The ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia based in Beijing
seeks to fill the following position:
Armed Forces Program Advisor
PURPOSE
The Armed Forces Program Adviser assists the Armed Forces Delegate in implementing the ICRC's program directed at the military, including budgeting, planning, carrying out, assessing and following up national and regional activities. S/he maintains contact with the armed forces and participates in meetings in a leading or supporting role. The principal objective of the program is to advance the ICRC's operational acceptance and enhance the integration of international humanitarian law (IHL) into military doctrine, training and operations at the joint level and across the armed services.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (as per role description)
- Assists the Armed Forces Delegate and the Delegation in understanding the structure and functions of the armed forces; and to this end, monitors the political and security situation.
- Supports the Armed Forces Relations Department in drafting a strategy and building it into the annual planning exercise, in line with the delegation's main operational priorities and strategy.
- Liaises with the Ministry of National Defense and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) regarding IHL integration into doctrine, training and operations, and ICRC's contribution to PLA exercises and military colleges.
- Liaises with the Ministry of Veteran Affairs regarding humanitarian issues.
- Prepares, conducts, assesses and follows up dissemination activities with the PLA on IHL and ICRC’s field role.
- Maintains and updates the stock of ICRC publications needed for departmental activities.
- Represents the Armed Forces Delegate in his/her absence.
- Contributes to developing and consolidating the ICRC's network of contacts within military and security forces.
- Supports the delegation with analysis of the humanitarian and IHL aspects of the current military situation, at his/her level of expertise.
REQUIREMENTS
- Senior military rank (retired) – lieutenant colonel / commander or higher.
- Fluent in English.
- Experience in military operations.
- Experience in civil-military cooperation a strong asset.
- Command and staff or war college graduate, or university degree.
- Legal studies an asset.
- Strong analytical knowledge of the military strategic and operational environment.
- Computer proficiency
GENERAL DUTIES
- Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
- Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times.
- Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
- Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
- Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
- May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.
WHAT WE OFFER
* Initial training and on-boarding organized.
* A competitive salary with benefits.
Deadline for applications: 17 October, 2025
Your complete application should include:
* Your CV - clearly specifying your national and international experiences, duration, roles and responsibilities
* Your Cover Letter - stating your motivation for joining the humanitarian world and the ICRC Please send your application to bej_hr_services@icrc.org (specify position name at your email title) Kindly note that we will only contact short-listed candidates for interviews.