Application Guide

How to Apply for Call for Applications: Research Grants on Principled and Accountable Use of Technology in Humanitarian Action

at American Red Cross

🏢 About American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, through the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) and in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation, is a leader in promoting ethical technology use in humanitarian action. This unique collaboration focuses on ensuring that ICTs and AI are deployed responsibly in vulnerable communities, making it an ideal place for researchers who want their work to have real-world impact on humanitarian principles.

About This Role

This research grant supports original, policy-relevant research on the principled and accountable use of technology (ICTs and AI) in humanitarian contexts. As a grant recipient, you will produce accessible outputs for local stakeholders and contribute to the global evidence base, directly influencing how technology is used to help crisis-affected populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing literature on AI ethics in humanitarian contexts, analyzing data from field research, and drafting a policy brief. You might also attend virtual meetings with partner organizations to discuss stakeholder feedback and refine your research outputs for local relevance.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who American Red Cross Is Looking For

  • A PhD candidate, post-doc, or faculty member from a low- or middle-income country, affiliated with an accredited university in social sciences or humanities (e.g., sociology, anthropology, law, human geography, management, behavioral studies, psychology).
  • Demonstrates strong scientific merit with a clear research proposal addressing ethical and accountable use of ICTs/AI in humanitarian action, with a focus on low- or middle-income countries.
  • Has experience engaging with local stakeholders and producing research outputs that are accessible beyond academia (e.g., policy briefs, community reports).
  • Shows a deep understanding of humanitarian principles (neutrality, impartiality, independence) and how technology can uphold or undermine them.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Red Cross

1

Tailor your research proposal to explicitly address the 'principled and accountable use' of technology—connect your research questions to humanitarian principles and ethical frameworks.

2

Highlight your affiliation with an accredited university and your status as a national of a low- or middle-income country early in the application.

3

Include a clear plan for stakeholder engagement, especially with local communities and humanitarian organizations, to show cross-stakeholder collaboration.

4

Demonstrate how your research outputs will be accessible to non-academic audiences (e.g., policy briefs, infographics, community workshops) as required.

5

Review past GDPC publications on technology in humanitarian action to align your proposal with their existing work and gaps.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your background in social sciences/humanities and how it equips you to analyze the ethical and social implications of technology in humanitarian settings.', 'Explain why your research focus on a low- or middle-income country is critical for accountable technology use, and how your local knowledge adds value.', 'Showcase your ability to produce policy-relevant research, with examples of past outputs that influenced practice or policy.', 'Express alignment with the mission of the American Red Cross and GDPC to promote principled humanitarian action through responsible technology.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the GDPC's reports on digital transformation in humanitarian action, especially their work on AI ethics and data responsibility.
  • → Explore the French Red Cross Foundation's research priorities and previous grants to understand their focus areas.
  • → Review the ICRC's and OCHA's guidelines on responsible data use and AI in humanitarian contexts.
  • → Look into case studies of technology misuse in humanitarian settings (e.g., data breaches, bias in AI) to inform your proposal.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you define 'principled and accountable' use of technology in humanitarian action? Can you give an example of a technology that was used unethically?
2 Describe your proposed research methodology and how it ensures ethical considerations are addressed, especially with vulnerable populations.
3 How will you engage with local stakeholders and ensure your research is accessible and useful to them?
4 What experience do you have working in or researching low- or middle-income countries? How does that inform your approach?
5 How do you plan to disseminate your findings to influence policy or practice in humanitarian technology use?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic research proposal that does not explicitly address 'principled and accountable use' of technology—this is the core theme.
  • Neglecting to mention your affiliation with an accredited university and your nationality as a low- or middle-income country national.
  • Proposing research that is purely theoretical without a plan for stakeholder engagement or accessible outputs for local actors.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 31, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to American Red Cross!

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