Visiting Professional Placement at the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague: Registry Legal Office [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 24350, the ICC is inviting applications for a Visiting Professional placement in the Legal Office of the Registry at its duty station in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Registry Legal Office (RLO) supports the legal functions of the Registrar under the Rome Statute, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Regulations of the Court and of the Registry, the Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules and other instruments governing the ICC. Its work covers four areas: regulatory and compliance, litigation, external affairs and judicial affairs. It drafts and negotiates contracts, drafts legal instruments for the Court, advises on issues affecting the functioning of the Court, drafts and reviews Registry judicial filings and litigates employment-related matters. The RLO is headed by the Senior Legal Adviser.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser, the Legal Adviser or other designated RLO staff, the visiting professional will:

• Conduct extensive legal research and analysis.
• Contribute to preparing and drafting (complex) legal documents, including legal submissions, correspondence, memoranda, opinions and briefs.
• Contribute to advice to the Registrar, client sections and (senior) officials of the Court.
• Assist in negotiating contracts, agreements and memoranda with various parties within the Court.
• Prepare summaries and updates on legal and factual issues.
• Monitor judicial proceedings, advise on decisions and prepare summaries and digests for the Registry.
• Support the operational framework for legal services, including work flows, SOPs, systems, databases and central repositories of legal opinions, research, agreements and contracts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education: a university degree in law, with sound knowledge of public international law, international criminal law, contract law or (international) administrative law as relevant to the RLO. An advanced university degree is a strong asset. A very good record of academic performance is expected.
• Experience: at least 3 (three) years of relevant full-time professional experience. Candidates with less than three years of experience are not eligible for a Visiting Professional placement but may apply for an internship.
• Skills: excellent research, analytical and drafting skills; ability to adapt to multicultural and multilingual working environments; strong teamwork skills; a good standard of computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• 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.

The vacancy states that visiting professionals are required to work full time for a period of six months, to be agreed before commencement.

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).
• Two reference letters (one academic).
• Scanned copies of university degrees and/or diplomas.
• Scanned copies of official academic transcripts stating courses, results and completion dates.
• One short essay on a subject relevant to the work of the Court (maximum 750 words, single spaced, typewritten).

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 24350 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.