The ICRC recruits expatriates on the basis of strict criteria. We select people who will be able to quickly and effectively conduct humanitarian activities in the field. In addition to the required technical skills, you will need to demonstrate a professional commitment and personal qualities that match the ICRC's mission.

The recruitment criteria for specific jobs appear in the description of each post, under the heading Job opportunities.

The main general criteria

Age: 25 to 35 years. Depending on the occupation and the post, we may be able to be flexible on this point. However, you will need to be able to integrate quickly into the specific context in which the ICRC works.

Personal situation: You will need to be available unconditionally for your first two years in the field. In some cases, you may not be able to make any home visits for 12 months at a time. You must therefore be willing to accept temporary separation from your emotional and family environment. Your family may be able to join you after this initial period, but that remains difficult in most countries affected by conflict.

Languages: You must have reached a level equivalent to the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE/C2) and the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF/C1) in English and French. If English or French is your mother tongue, this requirement will not apply to you with respect to that language. If you speak other languages of relevance to ICRC operations (Arabic, Russian, Spanish, etc.), that would be an additional advantage.

Work experience: You must have at least two years' successful work experience. Technical staff must have at least three years' experience in their fields.

Training/education: The training and education required depends on the occupation. Generally speaking, you will need to have a university degree or equivalent. For technical posts, you must have completed appropriate training.

Health: You will need to be in good health to live and work in what are often difficult conditions. You will have to undergo a thorough medical examination before taking up employment.

Driving licence: You must have a valid manual driving licence (not just a licence for automatic transmission) and an international licence.

Computer skills: You must be familiar with the Microsoft Windows environment.

Legal action: You must not be involved in any unsettled litigation and you will have to provide evidence that you have no police record.