The ICRC strives to offer its staff a level of pay and benefits that are commensurate with their responsibilities. Its pay policy is based on equity, transparency and recognition of a professionally challenging situation. The staff have excellent social benefits.

Benefits for expatriates

The ICRC offers expatriate staff benefits that take account of the special conditions of expatriation and the need for a strong professional commitment at all times.

• Salary: salary is set in accordance with a scale that takes account of the staff members training and experience and the importance of his/her position. The scale is based on a system of classes containing a detailed definition of the relevant functions and skills. The salary also reflects the level of the staff member's performance.

• Housing (while on mission in the field): provided by the ICRC.

• Insurance: under Swiss law, expatriates are obliged to be affiliated to the federal old age insurance, disability insurance and unemployment insurance schemes. They are insured by the ICRC against accidents (this is obligatory) - including the risks of war - illness and loss of earnings. They bear part of the cost of the premiums. They are also obliged (under Swiss law) to become members of the ICRC pension fund if they have a contract lasting more than three months.

Annual leave: six weeks.

• Capital Avenir: a lump sum that gradually accrues to each person, as of the third year under contract. The Capital Avenir can be used while under contract or on leaving the ICRC. It aims as a priority to help finance training, a career change or retirement benefits.

Benefits for delegation employees

Every ICRC delegation offers its national staff benefits and pay that are in keeping with local practice. The salaries offered are usually above average in terms of the local job market. Employment conditions reflect national legislation and take account of local habits and customs.