7-11-2007 Job opportunities at the ICRC: how to apply
The ICRC's human resources policy and other useful information for potential staff
Engagement procedure
Once the ICRC has approved your application to work in the field, we will offer you a contract.
The contract
- We may offer either of two kinds of contract:
- Fixed-term: usually offered to technical specialists and health professionals who cannot stay abroad for long.
- Open-ended: usually offered to delegates, administrators, secretaries, IT specialists, etc.
- A three-month trial period starts on the first day of the contract.
- Every staff member must sign a pledge of discretion, which forms part of their contract.
- Salary, social benefits and a number of technical matters are dealt with during the recruitment interviews.
Preparing to leave on mission
When you start preparing for the field will depend on the date from which you have told the ICRC that you will be available. That date is usually the same as the contract starting date. Preparations for departure include settling your private affairs and obtaining vaccinations. Visa formalities are dealt with by the ICRC.
Introductory training course
- All new staff members hired for a mission lasting more than six months attend an introductory training course known as "Integration". The course lasts three weeks and usually takes place before you leave on your first mission, at the ICRC's Training Centre in Ecogia, near Geneva.
- Depending on the circumstances, you may take the introductory course during your first mission, at an ICRC Regional Training Unit.
Leaving on mission
- During the period leading up to your departure for the field, you will receive specific information on the country to which you have been assigned. You will also be told about your tasks, although these may change later if the situation so requires.
- The length of a mission varies with the country, the conflict and the ICRC operation. Generally speaking, a mission lasts one year. ICRC managers stay in the same post for longer, to ensure continuity of operations.
- You can not choose your assignment. Your place of assignment will depend on events and on operational requirements. For as long as you remain under contract, the ICRC reserves the right to change your place of assignment as required (this is a clause in the contract).
- A few days before leaving on mission, you will have a day of briefings at ICRC headquarters in Geneva.
