Despite the growing challenges and risks faced by the humanitarian community, the youth today is more keen to work in the humanitarian sector than ever before. More than 800 fresh graduates as well as young professionals looking for challenging and rewarding career opportunities visited the stall set up by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the recently-held annual Delhi University job fair on 11 and 12 June.

A visitor at the ICRC stall. ©ICRC, Tanvi

“There aren’t enough people promoting the idea of serving humanity and improving the condition of the people who bear the brunt of violence and war. This is the only job fair where I have come across an organisation that is doing this work. This was the best stall in terms of the opportunities I have been looking for,” said Ankit Luthra, who has worked as a CSR professional in an international organisation.

This is the first time the ICRC participated in a job fair in India. Its HR team responded to enquiries about the organisation’s activities, the international career opportunities it offers as well as the different recruitment criteria and procedures involved.

A lot of interested aspirants read through a range of ICRC publications and booklets. Jyotika Kapoor, who has worked as a researcher on environment-related issues, said, “I keenly follow the changing situation and developments across the world and want to work for the people who are affected by violence and extreme conditions. I am from a generation which is more aware of the needs of the people and I want to be a part of the humanitarian community.”

As many as 35 organisations, largely from the corporate sector, participated at the two-day fair organised by the Delhi University Students’ Union.

Priyanka Punj, a Chartered Accountant by training, who was at the fair, explained, “Many of us have worked in organisations and reputable companies which do a lot of substantial work. But I and some of my friends are not satisfied and we want to be part of an organisation that addresses real concerns of the vulnerable.”

The ICRC recruits for many positions, which include Administrators, Bilingual Assistants, Delegates, IT Assistants, Data Administrators, Engineers (Water & Habitat and Civil), Electricians, Interpreters, Medical Doctors, Nurses, Orthotists/Prosthetists etc.

Snapshots from the two-day event (©ICRC, Tanvi)