How to apply to Finnish Red Cross Delegate Reserve

The reserve enables the chance to work as a humanitarian abroad, but for most members, this possibility can come a few years into the membership depending on their role and humanitarian needs of the time. There are multiple trainings (for example IMPACT, ERU Induction, Specialized ERU) to take before most members are ready to deploy.

Please note that it usually takes 1-2 years to complete the full training path, and after that, the deployment possibilities are based on then-current needs. All our delegate trainings and events are in English. This is because the teams working abroad are always multi-national and we need to be sure all our delegates are able to cooperate with our partners.  

Please note that you are not applying for a specific job position but instead a membership in the Finnish Red Cross aid worker reserve. Finnish Red Cross will offer members of its reserve short-term deployment possibilities based on the current global needs. Deploying on short-term disaster response operations is generally not a full-time career option.  

The next round of applications to Finnish Red Cross Delegate Reserve takes place 17.12.2025–5.2.2026 until 23.59 Finnish time. This is the only application period taking place in 2026. Follow us on social media for updates (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram). 

Successful candidates are invited to attend one of the two IMPACT trainings organised in 2026 at Finnish Red Cross Training Centre in Heinola. 

The IMPACT trainings in 2026 will take place 31.5.–6.6. and 3.–9.10. 

The training fee is 140 euros, with 20 euros discount for Finnish Red Cross members. 

The Finnish Red Cross organizes applicant webinars in January 2026 to support those who are interested in applying to the Finnish Red Cross aid worker reserve.  

The webinar target groups and times are the following:

• Medical field and healthcare: Thursday 8.1.2026 at 17.00–18.00 Finnish time. Sign up for the webinar here. The deadline for registrations to the webinar is on Thursday 8.1.2026 at 16.00 Finnish time.
• All applicants: Wednesday 14.1.2026 at 17.00-18.00 Finnish time. Sign up for the webinar here. The deadline for registrations to the webinar is on Wednesday 14.1.2026 at 16.00 Finnish time.
• Technicians: Tuesday 20.1.2026 at 17.00-18.00 Finnish time. Sign up for the webinar here. The deadline for registrations to the webinar is on Tuesday 20.1.2026 at 16.00 Finnish time. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying 

1 Are you eligible? 

Take time to thoroughly read about Finnish Red Cross delegate reserve and requirements for international aid workers (Finnish, Swedish and English) before you begin to apply. 

Professionals living in Finland and those living abroad who have a strong connection to Finland can apply for the reserve. Remember, Finnish Red Cross aid workers have specific areas of expertise. If you do not see your area of expertise, that may mean you do not meet the minimum requirements. 

Our applicant FAQ may cover some of your initial questions. 

If you are an internal applicant (currently employed by Finnish Red Cross), kindly contact your line manager before applying. 

2 Apply through TalentAdore 

Submit an application to Finnish Red Cross Delegate Reserve through TalentAdore once the call for applications is open.  

The application process has been divided into the professional competence categories explained on our website (in Finnish, Swedish and English). Please note that you can send your application in one professional category only, so choose the one that best fits your professional profile. Your key professional competencies and diverse skills and experience will be considered in the reserve recruitment process. Please remember to apply only in one category. 

Your application supplements the information you provide in your CV, which is required to be attached in the application form. We are interested in learning more about your skill set, areas of interest within Finnish Red Cross international aid as well as motivation and expectations in relation to our delegate reserve.   

If you apply as a communications (audiovisual) professional, be prepared to provide relevant publications, samples of work, or a portfolio. 

The open professional categories in the next application round (17.12.2025–5.2.2026) are: 

• Medical Delegate
• Nurse / Midwife Delegate 
• Technician Delegate
• Cook Delegate
• Logistician Delegate
• Audiovisual Delegate
• Information Management Delegate 

Application links will be added here once the application period starts.

3 Wait while your application is being processed 

Please be patient. 

Finnish Red Cross may contact you during the application process. If you are eligible to apply and meet the requirements, we may invite you to the next part of the application process, which includes a short interview in English through Microsoft Teams. 

We conduct background checks on relevant candidates. 

All applicants are informed of the results, regardless of the outcome, by the end of March 2026. Applicants will be informed about the next steps of the selection process during the application review period. 

4 Invitation to the basic training course International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT) 

Congratulations, your application was successful! The review panel considered all the shortlisted applications together and welcomes you to attend IMPACT, the basic training course for future delegates. 

5 After IMPACT 

Congratulations! You have now successfully completed IMPACT and are ready to join a network of 1000+ dedicated professionals in the Finnish Red Cross delegate reserve. You might need to complete further Finnish Red Cross trainings after IMPACT before you are ready for deployment. 

If you encounter problems in the application process or have questions our applicant FAQ doesn't answer, you can contact delegate.learning@redcross.fi