POSITION DESCRIPTION – TEAM MEMBER
Position Title
Volunteer Humanitarian Observer
Department
Migration Support
Programs
Location
Perth, WA
Direct/Indirect Reports
N/A
Reports to
Humanitarian Observer
Date Revised
9 June 2017
 Position Level Descriptor
An individual at the Team Member level is accountable for their own performance and contributes to team
performance. People at the Team Member level do not have any people reporting to them on a day to day
basis.
 Position Summary
The Immigration Detention Monitoring Program aims to promote a protective environment for people held in
the Australian detention network. Red Cross access to detention facilities is governed by a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). Red Cross observations
and humanitarian diplomacy are conducted in a neutral, impartial and independent manner and aim to
promote respect for fundamental humanitarian needs, and adherence to relevant domestic and international
standards governing detention.
Volunteer Humanitarian Observers support lead Humanitarian Observers in undertaking visits to detention
facilities throughout Australia to monitor detention conditions, with a particular focus on treatment, access to
medical and legal services, and family contact.
During visits, Volunteer Humanitarian Observers meet with individuals and groups of people in detention to
discuss key issues impacting on their treatment and welfare, as well as the general conditions of detention.
They conduct initial analysis of the information provided to them by people in detention and report these
back to the lead Humanitarian Observer in preparation for Red Cross humanitarian diplomacy to the
detaining authorities. Prior to and following humanitarian monitoring visits, Volunteer Humanitarian
Observers may also provide administrative and reporting support relating to their observation and client
engagement.
This role works with the lead Humanitarian Observer visiting Immigration Detention Facilities which may be
located in metropolitan or remote locations.
 Position Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Humanitarian Observation and Monitoring
 Undertake regular monitoring visits to detention facilities in Australia include pre-visit briefings and postvisit debriefings.
 Meet with people in detention individually and in groups to assess and monitor conditions of detention
and key issues which impact on their well-being, health and dignity.
 Ensure advocacy is based on facts and evidence collected by Red Cross.
 Provide referral information and support to detainees.
Position description: Volunteer Humanitarian Observer
Immigration Detention Program
Date: Nov 2011
www.redcross.org.au
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 With the lead Humanitarian Observer, document observations and information regarding conditions and
treatment and assess issues of humanitarian concerns against needs, evidence and monitoring
standards.
 Identify and, where required, research current and emerging issues.
 Perform administrative tasks as required.
 Position Selection Criteria
Technical Competencies
 Demonstrated experience in client engagement, assessment, and the provision of information, and
referral services.
 Ability to provide support to and effectively engage with highly vulnerable individuals and groups from
diverse cultural backgrounds, including people who have experienced torture and trauma, or have been in
a correctional facility previously.
 Demonstrated capacity for strong observation and analysis of humanitarian issues.
 Demonstrated ability to prepare timely, clear and concise reports, and correspondence.
 High level interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and an ability to work effectively with a
broad range of people.
 Ability to work within the Red Cross Fundamental Principles in a demanding and politically sensitive
environment, including discretion in managing sensitive and confidential information.
 Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and people in detention.
 Capacity to work independently with limited supervision, and also as a member of a team.
 Computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Qualifications/Licenses
Essential
 Background in social sciences, legal or human services and/or other relevant experience
Desirable
 Previous experience in the refugee/asylum seeker sector.
 Experience working with interpreters.
 An understanding of the Australian immigration detention environment and Australian immigration
processes.
 Current Driver’s Licence.
Behavioural Capabilities
 MODEL | Demonstrate Care and Commitment | Demonstrates the Seven Fundamental Principles
of the Red Cross Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service,
Unity and Universality
Actively demonstrates behaviours consistent with Red Cross Fundamental Principles | Assists others
within the framework of Red Cross goals and Fundamental Principles | Shares skills and encourages
clients to learn | Acts as a practical resource to vulnerable people | Identifies and addresses needs,
issues and concerns of clients | Consistently demonstrates behaviours in accordance with the Red Cross
Code of Conduct
Position description; Volunteer Humanitarian Observer
Australian Red Cross
Immigration Detention Program
Date: Nov 2011
page 2 of 3
 THINK | Organisational Understanding and Compliance | Demonstrates understanding of Red
Cross, its broader environment and complies with organisational procedures and guidelines
Demonstrates an understanding of the work of the domestic and international elements of the
organisation | Understands and works within levels of authority and delegation | Understands and
implements the policies and procedures of Red Cross | Understands the origins of the Movement and
basic principles of International Humanitarian Law
 COLLABORATE | Teamwork and Collaboration | Works with others to achieve shared goals
Collaborates with team members to achieve shared outcomes | Actively participates in team decision
making | Contributes to team outcomes | Demonstrates an understanding of the links between personal
goals, team goals and organisational goals | Consistently participates in team building activities |
Demonstrates effective team behaviours such as respect, integrity, honesty, trust and support
 General
Conditions
All Red Cross staff and volunteers are required to:
 Adhere to the 7 fundamental principles of Red Cross:
Humanity | Impartiality | Neutrality | Independence | Voluntary Service | Unity | Universality
 Act at all times in accordance with the Code of Conduct
 Comply with the Work Health and Safety management system
 Undertake a police check prior to commencement and every 3 years thereafter
 Support a child safe organisation by undertaking screening for suitability to work with children, youth and
vulnerable people and to comply with relevant state/territory legislative requirements
 Assist the organisation on occasion, in times of national, state or local emergencies or major disasters
Position description; Volunteer Humanitarian Observer
Australian Red Cross
Immigration Detention Program
Date: Nov 2011
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