Surgeons for international disaster response

Would you like to use your knowledge and experience as a surgeon in humanitarian disaster situations?

The Danish Red Cross is seeking experienced surgeons (general surgery, orthopedic surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery) for international disaster response.

As part of the international disaster response capability you may be deployed on short notice when a natural disaster or conflict suddenly occurs somewhere in the world. If you are deployed, you will become part of the Red Cross’ humanitarian aid work in disasters at Red Cross’ own field hospitals or hospitals supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

It is a requirement that you

• Have at least 5 years of professional experience as a practising surgeon (specializing in either general surgery, orthopedic surgery or plastic and reconstructive surgery), including at least 2 years of international experience in developing countries.
• Have completed specialist training and a valid license to practise as a surgical specialist
• Speak fluent English (minimum C1 level) and language proficiency at least B2 level in either French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian.
• Can be deployed as an officer on deployment for a minimum of 8 weeks
• Have a valid international driver’s license (manual)
• Can allocate time to complete mandatory courses before first deployment
• Have good collaboration skills, strong intercultural understanding, and be good at handling stress
• Are willing to live and work in insecure areas
• Have a Danish passport

Being part of the disaster readiness is not a full-time position, and our members typically have a regular job, with an agreement with their employer to release them for deployment with the Red Cross. During the period you are deployed with the Red Cross, you are under contract and paid by us. As part of the readiness, you are neither guaranteed deployment nor obliged to accept if you are offered a deployment.

At the Red Cross we invest in your training as a deployed person. It is important that you as a deployed person are thoroughly prepared and trained to be able to work in disaster areas. Therefore you must first complete and pass a number of courses before you can be deployed for the first time, including both e-learning and week-long in-person courses. No wages are paid during courses, but all course expenses including accommodation are covered by the Red Cross.

If you are interested in being deployed and meet the above requirements, you can contact [email protected] for further information (please write in English). We interview candidates for the readiness on an ongoing basis.

Please note that it is a requirement that you have experience working in developing countries in order to be considered.

Department: Health Roster Standby

Application deadline: 31 December 2026

Location: Health Roster Standby / Titangade, 13, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark