application

At the ICRC, we are driven by a shared mission: to help people affected by conflict and violence. We uphold seven Fundamental Principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality – that guide our work in the world’s most challenging environments.

Are you a talented and committed individual who shares our values? On this page, we will guide you through everything you need to apply for a job at the ICRC.

Our recruitment process: step by step

Vacancies are published on our jobs page. For local opportunities, please visit this page or our LinkedIn page. If you apply via the career website, you can check the status of your application at any time.

Please note:

We do not accept unsolicited applications.
Your CV and cover letter should make clear why you want to join the ICRC and be tailored to the specific role you are interested in.

Our dedicated recruitment team will carefully review all applications and shortlist those who best match the given role and our values. If you are shortlisted for the next stage, you will receive an email inviting you to take part in tests and/or interviews.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete one or more of the following:

Pre-recorded videos: Record your answers to questions on our platform. This helps us assess your motivation and fit for the job and the organization.
Language tests: We evaluate your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using online testing tools.
Technical tests: You may be asked to complete tests relevant to the position. These can be done online or offline.

For further advice, go straight to the Application tips section.

You may be invited to one or more of the following interviews, depending on the role:

Human resources interview
Technical interview
Panel interview

For resident positions, selection generally leads to hiring, and you will receive information about the next administrative steps. For mobile positions, being selected does not automatically mean you are hired. Instead, you will join a candidate pool and may be deployed when a suitable assignment becomes available.

For more details on applying for mobile positions, please refer to the Global opportunities section.

As outlined in our Code of Conduct, we are committed to protecting and responsibly using our resources, and creating a safe and respectful environment for our staff, partners, and the people we assist.

To fulfil these commitments, the ICRC conducts thorough background checks of candidates. This may include vetting for criminal convictions, disciplinary or administrative sanctions, and potential misconduct. The ICRC is a proud partner of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. As part of this process, previous employers may be contacted to corroborate any findings or allegations.

Global opportunities: Join our talent pools of mobile staff

In the fast-paced world of humanitarian response, having a ready network of qualified professionals is crucial. This is why we use talent pools. Basically, these are selections of pre-assessed candidates who possess the skills and experience we frequently need for our field assignments.

Being selected for our talent pool reflects your commitment to humanitarian work. While you are not yet deployed, we will prioritize offering you your first mission at the earliest opportunity, based on your availability and the needs of our operations.

Watch this video to find out more about pool recruitment at the ICRC.

Important information:

In line with the ICRC’s Fundamental Principle of neutrality, we do not send staff members to countries of which they are nationals.
Your assignment is contingent on your obtaining medical clearance.
For the first 24 months, your dependents (family, partner, etc.) cannot accompany you on assignment and your assignments are chosen by the ICRC.
After you have been hired for an assignment, you are automatically considered for other assignments and training opportunities, including at headquarters in Geneva.

With each successive assignment, you can build your career as a humanitarian professional at the ICRC.

Application tips

Understanding the contexts in which we operate is crucial before applying, particularly as we often work in volatile environments. It is imperative to weigh this consideration before proceeding with your application. Our operations are diverse, spanning different locations and roles, each accompanied by its unique challenges and demands for specific skill sets.

To delve deeper into our operational environment and address any questions you may have, we invite you to:

Your CV and cover letter are the cornerstones of your application. Make sure they highlight your strengths and accomplishments in a clear and concise manner. Read the job description carefully, then focus on the experiences and skills that fit the job you are interested in. Remember always to adapt them to the position you are applying for. Aligning your CV to the role helps us understand how your profile fits in with the requirements for the job.

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

When you register on the career website, you will create an account where you can upload documents to complete job applications. It is important to note that you will not need to upload these documents for every application, but you will have the flexibility to modify them as needed.

As mentioned above, we use different types of assessments and tests for different job opportunities at the ICRC.

To better prepare for the tests: