Application Guide
How to Apply for Bilingual Consultancy for the Regional Adaptation of the Public Health in Emergencies (PHiE-A) Training Package – Americas Region
at International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
🏢 About International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian network, uniquely positioned to coordinate and support National Societies across the Americas. Working here offers the chance to directly strengthen emergency health capacities in diverse, disaster-prone regions, contributing to global health security and the Red Cross/Red Crescent's Strategy 2030.
About This Role
This consultancy focuses on adapting a comprehensive public health in emergencies training package for the Americas, ensuring it is bilingual and regionally relevant. The role is impactful because it directly builds the capacity of National Societies to respond effectively to health emergencies, creating a certified facilitator roster that multiplies the training's reach.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing PHiE-A modules in English, drafting Spanish translations, and consulting with subject-matter experts on regional adaptations. You could also co-facilitate a virtual training session for future facilitators, followed by coordination calls with National Society partners in different time zones to plan pilot trainings.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Is Looking For
- A public health specialist with a postgraduate degree and hands-on experience supporting National Societies in emergency health responses, particularly in the Americas.
- Proven expertise in designing and adapting training materials for adult learners, with a knack for making complex public health content accessible and culturally appropriate.
- Fully bilingual (Spanish/English) with excellent writing and translation skills, capable of producing polished, technically accurate materials in both languages.
- Experienced in virtual facilitation and capacity building, comfortable with online training platforms and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across time zones.
📝 Tips for Applying to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Highlight specific examples of adapting training packages for public health emergencies, especially if you've worked with Red Cross/Red Crescent or similar humanitarian organizations.
Demonstrate your bilingual proficiency by submitting a writing sample or portfolio that includes materials in both Spanish and English, ideally related to public health.
Show your understanding of the Americas region's public health challenges (e.g., Zika, dengue, COVID-19, hurricane-related health risks) and how they require tailored training.
Mention any experience you have with virtual facilitator certification programs or building trainer rosters, as this is a key deliverable.
Tailor your CV to emphasize project management, stakeholder coordination, and experience working remotely with diverse international teams.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for strengthening public health emergency response in the Americas and alignment with IFRC's humanitarian mission.", 'Specific examples of past training package adaptations, including how you ensured cultural and linguistic relevance.', 'Your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, cross-cultural environment, managing multiple deliverables.', 'Concrete evidence of your bilingual skills, such as professional translation or bilingual training delivery experience.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the IFRC's Strategy 2030 and its focus on local action, health, and disaster risk reduction to understand the broader organizational goals.
- → Explore the existing PHiE-A training materials (if available) and any related IFRC resources on public health in emergencies to understand the baseline.
- → Familiarize yourself with the Americas region's specific health emergency profile, including recent outbreaks (e.g., dengue, COVID-19, cholera) and natural disasters.
- → Learn about the IFRC's approach to capacity building and certification, including any existing facilitator networks or training programs in the region.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention the Americas region or bilingual requirements – tailor every document to this specific consultancy.
- Overlooking the need for both technical public health expertise and training design skills – balance your application to show both.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of past work in training adaptation or translation – use your portfolio or case studies to back up claims.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: May 29, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies!