NANDIKA JOON
TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE SCHOLAR • IHL • SECURITY GOVERNANCE • ARMS CONTROL • EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Summary
Researcher specialising in defence and security sector governance with advanced training in Transitional Justice, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and Security & Defence Law. Experienced in qualitative and mixed-methods research, state practice analysis, and rigorous source validation. Brings an interdisciplinary background combining law, security studies, and technical understanding of dual-use and emerging technologies.
Research & Professional Experience
Intern — Arms Control & Disarmament Department
Feb 2026 – May 2026Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Geneva
- Internship within Arms Control and Disarmament; research support for policy-facing outputs and internal briefs.
Legal Intern
Mar 2025 – Apr 2025International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), New Delhi
- Drafted blogs, briefs, and structured summaries on IHL issues and programmes.
- Researched international courts’ jurisprudence on armed conflict and IHL; produced research notes.
- Analysed state-level implementation mechanisms and institutional gaps, including National IHL Committees in South Asia.
- Researched protection of journalists and war correspondents under IHL.
- Mapped state practice on legal reviews of weapons and supported collection of India’s state practice for customary IHL (incl. appellate judgments).
- Researched digitisation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent emblems; supported collation and organisation of programme data.
Legal Trainee
Nov 2024 – Jan 2025Adv. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, New Delhi
- Drafted and reviewed petitions, written submissions, and interlocutory applications before the Delhi High Court and District Courts.
- Conducted structured research across constitutional, civil, criminal, and corporate matters; synthesised statutes and precedents into analytical briefs under deadlines.
- Prepared case briefs and analytical notes; flagged procedural/substantive risks and evidentiary strengths.
- Supported client consultations and documentation workflows requiring accuracy, discretion, and organised information handling.
Legal Intern
Sep 2024 – Nov 2024Adv. Sudesh Kumar Kataria, Gurugram, Haryana
- Assisted legal aid / pro bono matters involving human rights violations, domestic violence, and social welfare schemes.
- Drafted complaints, affidavits, and rejoinders for trial courts and legal aid authorities; supported evidence preparation/verification.
- Contributed to outreach and legal awareness initiatives; supported research/documentation on accountability mechanisms.
Legal Intern
Jun 2023 – Sep 2023DeJure Legal Solutions, New Delhi
- Supported litigation work before Tis Hazari Court, Tribunals, and the Delhi High Court (under Advocates Atul Kumar Sharma and Virender Singh).
- Conducted research and drafting on contractual disputes, consumer protection, employment law; prepared structured summaries and case reviews.
- Observed court proceedings; produced case summaries and research notes; supported hearing preparation and document readiness.
Education
Geneva Academy — MAS, Transitional Justice & Rule of Law
PresentOptional courses: Weapons Law; Displacements and Armed Conflict in International
Law.
Indian Society of International Law — PG Diploma (IHRL / IHL / Refugee Law)
2024–2025Coursework: IHL, Human Rights Mechanisms, Refugee Protection. Secured
Second Position.
Research papers on humanitarian protection, arms control obligations, and state responsibility.
Research papers on humanitarian protection, arms control obligations, and state responsibility.
NALSAR — MA, Security & Defence Law
2022–2024Focus: armed forces law, defence procurement & technology, security governance,
arms control.
Dissertation on national security law / defence policy / civil–military relations (India; comparative elements).
Dissertation on national security law / defence policy / civil–military relations (India; comparative elements).
University of Delhi (Law Centre 1) — LL.B.
2021–2024Optional: International Humanitarian Law. Relevant coursework: Public
International Law, Company Law, ADR.
Coordination support for academic sessions / seminars.
Coordination support for academic sessions / seminars.
DIT University — B.Tech, Computer Science
2017–2021Foundation in AI technologies and dual-use innovation; skills in data analytics
and digital documentation.
IBM Explorer Awards: Artificial Intelligence Analyst and Cloud Application Developer.
IBM Explorer Awards: Artificial Intelligence Analyst and Cloud Application Developer.
References available upon request.