With the increasing frequency and severity of climate related disasters, and escalating tensions around the world resulting in conflict, there is a constant and ever-growing need for international support on the ground. Our team here in Australia regularly monitor the roles and skills called for to support these disasters across the world to identify any gaps and ensure that our delegate pool has the range of expertise needed to meet future demand. Our International Deployment team are in regular contact with other National Societies – sharing insights and tools to support the recruitment of new delegates around the world. This also helps to ensure there’s a diverse talent pool and we’re not all recruiting people with similar profiles. When a need for a new type of delegate is identified, the team here in Australia will begin the recruitment process to fill the gap. There is a complex competency framework involved in the recruitment of a new delegate. Technical skill and ability are important, however they might be an exceptional candidate here in Australia but unable to perform in challenging circumstances out in the field.
Therefore an assessment of their resilience and psychological profile is key – understanding their capabilities and motivations, strengths and vulnerabilities. A huge amount of screening and assessments are required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved. Australian Red Cross delegates must also understand and commit to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and recognise that while on deployment they are representing the organisation 24 hours a day. This means putting any personal, religious or political beliefs aside. It’s your support that enables us to continue to build the right delegate pool here in Australia, assessing the right candidates for the roles, and ensuring that we are ready to meet the ever growing and evolving needs of disasters and conflicts. And to be there for our delegates on the ground supporting them through their deployment.
Delegates on the frontline of support At the heart of Red Cross is the humanitarian responsibility to prevent and alleviate human suffering, wherever needed. In a disaster or crisis, if our Movement partners request help, we can be there thanks to your support.
In an emergency, the international call for delegate support will come from the IFRC or ICRC at the request of the National Society. In Australia, we will nominate the best delegates from our pool of specialist humanitarians based on the needs on the ground. We currently have a pool of 130 active delegates across 23 technical sectors, and we are particularly known for our medical expertise, as well as specialisms in shelter and protection (gender and inclusion). Delegates are deployed to areas of greatest need and we currently have 15 Australian delegates out in the field, including five currently situated in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. These delegates are medical specialists, including a surgeon, three nurses, and an engineer, who are supporting hospital operations providing urgent medical care to the wounded. We have also channelled funding from supporters to the ICRC and the IFRC to fund the humanitarian response in the region. All components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are responding to the humanitarian crisis and supporting affected communities. The Palestine Red Crescent and Magen David Adom - working alongside ICRC and IFRC – are on the frontlines of the response.
Your support helps to prepare and deploy these delegates to where they are needed most – facilitating safe assignments across the world.
Cassie Stephens – currently on deployment in Vanuatu:
Australian Red Cross delegate Cassie Stephens is currently on a three-month deployment in Vanuatu after it was hit by three powerful cyclones in seven months. Thanks to your generosity, she can be there to help people respond, recover and prepare. After her application was accepted and funding was
Dr. Fatima Kanesh is one of the Red Cross doctors that has provided over 5 million instances of care to people affected by the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes. Image: Jani Savolainen/ IFRC
approved, flights and accommodation were quickly arranged by the Australian team and Cassie packed her bags. Within 48 hours, Cassie was on the ground in Vanuatu helping people, communities and the local National Society. At every stage of the deployment, Cassie is grateful for the support she receives from our team here on the ground in Australia, made possible thanks to your support. “I genuinely believe in the Australian Red Cross team - they want you to do well and you can feel it. They will engage if you’re missing anything or if they see there’s any issues so they’re like a mother hen for us. I know they’ve got my back – it’s a respectful relationship.” Receiving regular check-ins with the Australian team gives Cassie the chance to relay any concerns, address issues that need attention and enjoy some welcome praise that gives her the motivation to keep the flame of humanity burning brightly, “They make you want to come back.”
Deployments of Australian delegates in 2023
Netherlands 1 Switzerland 6
Hungary 6
Bulgaria 2 Georgia 1 Turkey 3 Syria 3 State of Palestine 1 Lebanon 1
Afganistan 1
Libya 3
Myanmar 1
Nepal 6
Sudan 2
Philippines 1
Djibouti 1
South Sudan 3
Colombia 1
Malaysia 1
Nigeria 1
Kenya 2
Congo 1
Fiji 5
$18,500 supports specialised training for aid workers to ensure they’re prepared to respond to disasters internationally.
$45,000 helps support the cost of an aid worker assignment overseas.
$96,310 could support the
Vanuatu 5
Tonga 3
operational costs of deploying aid workers to international crises.
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