Professional development

Almost by definition, humanitarian action is dynamic, constantly shifting in response to new needs, new locations and new approaches to the work. A career requires a forward-looking comprehension of key modalities such as maintaining a skill set that will be in demand in the future, identifying the entry points for a humanitarian career, and understanding career transitions within and outside of the sector. These include transitions between employers, or from the NGO environment to the UN, frontline staff to management position, employee to freelance, or from national to international staff.

Community worker standing in front of a group of women

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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Latest discussions

Key actors

Individual-based professional association aimed at enhancing the availability, experiences, skills, competencies, professional networks, and both formal and informal support structures of humanitarian personnel at all levels and in all parts of the system

Brings together the five national RedR organizations, which deliver training related to humanitarian action worldwide

Leading French training provider for humanitarian work, with their headquarters in Lyon

Global learning initiative facilitating partnerships and collaborative opportunities to enable people to prepare for and respond to crises

Global online learning platform offering training and resources to enhance the professional development of humanitarian and development workers.

Global online learning platform offering offers learning on humanitarian and professional skills, including courses on career planning, interview skills, presentation skills, writing effectively, and managing your professional development

Key references

Framework aiming to identify the right skills and behaviors for humanitarian and development workers

Career advice on how gain relevant experience in the humanitarian sector, including an Agency Access Scheme of some leading agencies