Detention Doctor International Humanitarian Register)

Must speak Arabic, French, Russian and/or Spanish in addition to English

Australian Red Cross is seeking skilled Detention Doctors to join our International Delegate (aid worker) Register. From the Delegate Register, Detention Doctors can be deployed internationally by the Red Cross to support operations and provide professional assistance to individuals and communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or conflicts. Deployments typically last for six months but more likely 12 months and are salaried.

Please note that recruitment 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.

If you are interested in working internationally with Red Cross, we encourage you to read the below role profile which provides additional information on the requirements of this position, to consider your suitability. Please note that we are only able to consider applications from candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

Australian Red Cross’ International Delegate Register The Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world. It comprises the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (Federation) and 192 National Societies. The RCRC mandate is to protect and support populations experiencing conflicts, disasters and other vulnerabilities.

ARC maintains an active register of highly screened and trained humanitarian workers (referred to as delegates within the Red Cross) who are deployed to international crises when local capacity is overwhelmed or where additional specialist resources are required.



Deployments take place through fixed-term contracts, with delegates seconded into the operations of the ICRC or Federation.

In all activities, Australian Red Cross’ delegates, staff, volunteers and members are guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Humanity • Neutrality • Impartiality • Independence • Voluntary Service • Unity • Universality.

To read more on these principles, visit https://www.redcross.org.au/about/fundamental-principles/

Detention Doctor Position Summary

Australian Red Cross (ARC) has a long history of working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) (where relevant) to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or internal violence. ARC has been recruiting and placing aid workers to work within the ICRC programs and projects overseas since the mid 70’s.

The ICRC works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. The ICRC takes action in response to emergencies and directs and coordinates the international activities conducted in these situations while at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law. The ICRC is an independent and neutral organization with their mandate stemming from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.





The ICRC detention doctor visit places of detention as part of a team of ICRC delegates. The role primarily examines everything relating to individual and collective detainee health: hygiene, access to water, nutritional status, access to food and medical care and the functioning of the healthcare system within the detention facility. The role also involves examining specific cases and documenting instances of torture and other types of ill-treatment, both physical and psychological.

Essential Requirements

- Citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
- Level B2 (CEFR standard) in a second language (Arabic, French, Russian or Spanish).
- Extensive (3 years or greater) qualified experience as aligned with the technical and behavioural competencies (outlined below).
- Previous international humanitarian in low-income countries (non-government organisations, international organisations or charity).
- Availability to deploy for a minimum of 6 months, but more likely 12 months.

Essential Qualifications and Professional Registrations

- Bachelor or Doctor of Medicine qualification.
- Current registration with Medical Board of Australia, through AHPRA.
- Master in Public Health qualification.

Additional Essential Requirements

- Digital Literacy, including ability 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.
- Personal motivation to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities impacted by disasters or armed conflict.
- 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.

📌 Detention Doctor (International Humanitarian Register) (Melbourne)
🏢 Australian Red Cross
📍 Melbourne