• 12 month position (option to renew for a further 12 months)
• 12- 15 hours per month
• Volunteers are also required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as per government mandate for essential workers and volunteers).

The program

The Australian Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Program seeks to prevent and alleviate suffering in times of war and conflict and promote non-violence and peace by working towards the following outcomes:

• Australians in war and conflict understand that wars have laws and apply them;
• Australian law and policy reflects IHL and humanitarian principles; and
• the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has maximum global impact in IHL, and Movement members achieve their local humanitarian objectives.

As a member of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, Australian Red Cross has an obligation to promote awareness about IHL or the laws of war. In this work, the organisation is supported by IHL Advisory Committees which operate in most States and Territories and provide IHL expertise to the IHL Program. IHL Advisory Committee members are bound by the Terms of Reference of the IHL Advisory Committees.

The Community Speakers Network (CSN) is an Australian Red Cross group which will provide essential support to the IHL Program by promoting awareness of IHL and the work of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to the general community (excluding schools, universities and corporate groups). The CSN Convenor will be responsible for promoting the CSN to community groups and coordinating the work of the CSN in disseminating IHL to the community.

The opportunity

This role will suit someone who has a strong interest in IHL and is passionate about disseminating IHL throughout the wider community. The ideal candidate will have experience in volunteering and/or volunteer coordination as well as the ability to effectively engage with community groups and develop networks.

The impact

As Convenor of the CSN, you will be able to engage in and coordinate others to carry out community activities aimed at increasing awareness of IHL, humanitarian action and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In this role you will also be able to attend and participate IHL Advisory Committee meetings on a regular basis. The Convenor’s role is the key liaison between the IHL Advisory Committee, the CSN members and the IHL Program in their State or Territory; as well as the group of CSN Convenors across the country.

Please note: you will be required to upload a recent copy of your CV to submit this application.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.