Global Surge Clinical Health/Surgeon

The Norwegian Red Cross (NoRC) is part of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network with millions of volunteers operating in 190 countries. The RCRC Movement’s mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

The NoRC Global Surge Team (GST) consists of experts who deploy to complex emergencies, mainly embedded in ICRC/IFRC operations, with a focus on health-related projects. We are now looking for an experienced general trauma surgeon with leadership, managerial, supervisory, and training skills to join our Global Surge Team.

Global surge delegates are deployed to emergency operations, possibly on short notice and typically lasting between 2 and 4 months (although shorter and longer deployments can be requested), and to spend up to 36 weeks per year deployed. The candidate must be very flexible and have the ability to work in environments that can be physically and psychologically challenging, including conflict and other high-risk locations.

The position is temporary for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Duties and responsibilities

The deployments vary in nature and tasks, and the delegate must be prepared to have responsibilities ranging from leadership, management, coordination, and mentoring, to hands-on clinical work:

• Deliver timely and appropriate surgical care (directly or in support).
• Ensure compliance with surgical standards and protocols; supervise surgical practices, contribute to complex clinical decisions, and maintain proper follow-up and records
• Provide oversight and guidance in pre-operative assessments, surgical planning, and intraoperative monitoring; contribute to quality improvement efforts in surgery, trauma care, resuscitation, and peri/postoperative management
• Offer continuous technical support, coaching, and mentorship of medical teams and host National Society, including developing skills and/or provision of training of local staff and volunteers.
• Conduct rapid assessments and needs analyses related to surgical care, and ensure timely reporting
• Contributes to the strategic management of the surgical care, including evaluating and forecasting surgical material/equipment and infrastructure needs and developing technical content.
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals or similar documents, ensuring all surgical aspects are well-integrated

Between deployments, the GST members are requested to:

• Maintain a high level of readiness and actively prepare for upcoming missions
• Undertake all necessary preparatory and follow-up work related to deployments
• Participate in unit- and team-meetings
• Engage in continuous professional development activities
• Provide ad hoc technical advice and support as required

Qualifications

Required

• Medical qualification and postgraduate specialization in general surgery
• A valid license to practice in country of residence
• 10+ years of clinical experience, including 7 years of professional surgical experience
• Experience in coordination, leadership or managerial roles within surgical department/s
• Proven ability to lead multi-cultural teams and to effectively transfer knowledge and build capacity
• Experience in surgery in crisis and low resource settings
• Fluent in English

Desirable

• Experience in ICRC (The International Committee of the Red Cross) or other field related hospital/clinic interventions
• Good understanding of humanitarian disaster response systems, and especially the WHO EMT classification and minimum standards
• Experience and competency in point of care ultrasound particularly for Extended FAST
• Experience and competency in caesarean sections
• A working knowledge of Norwegian, French, Arabic or Spanish
• Computer proficiency

Personal qualities

• Flexible, positive and solutions oriented
• Excellent ability to handle stress, insecurity and unpredictability
• Excellent team player who collaborates well, share knowledge and information
• Ability to work independently, structure and prioritize own work
• Ability to set and work towards goals and results
• Strong diplomatic skills, understands his/her role and is culturally/contextually sensitive
• Ability to motivate and guide others

We can offer

Why should you apply?

• Meaningfulness: You'll be a part of the world's largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local communities.
• Impact: You will contribute to improving the health of the most vulnerable people affected by conflict and protracted crisis.
• Career opportunities: You will have excellent learning and professional development opportunities.
• A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated, and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins.

Contract duration: This is a temporary position for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Start date: As soon as possible

Base : The position is open to applicants based in Norway and abroad. Norwegian-based applicants must be allowed to work in Norway (possess a valid work permit). We offer a relocation package and immigration support for candidates relocating to Norway. For candidates based outside Norway, the final employment modality will be determined based on the assessment of the selected candidate's personal situation, nationality, country of origin and residence, and other relevant factors, to ensure compliance.

Application: Please submit your applications by 10 August 2026

Your application must include:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter outlining availability, relevant professional experience, and experience with cross‑cultural collaboration (Maximum length: 700 words)
Applications and CVs must be submitted in English

Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are shortlisted will be contacted. Annual medical clearance is a mandatory requirement for this position. Candidates must be in good physical and mental health. We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.

The Norwegian Red Cross is committed to ensuring diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, physical abilities, nationality or ethnical background. Please indicate in your application if you have any special needs for facilitation during the recruitment process.

The Norwegian Red Cross has zero tolerance policy to any form misconduct, including but not limited to fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, child abuse, information security breaches and emblem misuse. Successful candidate will be obliged to complete reference and background checks prior to signing the contract.