Global Surge Team

Join our Global Surge Team for a rewarding, challenging and flexible opportunity.


What is the Global Surge Team? 
The Global Surge Team (GST) is IRC’s roster of highly qualified humanitarian professionals from 40+ countries, available to deploy around the world on short notice, to non-emergency and emergency contexts across the IRC.  GST staff provide specialized support where talent is most needed for short-term, full-time deployments up to three months.

The GST is made up of two categories of deployable professionals:
  • Emergency Surge Team: Emergency professionals who typically deploy to start up and support emergency responses.
  • Non-Emergency Surge Team: Profiles in a variety of programmatic sectors and functional areas who typically deploy to non-emergency situations including critical gap-fills and operational & technical support for longer-term programs. 

Team of senior, technical experts from around the globe
Since 2022, GST staff have deployed to over 40 countries, in all regions where IRC operates. Our GST team is made up of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and language abilities in a wide-range of senior management and specialized operational and technical roles, such as Finance, Supply Chain, Safety & Security, Health, Violence Prevention, Education, Economic Recovery & Development, Strategic Leadership, and Awards Management.

Many GST staff speak multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and/or Arabic.
 
Why join the GST? 
  • Global Reach: GST staff can be based in any country and will have the opportunity to deploy and provide support to IRC country programs worldwide, providing the roster staff with global exposure and experience.
  • Dedicated Support Team: GST staff have the benefit of being part of a unique and international team, supported by HQ-based technical and operational focal points in addition to their in-country leads while deployed. Access to dedicated administrative and logistical support from the Deployment Support Team throughout deployments.
  • Personal Development & Learning: Access to IRC’s learning platform Kaya. 
  • Flexible Employment: GST staff are considered occasional employees who have the flexibility to take on outside consultancies or contracts when not deployed with IRC.

Global Surge Team Roster Benefits & Resources 

Medical Coverage
Coverage while deployed: Medical Evacuation (ISOS), Business Travel Medical, Travel Accident, Workers’ Compensation, Retirement Savings Plan, Sick Days, and COVID Leave.
Personal Development
Variety of online learning and continued education through our learning platform, Kaya. 
Mental Health Support
Free & private consultation and counseling sessions offered in multiple languages to assist you with managing any work or personal related concerns, such as stress and building resiliency through our EARP program. 

What our GST Roster members are saying

"I particularly valued the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of tasks, which significantly facilitated my rapid learning, especially since these were my first assignments with the IRC. This variety not only deepened my understanding of the organization but also allowed me to learn more about the humanitarian realities of the countries I focused on. The teams I worked with always made me feel like a valued member, despite the temporary nature of my assignments. I cherished the opportunity to provide the essential coordination support, enabling team members to contribute their expertise while maintaining focus on their primary responsibilities.”
Louise Vandenberghe, Grants Coordinator
"I enjoyed the flexibility of the roster and the variety of assignments; I got a chance to work in different countries and regions and it has been interesting to look at the similarities and differences in these contexts. I gained a much better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, which has proved particularly helpful when trying to maximize my impact in short deployments. The practical benefits of the roster (annual leave, medical insurance, pension etc.) are also a plus of the GST, as this is not common in other organizations’ similar rosters."
Martina Vendramin, Deputy Director of Programs
"Being part of the Global Surge Team (GST) with the IRC for the last year and a half has been a dynamic and impactful experience. The flexibility and opportunity to work in diverse environments such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Ukraine, as well as with the LATAM regional office, each with its unique challenges and rewards, have been both demanding and fulfilling. Yet, I can always count on the excellent and continued support of the Deployment Support Team to ensure that communication is accessible and seamless when getting assigned to deployments, making the entire process smoother and efficient.

Being part of this roster has allowed me to be part of a larger team of professionals who make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by humanitarian crises so they can survive, recover, and rebuild their lives."
Andrea Camino Madiedo, Grants Coordinator
"Being part of GST is a great formula, as it allows me to discover new country programs, to provide immediate support that take the pressure off the country office and to forge very strong links with incredible teams while continuing some more personal projects on the side (teaching, research, family). It's very dynamic, rewarding and well organized by IRC."
Elodie Andrault, Country Director

Commonly Asked Questions:


About the role & expectations: 

Benefits and resources

Hiring and Interview Process