IFRC Internship Programme: Stipend-Supported Opportunities in Humanitarian Work
Overview
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) offers internships to students and recent graduates who want practical experience in the humanitarian sector. The IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian network, bringing together 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Internships are available in offices around the world and may involve humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness and response, health, logistics and supply chains, communications, programme management, monitoring and evaluation, finance, human resources, administration, community resilience, and migration and displacement.
Many internships are ad hoc, so openings appear according to organizational needs.
Who can apply
The programme is aimed at current students and recent graduates. Applicants should either be enrolled at a university or equivalent institution in a field relevant to the IFRC's work, or have graduated in a relevant field, normally within one year of the hiring date. Current students must provide an endorsement letter confirming their enrollment and continued student status for the whole internship.
What you get
Interns receive a stipend to help cover expenses. The amount is set by Human Resources in Geneva or by the relevant IFRC office, so it differs between vacancies. Interns are generally responsible for their own costs, including medical insurance and accommodation. The IFRC does not provide accommodation assistance, although the HR contact may offer information about local housing.
Interns work alongside experienced professionals, can use workshops and online courses on the IFRC learning platform, and join a multicultural community of interns and young professionals. An internship does not guarantee or create a commitment to future employment, though former interns can apply for later vacancies that are filled competitively.
Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another IFRC working language, such as French, Spanish or Arabic, is an asset, and a local language may be desirable depending on the location.
How to apply
All internship vacancies are published on the IFRC's official jobs portal, and open applications are not accepted. Applications are made online, and candidates are generally asked about their availability, field of competency and educational background. The IFRC states that it charges no fee at any stage of recruitment and never asks applicants for banking details.