Getting Started in Humanitarian Work
Breaking into the humanitarian sector can feel overwhelming. These foundation guides walk you through the basics: what kinds of jobs exist, how the major organizations differ, and what the hiring process actually looks like from the inside.
What Counts as a Humanitarian Job?
Not sure if you're looking at the right jobs? This guide defines the humanitarian sector, explains who the main employers are, and helps you understand where your skills fit in the broader landscape of aid work.
NGO vs UN vs Red Cross Movement
The three pillars of humanitarian response each have very different cultures, pay scales, and hiring processes. Learn how international NGOs, UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement compare so you can target the right employers.
Field vs HQ Roles
Humanitarian work happens both in the field and at headquarters. Understand the trade-offs between field-based and HQ-based positions, including lifestyle, career progression, compensation, and the skills each demands.
Common Humanitarian Job Titles
Humanitarian job titles can be confusing. A "Program Officer" at one org might be a "Project Coordinator" at another. This guide decodes the most common titles and what they actually mean in practice.
Career Tracks: Programs, Operations, Technical, Support
The humanitarian sector has four main career tracks, each with its own progression ladder. Learn the difference between program delivery, operations and logistics, technical specialist, and support function roles.
The Humanitarian Hiring Process
From application to offer, the humanitarian hiring process has its own quirks. Learn about typical timelines, screening steps, written tests, panel interviews, and what happens after you're shortlisted.