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Volunteer Positions

Beginner International Humanitarian Law Instructor

Responsibilities

Beginner International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Instructors train to teach the American Red Cross one hour class on IHL called Even War Has Rules. 

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This class is a quick overview of IHL, touching on the basics of major IHL topics. It is designed for a 45-minute to one-hour presentation and covers the following topics:

  • Brief Red Cross Movement and ARC history

  • Definition IHL

  • Armed conflict definition

  • Armed conflict classification

  • Rules of Engagement

  • Principles of IHL

  • Protected people

  • Protected places

  • Distinctive emblems

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In addition to teaching the course, basic level instructors will: coordinate with their Services to Armed Forces and/or International Services Regional Lead to plan their trainings and presentations, report attendance and responses by course participants, provide feedback to the full-time IHL team on course materials, and conduct ongoing study of IHL. 

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Qualifications

· Demonstrates a passion for IHL and an interest in learning more about this body of law.

· Has excellent project management, facilitation, and communication skills.

· Displays flexibility, adaptability, initiative, and teamwork.

· Possesses the ability to present potentially sensitive and politicized issues in compliance with the American Red Cross's neutrality mandate.

· Upon acceptance must complete Basic IHL instructor certification

· Must present some IHL content at least twice annually to maintain instructor certification.

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Intermediate International Humanitarian Law Instructor

Responsibilities

Intermediate International Humanitarian Law Instructors teach the American Red Cross one-hour and three-hour classes, called Even War Has Rules (description above) and Born on the Battlefield, respectively. 

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Born on the Battlefield goes more in-depth into IHL than the Even War Has Rules course, while making the connection between IHL and the origins of the American Red Cross.  It includes three additional topics:

  • Definition of a civilian

  • Definition of a combatant

  • Direct participation in hostilities

 

In addition to teaching these courses, Intermediate IHL instructors also coordinate with the SAF Regional Lead to plan trainings and presentations in the Instructor's region, report attendance and responses by attendees within the IHL reporting system and to the SAF Regional Lead, provide feedback to the NHQ IHL Team, develop and mentor basic level instructors, and conduct ongoing study of IHL. 

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Qualifications 

· Successfully taught at least 6 months and three outreach or class events at the Basic Instructor level (this can be waived under appropriate circumstances)  

· Upon selections, passes the Intermediate Level Instructor course and be certified as an Intermediate Level Instructor.

· Has a passion for IHL and an interest in learning more about this body of law.

· Has excellent project management, facilitation, and communication skills.

· Must display flexibility, adaptability, initiative, and teamwork.

· Must possess the ability to present potentially sensitive and politicized issues in compliance with the American Red Cross's neutrality mandate.

· Must present some IHL content at least twice annually to maintain instructor certification.

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Expert Level International Humanitarian Law Instructor

Responsibilities

Expert Level International Humanitarian Law Instructors teach the American Red Cross one-hour, three-hour, and eight-hour classes called Even War Has Rules, Born on the Battlefield, and Humanity in War respectively. 

 

Humanity in War is also called An IHL Primer for Professionals or the Professional Training Course. It is the most comprehensive IHL course we offer. It is suitable for law school workshops and is approved for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in some states.  Some of these states may require that the instructors be attorneys to qualify for CLE credit.  This course is designed to be team taught with two or more instructors.

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In addition to teaching these courses, Expert IHL Instructors coordinate with the SAF Regional Lead to plan trainings and presentations in the Instructor's region, report attendance and responses by attendees within the IHL reporting system and to the SAF Regional Lead, provide feedback to the NHQ IHL Team, develop and mentor basic level instructors, and conduct ongoing study of IHL. They may also be asked to assist in the development of new material or conduct courses tailored for specific audiences such as leaders of international non-governmental organizations, diplomats, or private sector workers. 

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Qualifications

· Be nominated by the SAF Regional Lead and NHQ for advancement to Expert Level Instructor.

· Has successfully taught at least 6 months and minimum of five outreach or class events at the Intermediate Instructor level (this can be waived under appropriate circumstances).  

· Pass the 2-day IHL Train the Trainer course.

· Has a passion for IHL and an interest in learning more about this body of law.

· Has excellent project management, facilitation, and communication skills.

· Displays flexibility, adaptability, initiative, and teamwork.

· Is willing to assist lower level Instructors with specific IHL questions.

· Possesses the ability to present potentially sensitive and politicized issues in compliance with the American Red Cross's neutrality mandate.

· Must present some IHL content at least twice annually to maintain instructor certification.

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Other Opportunities

We are always looking for volunteers for a wide array of projects. If you are interested in supporting the International Humanitarian Law mission, but believe that your talents are suited to something other than instruction, please contact us at IHLaw@redcross.org. 

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We are also looking for a 2019 Clara Barton Legal Fellow. For more information, click here.

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