Applying to the ICRC takes time and thought. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize your likelihood of being contacted by our recruitment team.

1. BEFORE APPLYING FOR A POSITION

  • Learn more about our activities and employees

The work and daily life of our teams vary from one country to another. Each area of work involves a set of challenges and difficulties for which specific skills are required. For these reasons, our needs evolve according to the country we work in.

Before applying, you should understand the conditions under which we operate, and know which countries we work in and what our activities are in the field. We work in potentially dangerous environments, so you must consider carefully whether you want to join us now or in the near future.

Visit our website icrc.org and follow us on social media to gain greater insight into our working environment and find answers to questions you may have. You will also see many testimonials from our employees, giving you more details about the profiles we recruit and working conditions in the field.

  • Receive personalized advice

We take part in various events designed to help you find a career at the ICRC: information sessions, job fairs, virtual conferences, and more.

Each year, we attend more than 300 career events around the world, many of which are open to the general public. They are an opportunity for you to meet our teams, receive more information about our activities and ask questions.

To find out where to meet us soon, visit our Meet Us Live page.

2. WHEN YOU APPLY FOR A POSITION

  • Make your CV stand out

Your CV is a key part of your application, so make sure you present your experience and highlight your skills to catch our attention. Read the job description carefully, then focus on the experiences and skills that fit the job you are interested in.

Remember to adapt your CV to the position you are applying for. Personalization is very important and will be decisive when we pre-select candidates.

Finally, please note that our recruitment team receives a large volume of applications, so clarity and concision are important. Before applying, make sure your profile matches our requirements in the “Professional experience required” and “Desired profile and skills” sections of the job description.

  • Tell us your story

Your story is unique. At the ICRC we give careful attention to your cover letter, so be authentic in telling us why you want to work with us and what drives you to join our organization.

Understanding your motivation to work in the humanitarian sector and the reasons that convinced you to apply to the ICRC is decisive.

It is very important for us to identify your personality and ensure that you understand what working with us entails. Places affected by armed conflict are dangerous, and it is our duty to make sure that you are prepared for this type of environment and have a clear understanding of what is expected of you.

  • Prepare your documents

At the application stage of the process, please make sure you provide the following documents.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that other documents may be requested at different stages of the recruitment process.

  • CV

Please be sure to provide clear and readable copies.

  • Cover letter

Please be sure to provide clear and readable copies.

  • Manual driving licence (field positions)

Please be sure to provide clear and readable copies. To learn more about this requirement, visit our Working In The Field page.

  • Work certificates

Please be sure to provide all your work certificates or any other documents confirming your past employment (with job titles and start and end dates). These will be taken into account when determining your salary.

  • Diplomas

Please be sure to provide clear and readable copies. For health positions, a valid licence to practise in your country of residence will be requested.

  • Passport copy

Please be sure to provide clear and readable copies (if possible in colour).

Please note:

  • we do not accept unsolicited applications
  • in line with the ICRC’s Fundamental Principle of neutrality, we do not send employees to countries of which they are nationals.

3. AFTER APPLYING FOR A POSITION

To learn more about the recruitment process, visit Our Recruitment Process page.