ICRC Traineeship 2026 in Switzerland
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance.
The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The ICRC Legal Division fosters the respect for and promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL) and other relevant bodies of law.
This is in particular achieved by delivering legal expertise necessary to the ICRC’s actions in its dialogue with parties to armed conflicts, and by assisting States in implementing IHL at the national level.
Moreover, the Legal Division works for the reaffirmation, clarification and development of IHL.
This program allows Swiss Nationals and International candidates from EU and non-EU countries to work as a Trainee with the ICRC.
Trainees will work for one year at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva. They will get a Monthly Salary of 4200 Euro, which is enough to cover Living Expenses, Accommodation, and other Expenses.
This position allows candidates to get a visa and permit for working and living in Geneva, Switzerland. The Objective of this Role is to provide support to various teams within the Legal Division, specifically in areas related to International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesÂ
- Associates support one or more teams in the Legal Division: the Thematic Legal Advisers unit, the Advisory Service on IHL, the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities unit, the Legal Advisers to the Operations unit, the Project to update the Commentaries on the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the Global IHL Initiative unit, and the Privileges and Immunities team.
- Associates undertake a variety of assignments, including carrying out research on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, reviewing legal documents, contributing to the preparation of meetings and events, preparing draft reports or minutes of meetings, and monitoring current developments in the online and academic discourse related to IHL.
Summary of the ICRC Traineeship 2026
- Type: Internship
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Eligible Countries: All
- Duration: 12 months
- Start date: February 2026
- Application Deadline: 1st June, 2025
- Benefits: Monthly Salary of 4200 Euro, which is enough to cover Living Expenses, Accommodation, and other Expenses, Position allows you to get a visa and permit for working and living in Geneva.
Eligibility Criteria for the ICRC Traineeship 2026
- The Program is open to all Nationals.
- Bachelor’s in law or international relations.
- Master’s in public international law (or 5+ years of equivalent legal studies).
- Strong IHL knowledge (20+ hours of coursework or relevant moot court participation).
- Knowledge in at least one of: International Human Rights Law, Refugee Law, Criminal Law, Disarmament Law, Law of Treaties, or arbitration.
- Max. 1 year professional international law experience post-graduation (or 2 years including unpaid roles). Relevant experience (government, international organizations, etc.) is a plus.
- Fluent English and good command of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
Required Skills
- Highly motivated by humanitarian work.
- Strong legal research, drafting, analytical, and writing skills.
- Flexible and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Required Documents
- Screening Questions (answered before submission)
- Cover Letter
- CV
Deadline: 1st June, 2025
