Visiting Professional Placement at the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague: External (Defence or Victims) Legal Teams [Unfunded; Apply by 31 December 2026]

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Under requisition 24248, the Counsel Support Section of the ICC Registry is inviting applications for Visiting Professional placements with External (Defence or Victims) Legal Teams at its duty station in The Hague, Netherlands.

External Legal Teams represent defendants or victims before the Court. They are composed of one or more persons admitted to the List of Counsel and any persons assisting them (legal assistants, case managers, etc.), and they perform their duties independently.

The vacancy announcement is used to give hiring managers a list of suitable candidates from which they may make a selection throughout the year, so applicants must state their availability when applying.

• Prepare background documents on factual issues related to the case.
• Carry out research and produce reports and opinions on issues relevant to the case in the Visiting Professional's field of expertise.
• Other tasks proposed by counsel.

• Education: a relevant degree from a recognised university; an advanced degree will be a strong asset. A very good record of academic performance is expected.
• Experience: at least 3 (three) years of relevant professional experience. Practical experience relevant to the work of the Court may be considered an asset. Candidates with less than three years of experience are not eligible for a Visiting Professional placement but may apply for an internship.
• Skills: excellent drafting, research and analytical skills; ability to adapt to multicultural and multilingual working environments; strong teamwork skills; good computer skills including Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Casemap, TRIM and Ringtail is an asset.
• Languages: proficiency in English or French is required, with working knowledge of the other desirable. Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish is an asset.
• Nationality: the ICC's Visiting Professional FAQ states that, unless otherwise specified in the vacancy, candidates from non-State Parties are eligible to apply. This vacancy specifies no restriction, so Indian professionals may apply. Nationals of non-represented and under-represented countries are encouraged to apply.
• Under ICC Administrative Instruction ICC/AI/2017/005, a child or sibling of an ICC staff member is not eligible.

Visiting Professionals work full time for a period between one and six months, agreed before commencement. The vacancy header lists a contract duration of 6 months. Placements are not extended beyond six months.

Under the ICC Administrative Instruction on the Visiting Professionals Programme, a certificate confirming the placement is issued on successful completion of a placement of at least one month.

The ICC states that internship and visiting professional placements are unfunded. The Court cannot provide any remuneration, nor reimburse expenses incurred before, during or after the placement. Applicants must be able to support themselves for the entire duration of the placement.

• A completed 'Duties and Responsibilities Form' (step 1 on your eRecruitment profile page).
• Motivation letter (maximum 400 words).
• One reference letter.
• Optional: a short essay or writing sample on a subject relevant to the work of the Court (maximum 750 words, single spaced, typewritten).
• All documents must be in English or French; official documents in another language need a complete and accurate translation together with a copy of the original.

The ICC only accepts applications submitted through its career portal and does not accept email applications. Register with ICC eRecruitment, complete your candidate profile, open requisition 24248 and click 'Apply', then submit the application following the system prompts. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2026.

Due to the volume of applications received, only successful applicants will be contacted by the Court.