Energy Specialist (International Humanitarian Register)

Posted Wednesday 24 June 2026 at 2:00 pm | Expires Friday 31 July 2026 at 1:59 pm

Australian Red Cross is seeking skilled Energy Specialists to join our International Delegate (aid worker) Register. From the Delegate Register, Energy Specialists can be deployed internationally to support construction, water and habitat operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and provide professional assistance to communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or conflicts. Deployments typically last for 12 or 24 months and are salaried.

Deployment to the Delegate Register does not guarantee employment with Red Cross. It does, however, place the individual on standby to deploy and enables suitable preparation and training for deployment, should the need arise.

We only consider applications from candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

Technical Competencies for Energy Specialist

The WatHab Energy Specialists manage medium to large sized energy infrastructure projects and ensure their successful delivery within constraints of scope, quality, time and budget. They prepare, design, procure, implement and commission identified construction projects, manage relationships with partners, manage project resources and ensure project reporting.

Essential Qualifications

- University degree (or equivalent) and skilled experience in electricity architecture, civil engineering, or related fields.
- Project Management qualification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, CertIV) or equivalent demonstrated experience is required.

Other Essential Requirements

- Citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
- Fluent spoken and written English required (CEFR standard C1 or C2).
- Level B2 (CEFR standard) in a second language (French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian) strongly preferred.
- Significant (5+ years) professional experience managing WatHab sub‑speciality operations.
- Previous humanitarian and/or development experience in low‑income countries or countries impacted by disaster or conflict (non‑government organisations, international organisations or charity).
- Contract management experience—including service delivery and consultant contractors.
- People management expertise, including leading employees and volunteers.
- Digital Literacy, including ability to navigate digital devices (laptops, smartphones), analyse web‑based information and work effectively with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
- Ability to drive a manual car.




- Ability to adapt to and function effectively in challenging living conditions and potentially unstable security environments.
- Ability to work effectively while under pressure and within multicultural teams.
- Excellent organisational skills; able to prioritise a complex workload and to work autonomously as needed.
- Availability to deploy for assignments unaccompanied for a period of 12‑24 months.
- Has proficient knowledge of electrical engineering technologies and relevant experience designing and implementing medium to large electrical/energy projects in diverse operational environments, including solar system and energy storage.
- Has a good understanding of relevant IEC and national standards and is able to create comprehensive Terms of Reference and Project Proposals of low and medium voltage electrical installations. Is able to anticipate risks, propose mitigation measures and liaise effectively with stakeholders.
- Prepares and/or reviews advanced Feasibility Studies, in‑depth needs assessments and analysis of high‑voltage electrical grid systems, in line with the strategic vision of the Delegation and national policies.
- Develops comprehensive risk management and O&M; plans and can draw on lessons learned and disseminate them effectively.
- Understands the interconnectivity of essential services in urban settings and uses analytical skills to identify humanitarian needs and define project objectives that align with the rest of the WatHab program.
- Prepares testing method statements and consolidates testing and commissioning reports.

Teamwork and Collaboration

- Creates and fosters an inclusive team environment of collaboration and engagement to enable the team meet set objectives.
- Manages conflicts in a transparent and fair manner and focuses on finding solutions.
- Promotes regular opportunities for team development and ensures the team’s efforts are recognised both formally and informally.

People Management

- Pro‑actively drives and champions diversity, including gender balance, within the team.
- Ensures an inclusive work setting where staff feel connected, respected and have opportunities to grow for optimal delivery.
- Articulates what “great looks like”, models and sets performance standards using real‑life examples.




- Empowers individuals and managers to act independently and be accountable for effective performance management, including setting and achieving stretching and challenging goals.
- Coaches, facilitates and fosters individual growth to enable consistent development across teams.

Beneficiary and Client Focus

- Develops proposals for action consistent with global initiatives, maintaining a sense of purpose and focus on beneficiaries’/clients’ needs.
- Explores, anticipates and addresses the long‑term beneficiary/client needs.
- Draws on feedback to identify patterns and opportunities, make improvements and contribute to institutional learning.

Candidate Assessment

All candidates will be assessed based on technical and core competencies specific to this role. Candidates may be further invited to take part in a competency‑based interview, assessment centre and psychological assessment.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (PSEAH) & Child Protection

Australian Red Cross reserves the right to conduct background checks on all candidates, including police, working with children checks, personal reference checks and other checks Australian Red Cross considers necessary. Candidates who do not pass a work with children check, or whose background checks suggest they may pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of others will not be considered for this position.

Australian Red Cross participates in the global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) and is committed to preventing sexual misconduct or child abuse by individuals moving between humanitarian organisations across the globe. Australian Red Cross is also a child‑safe organisation. To uphold this commitment, Australian Red Cross will share sexual misconduct or child abuse concerns or investigations upon request with other participating organisations. Additionally, as part of our recruitment process, Australian Red Cross may contact previous employers to ask about any sexual misconduct or child abuse concerns or investigations. Visit The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme for more information.

Operational Constraints

In line with the principle of neutrality, staff seconded to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cannot be deployed to any country of origin. Delegates must be in good health and agree to participate in health clearance processes prior to any assignment.

Applications close 31 July 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

For more information on this role or working internationally with Australian Red Cross, contact Alice Fahey ( ).

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📌 Energy Specialist (International Humanitarian Register) (Melbourne)
🏢 Australian Red Cross
📍 Melbourne