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By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPRedCrossIntl image

Dear Cindy: 

What sort of staff does the International Red Cross hire?

Sincerely,

Interested

Dear Interested: 
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) primarily hires people for work in the field – often in locations of conflict – where they provide material and/or medical assistance to civilians, prisoners, and detainees. Also, about 800 people work at the Geneva head office, and their main role is to provide advisory, support, and coordination services for field activities. However, the IFRC does not recruit staff directly to its headquarters: they must have previously worked in the field for the ICRC, regardless of their training or skills.

According to the IFRC, field positions include those for:

  • Senior managers experienced in international humanitarian relief and development programs.
  • Development specialists who have experience in institutional and organizational development, disaster preparedness, fund-raising, development of community organizations and NGOs.
  • Health professionals experienced in public/community health or water/sanitation.
  • Financial managers experienced in managing large budgets and administrative systems and in managing and training staff.
  • Logistics and relief specialists experience in disaster response; and telecommunications, media, and information specialists.

    • Specifically, for health professionals, the IFRC's Health Services Unit has four specialized departments:

  • Medicine and community health.
  • Surgery and hospital assistance.
  • Physical rehabilitation.
  • Health in places of detention.

    • National Red Cross groups also contribute healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, prosthetists, and nurses), logistics, and other personnel (known as delegates) to IFRC projects, as needed.

    They also make extensive use of volunteers at local, in-country levels including those – depending on the needs in the community – who work in fund-raising, provide first aid, drive ambulances, run help-line telephone services, distribute food, organize disaster preparedness, and visit old people.

    Also see Dear Cindy - American Red Cross Jobs .
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