Humanitarian Observer

Colonial Group; Perth; On-site; AUD 53,000 - 76,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Health & wellbeing benefits

Career development

Job summary

Australian Red Cross invites applications for a role in the Immigration Detention Monitoring Program. Casual hours and a Perth location with visits to urban and regional detention facilities are expected.

The role monitors detention conditions and the experiences of people in detention, addressing humanitarian concerns through engagement with authorities and service providers. Ideal candidates bring humanitarian knowledge, experience with vulnerable groups, strong time management, and leadership

Qualifications

• Experience in humanitarian issues and environment.
• Engagement with people who have experienced grief, loss or torture.
• Operate under general direction within budget constraints.
• Ability to manage time and priorities across tasks.
• Capacity to lead visiting teams during monitoring visits.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Visit immigration detention facilities to assess conditions and experiences.
• Engage with authorities, stakeholders and service providers.
• Maintain records of discussions and recommendations.
• Work in designated blocks of time with hours varying by operations.

Skills

Humanitarian knowledge

Engagement with vulnerable groups

Time management

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Diplomatic communication

Education

Australian Driver's Licence

National Police Check

Working With Children Check

Job description

• Casual hours
• Perth location with detention visits to urban and regional areas

About Us

Australian Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement. We support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability. We act for humanity.

About the role

The Immigration Detention Monitoring Program regularly visits immigration detention facilities nationwide, to monitor treatment and conditions for people in immigration detention.

This role is responsible for visiting immigration detention facilities to assess detention conditions and the experiences of people in detention. The position identifies and addresses humanitarian concerns through engagement with authorities, stakeholders, and service providers, while maintaining records of discussions and recommendations. Visits are conducted in designated blocks of time, with hours varying based on operational requirements.

What you will bring

• Demonstrated sound technical knowledge and expertise in the field of humanitarian issues and environment
• Demonstrated engagement skills with people who have experienced grief, loss, torture, and prolonged institutional settings
• Ability to work under general direction from senior employees within clear objectives and budget constraints and work with and support teams and people from diverse backgrounds and create a collaborative working environment
• Ability to manage time, set priorities, plan and organise their own work and that of staff and/or volunteers
• Ability to manage and act as a visiting team leader for team members and volunteers during detention monitoring visits
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills; ability to work constructively and strategically with authorities in accordance with a Humanitarian Diplomacy approach.

• A current Australian Drivers Licence, National Police Check and Working With Children Check are mandatory requirements

Why work with us?

Work for purpose, know that the work you do enables Red Cross to support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability.

Red Cross respects, values and encourages diversity. We believe that diversity in our people enriches our organisation as well as the impact we have.

Benefits that act for you, while you act for humanity

Financial wellbeing: In addition to your salary, you can take advantage of salary packaging that could provide you with a great way to reduce the amount of tax you pay - and get more from your pay. You can salary package up to $15,900 for living expenses (such as rent, groceries, utility bills); up to $2,650 for holiday accommodation and meals when dining out; Novated car leases; superannuation

Health & Wellbeing: Free flu vaccinations, access to the Headspace wellbeing app, and EAP Services via Converge International. Employee discounts available for: First Aid and Mental Health Courses, fitness memberships with Fitness Passport, and health services with Bupa and Medibank.

Career development: Access to learning, training, and development

Further information

This role is covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award - Level 4, hourly rate from $46.70368 + casual loading.

For additional enquiries, please contact Sarah Miller via [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Whilst we appreciate interest in our roles, we will not be engaging with Agencies or Agency Candidates for this role.

Applications close: Monday 19 October 2026

Job Reference13871