What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the Position

The ICRC is regularly faced with challenges related to weapon contamination. Such contamination can be of a conventional or non-conventional type (CBRN) and includes unexploded or abandoned ordnance, landmines, and weaponized or industrial toxic agents.

To support field needs, the ICRC is recruiting qualified candidates to join its pool of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) professionals, contributing to risk management, operational continuity, civilian protection, and support to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in weapon contamination activities.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

In a country of deployment and as part of the Weapon Contamination (WeC) team, the EOD Specialist:

• Develops a thorough understanding of the weapon-contamination situation and provides ICRC management with hazard identification and risk assessments regarding the impact of weapon contamination on staff and civilians.
• Participates in all aspects of WeC operations, including surveys, data gathering and management, planning and prioritization, and removal of explosive ordnance.
• Develops and maintains standing operating procedures (SOPs) and other guidelines for WeC-related activities.
• Ensures WeC activities facilitate and complement other aspects of ICRC emergency work (e.g., relief distributions, water provision and dead body management).
• Contributes to Conduct of Hostilities work through post-strike scene analyses and reporting.
• Provides training, mentoring, guidance and support to national mine action organizations and structures.
• Develops working relationships with relevant stakeholders (National Societies, authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian and development organizations), identifying opportunities for cooperation on WeC-related activities.
• Supervises WeC and ICRC support staff contributing to the WeC programme.
• Contributes to the definition of objectives and priorities; supports the implementation of annual planning objectives.
• Participates in drawing up and implementing the WeC budget.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with delegation management (Head of Delegation/Mission), WeC staff (WeC Coordinator, WeC Regional Adviser, etc.), and technical reference persons at headquarters.
• Externally, interacts with local government representatives, civil authorities, military authorities, the National Society, and maintains working relationships with relevant organizations, including UN agencies and humanitarian/development partners.

Education & Experience Required

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) with minimum 5 years’ relevant experience and demonstrated capability in management, planning and training/capacity-building; or First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with: minimum 7 years’ military (or relevant police) experience at officer level, or minimum 11 years’ relevant experience as a senior non-commissioned officer.
• Minimum EOD Level 3 qualification (from an internationally recognized military or police training establishment).
• Basic training in CBRN reconnaissance level.
• At least 6 years overall professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in a weapon contamination / WeC-related field.

Desired Profile & Skills

• Experienced and successful EOD operator (IMAS EOD level 3).
• Knowledge of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) operations.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and in complex and high-risk contexts.
• Ability to train, mentor and build capacity of national partners.
• We welcome applications from experienced professionals as well as early- and mid-career EOD specialists wishing to further develop their international humanitarian profile.
• A history of publications is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English (C1 or above) is required.
• Fluency in French is a big advantage. French-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as French is frequently used in our operational environments and coordination with partners.
• Arabic or Russian is an asset.

Our Operational & Field Constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first six months of their first mission (minimum 12 month assignment).
• Due to operational needs and a fast-changing context, the selected candidate can be assigned to another location.
• The ICRC recruits EOD Specialists globally; applications from candidates of diverse national backgrounds are encouraged, as nationality may affect assignment possibilities depending on operational contexts.

What We Offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Online trainings and onboarding course.
• Competitive employment package with attractive social benefits (including pension plan, medical and accident cover, etc.).
• Annual paid leave: 25 days.
• Benefits linked to duty station hardship: Additional R&R days, hardship allowance
• Accommodation provided and paid by ICRC.
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.

Please consult this page for more information on our package offer.

Additional Information

• Type of Position: Mobile.
• Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Renewable).
• Estimated Start Date: Selected candidates will integrate in the pool and will be deployed in the field depending on operational needs.
• Location: Global Field Deployment
• Application Deadline: 28/02/2026

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page. The ICRC also values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly from female EOD Specialists, as well as from individuals directly affected by weapon contamination, including survivors of mine accidents, whose experience can greatly inform and strengthen our work in this field.