Volunteer Humanitarian Observer - Immigration Detention Monitoring Program - Sydney NSW

Volunteer Humanitarian Observers participate in and support visits to immigration detention facilities to monitor conditions of detention and the treatment of people in detention.

• Ongoing role
• Essential: Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin or Hindi language spoken
• Regular site visits over one to several days as well as preparatory and debrief meetings
• Regular engagement through training and information sessions
• Must be able to commit at least two or three days during a single week each six monthly cycle, plus be available for meetings
• Please list your times and days of availability on the application form

Why choose to volunteer with Red Cross?

• You can help improve lives and create a positive impact in your community
• It’s an opportunity to enhance your skills & knowledge & gain new experiences
• You’ll be helping Red Cross to support vulnerable people across Australia

The program

The Australian Red Cross Immigration Detention Monitoring Program (IDMP) conducts regular independent monitoring of immigration detention facilities across Australia. We observe the conditions of detention and the treatment of people in detention. We aim to ensure that their health, dignity, and wellbeing is being upheld and protected, raising any concerns with the Australian Government. In all activities, our volunteers, members, and staff are guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.  

The opportunity

As a member of a team, you would accompany the Lead Humanitarian Observer in regular monitoring visits to the Immigration Detention Facility. This role demands excellent communications and interpersonal skills, empathy, and observation skills, as you engage with people in detention, listening to their experiences and issues of concern, observing how facilities and programs are run, and general conditions. You will need to be able to make quick but thoughtful assessments of what issues can and should be addressed, when to refer to other support services, and be willing and able to seek help when appropriate. You will also participate in key meetings with stakeholders, working with interpreters, and helping prepare for visits. You must be respectful of all security, safety and health protocols and maintain the confidentiality of information obtained during visits to immigration detention facilities. We operate as a team, and value everyone’s contributions, sharing ideas, concerns and all lending a hand where needed, all in the name of humanity.        
 

The impact

As a Volunteer Humanitarian Observer, you will meet with people in immigration detention and on-site stakeholders, representing Australian Red Cross and working within our Humanitarian Diplomacy framework. Your assessments, interviews and observations will contribute to recommendations to the Australian Government that promote respect for humanitarian values, meet humanitarian needs and adhere to relevant domestic and international standards for detention.

Application requirements

• For this role you will be required to undertake a National Police Check which will be organized through Red Cross
• For this role, you will also be required to complete an additional assessment coordinated by the Australian Government, in line with the mandatory requirements for working within an immigration detention environment
• You will need to provide a recent copy of your CV and details for two professional references
• The role will also require you to hold or apply for a Working With Children Check or Working With Vulnerable People Check depending on your State/Territory.  Red Cross can assist you to apply for this check.

Further information 

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Sarah Miller via email at idp@redcross.org.au.  

Thank you for considering volunteering at Red Cross. We also have great career opportunities, please visit our website https://www.redcross.org.au/careers/