Advisor to the Armed Forces Department
Company: International Committee of the Red Cross
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 16, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description 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. Applicants must be legally
authorized to work in the United States for the ICRC. 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 and Canadian
armed forces, with a view to promoting understanding of and
acceptance for the ICRC’s mandate, humanitarian response, and
support for 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 Armed Forces 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. This position 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 preparedness,
development of new capabilities, operational missions, deterrence
and strategic preparedness for large scale conflict. Sometimes
military operations and planning 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 a defining
characteristic of recent decades. 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 Armed Forces Advisor has the requisite
advanced knowledge, experience and foresight to assist the
Delegation in understanding and responding to US military strategy,
thinking, preparation and operations. Relationships The Armed
Forces Advisor reports to the FAS Coordinator. Main
Responsibilities Under the supervision of the FAS Coordinator, the
Armed Forces Advisor: Not only provides timely reporting on and
analysis of developments and trends in the US military on issues of
institutional interest, such as large scale conflict preparedness,
counterterrorism operations, urban warfare, 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
Washington Delegation and ICRC institutional plans 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 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) document, 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 Armed Forces Advisor can
provide meaningful input into how dialogue should be best framed to
achieve the ICRC’s desired objectives. Liaises 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.
Required Skills & Experience Candidates should have a military
background. While in military service, having attained the rank of
Major through Colonel (equivalent) and having completed higher
level Command/Staff professional development courses would be
considered a strong asset. Minimum 10 years of professional
experience, including working at the operational level (Combatant
Commands (COCOM)) and/or strategic level (i.e. within the Pentagon
and/or within the US interagency). Knowledge of the structure and
functioning of the Department of War/Defense especially the Office
of the Secretary of War/Defense, The Joint Staff, and the Combatant
Commands demonstrated by practical experience. Operational
experience is essential. Confirmed capacity to identify and analyze
military doctrine, policy and global developments related to issues
of concern to the ICRC, notably with regard to large scale conflict
preparedness. 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 (International Humanitarian Law) and relevant IHRL
(International Human Rights Law), understanding and experience of
practical application to include mitigation of civilian harm in
armed conflict. 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.
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. What we offer: Join a
leading multi-disciplinary humanitarian organization – part of the
world’s largest humanitarian network Rewarding work in a
humanitarian and multicultural environment A full-time resident
position based in DC Competitive salary Lucrative benefits package
that includes: Robust health and dental insurance plan 20 paid
vacation days (annually) 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday 7 paid
sick/personal days (annually) 11.5% Employer contribution for our
403b retirement plan Exciting professional development program A
hybrid working model with flexible scheduling and partial
teleworking options Compensation: The salary range for this role is
between $ 116,000.00 - $139,000.00. Applications Instructions: You
are required to: include your resume (no more than two pages)
include your cover letter that highlights your interest, skills,
experience, and salary requirements (no more than one page) respond
to the specified questions within the application Application
Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026. Applications are being accepted
on a rolling basis thereafter. Start date: ASAP We regret that only
shortlisted applicants will be contacted . As part of our efforts
to continue to ensure the safety and protection of our employees
against COVID-19, all staff members are required to be fully
vaccinated. Upon employment acceptance, new employees must produce
proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Apply now! Our Values. At the ICRC,
we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek
candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values.
If you have any questions on the application or need assistance,
please contact us at was_hrrecruitment_services@icrc.org.
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Keywords: International Committee of the Red Cross, Bel Air North , Advisor to the Armed Forces Department, Legal , Washington, Maryland