We are looking for a committed individual with a passion for and strong command of international humanitarian law (IHL) to join our team in a role central to our activities in the Middle East context.

WHO WE ARE 

The IHL Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth legal advice, training and advocacy on the laws of war to ensure the protection of people in conflict zones worldwide.

We engage in research, advocacy, and training to foster understanding and respect for IHL and for complementary rules of international law. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector and other stakeholders to respond to urgent needs and to promote the effective implementation of humanitarian standards.  

The Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia. In addition to its Unit in Africa, the Centre has teams based in Beirut, Geneva, and Jerusalem, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, East and Central Africa, and emerging crises worldwide.

Through our progressive and inclusive approach, we aspire to secure the strongest possible protection for every person affected by armed conflict. No one should be left unprotected; no situation is beyond the law. 

OUR VALUES AND COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

The IHL Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for the Centre to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. The IHL Centre therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.  

The IHL Centre as part of Diakonia is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom the IHL Centre and Diakonia engage. The IHL Centre expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.  The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organization. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Diakonia also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

THE MIDDLE EAST UNIT TEAM 

The Middle East Unit Team works with humanitarian actors and organisations in the Middle East region including Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and the GCC to enhance humanitarian protection and generate greater respect for international humanitarian law.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The project aims to improve humanitarian access and civilian protection in Yemen by building capacity, strengthening coordination and generating evidence‑based advocacy. It will train armed actors, security forces and Community Protection Groups on approaches to enhance Protection of Civilians, Civilian Harm Mitigation, IHL/IHRL, and enhanced civil‑military dialogue. Expected results are increased knowledge and willingness to protect civilians, empowered local groups, improved coordination that opens humanitarian access, and lasting, significant operational policy changes by duty bearers.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE

The Legal Adviser will support the implementation of the project’s legal and policy work, with a particular focus on international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), and civilian protection. The role combines legal analysis, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and support to partner organisations, with the aim of strengthening the understanding and application of international law among military, armed, governmental, humanitarian, and civil society actors.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and deliver training sessions on IHL, IHRL, and related protection issues for military and armed actors, humanitarian actors, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Participate in a Training of Trainers on the Stockholm Manual and deliver trainings to national and international staff on its methodology and practical application.
  • Conduct policy dialogue and legal engagement with relevant stakeholders, including military, security, and governmental institutions.
  • Draft legal briefs, Q&A notes, and other analytical outputs on protection issues and context-specific legal topics.
  • Produce legal analysis in conjunction with the Rapid Analysis Mechanism (RAM), including assessments of patterns of harm, potential IHL violations, and related recommendations.
  • Support partner organisations in the implementation of legal and policy activities as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Strong expertise in international humanitarian law (IHL), with solid understanding of international human rights law (IHRL) and international criminal law.
  • University degree in law (LLB or LLM), preferably with specialisation in IHL, IHRL, international criminal law, or related fields.
  • 2–3 years of relevant professional experience as a legal adviser, or researcher within an international organisation, the United Nations, an NGO, or an academic institution.
  • Proven experience in designing and delivering capacity building and training activities for diverse audiences, including military, governmental, humanitarian, and civil society actors.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent legal research and analysis, including drafting high-quality legal briefs, Q&A documents, and analytical reports in English and Arabic.
  • Experience engaging with policy or technical stakeholders, including participation in dialogues, consultations, or advocacy-oriented engagement with institutional actors (e.g. governmental or security sector actors), is an asset.
  • Familiarity with or ability to quickly work with structured legal analysis tools or methodologies (e.g. rapid analysis frameworks, verification or fact-assessment methods) is an asset.
  • Strong understanding of intersectionality and the age, gender, and disability dimensions of armed conflict is an asset.
  • Excellent written and spoken Arabic. Fluency in English is required

CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION 

Location: Aden, Yemen  

Yemeni nationals are encouraged to apply

Priority will be given to candidates based in Yemen. Should no suitable candidate be identified, the position may be filled remotely, provided the successful candidate is able to undertake frequent travels to Yemen as required.

Position type and duration:  Full-time position for 24 months.

The IHL Centre offers a competitive benefits package.  

Please, submit your CV and cover letter via impactpool no later than 12 July 2026.  

Only applications submitted via impactpool will be considered.

Ideal start date: 01 August 2026

For questions regarding the position, please contact Mohamed Elziadi (HR Partner), at mohamed.elziadi@diakonia.se 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.