for the US and Canada oversees the Delegation’s outreach to the US Department of Defense and Canada’s Ministry of Defense, with a view to promoting understanding of and acceptance for the ICRC’s mandate and humanitarian response, and supporting the integration of international humanitarian law (IHL) / international human rights law (IHRL) and other legal standards into military doctrine and education. In the US, recognizing the role of the US military as a ‘global force’, the Armed Forces Department also supports the ICRC’s operational dialogue with the Pentagon and relevant Combatant Commands on the humanitarian impact of US military operations and works to influence relevant US policy making to understand and include ICRC’s positions.

PURPOSE

Broadly, the Special Advisor tracks, understands and interprets through the lens of potential humanitarian consequences, the implementation of the US National Defense Strategy and related legal and policy initiatives at the Pentagon and supports the Armed Forces Department in identifying opportunities for dialogue with the US Government on humanitarian implications. He/She maintains a network of relevant interlocutors within the US Defense apparatus.

In a more specific sense, the US is undergoing a major transformation of its military forces in terms of operational missions, capabilities (including space and nuclear), deterrence, and activities against other major nations. Sometimes these activities are conducted by the US alone, and sometimes the US is capitalizing upon - or aiming to capitalize upon - partners and allies. All of this represents a significant change and requires a much higher tempo of activity, and a different and adapted approach, above the still continuing engagements that are necessary over counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism activities that have been going on for the last 20 years.

Recognizing that the US is still the foremost global military power, and the consequences of this transformation will likely have significant impact on the ICRC in both operational and policy perspectives in the coming years, it is therefore key that the Special Advisor has the requisite advanced knowledge, experience and foresight to assist the Delegation in understanding and responding to this pivot.

RELATIONSHIPS

For the purposes of Red and Blue line, the Special Advisor reports to the FAS Coordinator.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the FAS Coordinator, the Special Advisor:

• Not only provides timely reporting on and analysis of developments and trends in the US military on issues of institutional interest, such as Great Power Competition, counterterrorism operations, urban warfare and large-scale combat operations, new technology and weapons, etc.; but is able to identify and analyze the key elements of a shifting military and geopolitical landscape to complement the Department, Delegation and institution’s plan of action.
• Supports the Delegation in improving its understanding of US practice in the realm of partnered military operations and is able to identify and exploit key touch points within the US apparatus to ensure that ICRC’s advocacy in promoting knowledge and respect of the relevant law is applied in the most effective manner.
• Maps interlocutors in key positions and creates opportunities for engagements and is further able to proactively build a network in reaction and anticipation of the needs of the ICRC – given the scale of the US military this requires an economy of effort to ensure that there is a resilient and responsive network.
• Delivers briefings and provides training to target audiences in the US (e.g.: Military Schools, War Fighting and Mission Rehearsal Exercises and Pre-Deployment Briefings), as well as in Canada, as required; this may involve audiences at the highest strategic level.
• Contributes to writing of the Delegation’s strategic planning documents such as the yearly “Planning for Results” (PfR) and budget preparation and follow up of related budget implementation.
• In addition to supporting leadership and expert-level visitors’ engagement with the US military (including preparing in a timely and concise manner related background documents, speaking points and reporting), it is expected that the Special Advisor is able to identify key targets of and provided meaningful input into how dialogue should be best framed to achieve the ICRC’s desired objectives.
• Liaise across Departments within the Delegation (notably Protection, Legal and Policy) to ensure that they are aware of, and best able to take into account, US perspectives and assist in the preparation and delivery of interventions with US government and military interlocutors.
• Assists in the mentoring and professional development of Department Assistants

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Candidates must have a US military background and attained the rank of Major through Colonel (equivalent) and must have completed higher level Command/Staff professional development courses
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including working at the strategic level (i.e. within the Pentagon or National Security Council or White House)
• Knowledge of the structure and functioning of the Department of Defense, especially the Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Joint Staff, and the Combatant Commands demonstrated by practical experience
• Confirmed capacity to identify and analyze military doctrine, policy and global developments related to issues of concern to the ICRC, notably with regard to so-called ‘Great Power Competition’ and the preparation for large scale combat operations
• Strong analytical and drafting skills and verbal communication
• Excellent networker and pro-active relationship builder, grit and resilience and inter-personal skills
• Good knowledge of IHL and relevant IHRL, understanding and experience of practical application
• Availability to travel within the US/Canada for short periods of time, as well as overseas for courses, formal engagements or field missions
• Prior experience or familiarity with the ICRC and the humanitarian sector will be considered an asset
• Operational experience essential
• Overseas representational experience, experience in multinational coalition environments, experience in partnering operations, experience in professional higher level instruction (civilian or military) will all be considered an asset