Human resource management

Humanitarianism is defined by the principle of humanity. Human resources may thus be a cornerstone for success in any field, but this is especially true for in humanitarian action given the dynamics of crisis, nature of the work force and the demands of working in a hazardous environment. HRM includes the recruitment and retention of the right people, staff learning and development, support for their wellbeing, instituting policies for staff conduct, and ensuring high-quality leadership and management. Critically, HRM cannot be reduced to an administrative exercise, and effective relief operations must be based upon a strategic and managerial approach/commitment to HRM.

Man talking to lab technician, Kampala, Uganda

Photo: Kate Holt/AusAID

Latest content

Talent management (September 2019): Consortiums, "offerism," visa inequality, etc. (9/15/2019)

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Talent management (July 2019): Capacity development, stress, CVs, trust building (7/11/2019)

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Talent management (May 2019): Reward structures, sexual violence, partnerships, AI and automation (5/14/2019)

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Community update: Talent management and capacity building, March 2019 (3/16/2019)

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Key actors

Provides resources on people management such as tools and manuals on managing people, HR management, safeguarding, and duty of care

Dedicated to furthering the management of people in not-for-profit international organizations by sharing knowledge, conducting conferences, and building networks

Tools for the job

  • Recruitment and Selection: Policy Guide and Template (People in Aid, 2008)

Guidelines on how to develop a recruitment and selection policy based on recognized good practice and the experience of organizations within the INGO community

  • Human Resources Toolkit for Small and Medium Nonprofit Actors (Cornerstone on demand & CHS Alliance)

Toolkit with resources and good practice guidance to help improve HR systems

  • Human Resource Management for NGOs (Funds For NGOs)

Information about practical aspects of HR, such as the HR information system, standard employment contracts, the performance appraisal form, staff recruitment policies, and staff performance needs

Useful resources for the HR community, consisting of a manual for managing HR resources, a toolkit to develop a HR Metrics Dashboard, a Staff Survey toolkit, and a Measuring HR Effectiveness Toolkit

Crosscutting themes

Compliance with national laws

Information and guidance on recruiting and retaining staff, and managing performance, including advice on employment law and templates for relevant policies and procedures

All In Diary

All In Diary Page for Managing Humanitarian Personnel

All In Diary Page for Recruitment and Selection

All In Diary Page for Performance management

  • Download section 10.1: Managing humanitarian personnel
  • Download section 10.3: Recruitment and selection
  • Download section 10.5: Performance management

All In Diary - CHCF

All In Diary page for the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework (CHCF)

  • Download section 10.2: Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework (CHCF)

Key references

  • The state of HR in the humanitarian sector (People in Aid, 2011)

Paper describing the state of HR management in the humanitarian sector, exploring the key challenges facing the HR function and those who manage people