Physiotherapist Delegate for Emergency Response Operations.

Please note that this advertisement concerns application for training with subsequent admission to our Emergency Response Unit (ERU) roster as a Physiotherapist delegate. It does not concern a specific, nor permanent, position within the Norwegian Red Cross.  

An Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is designed to offer immediate assistance and is normally operational for up to four months. An ERU is composed of trained delegates who deploy with standardized equipment.

The Norwegian Red Cross (NorCross) maintains a roster of trained specialists (delegates) ready to be deployed anywhere on short notice in response to international emergencies (natural disasters, conflicts, war zones or health emergencies). Delegates work closely with the local Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society to provide specific services where local infrastructure is damaged, temporarily out of service, out of reach or insufficient to cope with the needs. 

NorCross’ ERU delegate roster consists of persons who are able to respond to an international health emergency on short notice. Most of the delegates have a full-time job in EU/EEA and Switzerland with permission from their employer to take leave of absence if asked by NorCross to go on mission. The length of a mission is usually minimum 4-6 weeks and the delegate receives salary from the Red Cross while on mission.

We are currently looking for an experienced physiotherapist with a strong technical background and with extensive and diverse working experiences. The candidate must be able to work in low resource setting in a Red Cross Emergency Clinic and Hospital in international Red Cross operations and with patients ranging from pediatric to adult patients, surgical and non-surgical cases. Norwegian Red Cross will prioritize physiotherapists that have experience from working in low resource settings.  

Candidates who do not meet the requirements of EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship and 12 hours proximity to Oslo, Norway will not be considered for this position. 

For further information see Job Description

Working Conditions  

Difficult and demanding working conditions, due to the nature of an emergency situation and proximity to disaster-affected area. The following conditions are to be expected in the field: 

• Very basic living standards, likely in tents during the entire mission   
• Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources
• Movement restriction  
• Stressful rapidly changing environment with limited information to make decisions  

 Prerequisites for all applicants

• Norwegians, EU/EEA and Swiss citizenship or valid work permit in EU/EEA/Switzerland Minimum three years of work experience relevant to your profession   
• Fluency in English (written and spoken). French, Arabic or Spanish is an asset 
• Driving license (class B – manual gearbox)    

To be accepted onto NorCross’ ERU roster, you must complete our recruitment process (application, interview, reference checks), complete appr. 24 hours of online training and attend the following trainings: 

• IMPACT (International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion). The course lasts one week and aims to prepare delegates for international field work with the Red Cross through theory and practical activities.
• ERU Training. The training simulates a deployment of an Emergency Hospital, with other health sectors working together in a scenario-based training. This is a pass/non-pass training, and delegates will be evaluated by experienced aid workers.
• Role specific trainings. There might be additional role specific trainings.

Once you have completed the necessary training and courses, you will be included in the ERU roster and may be contacted by NorCross when there is an ERU deployment.   

Please specify your motivation, availability, relevant professional experience and experience with cross cultural cooperation and communication in your application (max 700 words). Only applications and CVs in English will be considered  

Relevant candidates will be invited for interviews.