International Disaster Responders

How Does the American Red Cross Respond to International Disasters?

As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross maintains a roster of trained disaster responders in selected priority technical areas. Our help is triggered by a request from the local Red Cross or Red Crescent team in the country affected and can take the form of people (disaster experts in specific role profiles) or financial contributions to a pooled movement funding source to support the disaster response work.

When Does the American Red Cross Deploy International Disaster Responders?

The American Red Cross plays a different role in international crises than in domestic disasters. Since each country’s Red Cross and Red Crescent organization has their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to large-scale disaster operations, we send specialists abroad only after the Red Cross or Red Crescent team requests assistance. On average, the American Red Cross deploys 20 to 30 roster members each year to international disasters.

Who Can be an International Disaster Responder?

The American Red Cross maintains a roster of disaster responders to deploy during global crises. International disaster responders are highly specialized and experienced professionals with technical skills and established expertise in one or more sectors listed below.

Our current priority response technical areas include:

Emergency Relief and Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA): Roster members deploy to international disaster zones in a wide variety of emergency relief roles to help meet the immediate needs of people impacted by crises. These teams use innovative tools to identify and register beneficiaries, as well as distribute vital relief items such as food, water, and shelter items. Teams can also facilitate the issuance of cash transfers or vouchers, which empower individuals and communities to recover in a dignified, expedient manner. Click the links below to learn about delivering cash to communities in need.

Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITT): ITT teams design, implement, and maintain essential communication systems and infrastructure to support effective disaster response operations and provide services to affected populations. These teams establish and maintain critical communication networks to ensure seamless information flow. They set up and support communications equipment (such as radios, repeaters, satellite phones, and VSAT) and design and manage network infrastructure. ITT teams also provide technical support for computer workstations and network applications, and they train field staff on equipment usage. Additionally, they document network setups, manage ITT assets, and collaborate closely with partners, including the Host National Society and IFRC, to promote effective and coordinated responses.

Learn more about how Red Cross Training Prepares Responders for International Disasters here

Communications: Communications team members support the development and execution of systems and strategies for emergency communications. These members share and exchange communications assets, ideas, learnings, skills expertise and resources across the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) global network to support team members during international disasters.

Planning, Information Management, Monitoring & Systems (PIMMS): Information Management and Geographic Information Systems specialists manage and deploy tools that can help teams rapidly collect, analyze, and disseminate information to aid disaster response decision-making. They create a variety of products - including maps and infographics - to help visualize and understand the impact of the disaster and identify needs.

Operational Management & Leadership: Highly trained American Red Cross disaster response managers provide strategic and operational leadership within relief operations on behalf of the affected country or region, ensuring appropriate coordination with relevant actors on the ground (including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the local Red Cross or Red Crescent society, and other relevant actors.)

Required Skills

At a minimum, international disaster response roster members are required to meet the following:

A minimum of two years’ field experience in the international development/aid field, or at least three national or international-level disaster response deployments.

Availability, on short notice, for assignments lasting a minimum of eight consecutive weeks, as well as ongoing availability for annual training and refresher courses.

Significant technical expertise and demonstrated experience in at least one of the American Red Cross's priority response technical areas.

Professional fluency in English is required, and a preference for language skills in Spanish, French, or Arabic.

Motivation and strong commitment to the Red Cross Red Crescent’s Fundamental Principles.

Excellent physical and mental health and be able to submit an annual health form, as needed.

Diplomacy, teamwork, problem-solving skills, cultural sensitivity, tolerance, flexibility, and the ability to function effectively in a demanding and often rugged environment.

Ability to live and work effectively in high stress, insecure, and volatile situations for extended periods of time under basic or sometimes harsh living conditions.

How to Join the American Red Cross' International Disaster Roster

Given the unique nature of these assignments and the critical need for highly experienced responders, targeted recruitment takes place only once or twice per year, or as the need arises. The next recruitment period will open in January 2025. Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor redcross.org/volunteer and reliefweb.com.

Those interested are required to create a Volunteer Connection account which includes the successful completion of a background check.

Roster applicants selected to move forward in the process undergo a series of interviews. If successful, candidates are invited to a week-long International Mobilization and Preparation for Action (IMPACT) training. IMPACT is a requirement for international deployments.

The World of Red Cross and Red Crescent

This is an online course that provides detailed information about the global Red Cross network. It can be accessed through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Learning Platform.

How Can I Learn More?

For more information about the roster and the application process, please watch the recording of a recent informational session.

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