New campaign aimed at finding volunteers
A recruitment drive was launched today for skilled volunteers who want to be deployed to humanitarian emergencies around the world.
Engineers, public health and logistic experts are among the careers needed by the Rapid Response Corps (RRC).
Successful volunteers are called on at short notice to assist Irish Aid’s humanitarian partners during emergency operations.
Peter Power, Minister of State for Overseas Development, revealed there have been 67 RRC deployments to 23 countries since the scheme was launched in 2007.
“Corps members are making a valuable contribution to saving lives and rebuilding the livelihoods of people affected by emergencies around the world,” he said.
Mr Power said the Haiti emergency underlines the importance of corps.
Six members are in the central American country working in the aftermath of the recent earthquake which devastated the capital.
Three – an ICT expert, an electrical engineer and a civil engineer – are based with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) while another is providing support to the civil military co-ordination function of the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Two logisticians are working with Concern and Goal.
“These highly-skilled volunteers are making a crucial contribution to the international recovery effort and working hard to respond to the needs of those affected by the devastating earthquake of January 12,” Mr Power continued.
“There are 11 other members serving in Afghanistan, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Sudan.”
The Minister revealed €1m has been allocated to fund the operation of the RRC this year – which will support the recruitment, training and deployment of members to destinations like Haiti.
He called for information management experts, experienced logisticians, public health and humanitarian co-ordination experts and engineers with a water and sanitation background to come forward.
“We are also keen to recruit volunteers with a second language and French speakers are particularly in demand,” he continued.
“This year, there is also a focus on civil-military co-ordination experts, an area of expertise in which I believe Ireland can develop a niche. I also want to recruit.
“We have seen – most recently in Haiti – that experts who can collate, analyse, map and present accessible information in emergencies are very much in demand among our humanitarian partners.”
For information about the Rapid Response Cops visit the Irish Aid website. The closing date for applications is March 5.
