Aid workers typically operate on the front line in the developing world, implementing long term and sustainable solutions to problems or facilitating emergency aid to those hit by disaster.
Typical work activities cover emergency response, project management and people management
- Rapid assessments of emergency situations, working with staff on the ground to determine the required response
- Conducting needs assessments
- Managing implementation of emergency activities
- Overseeing safety procedures to ensure the safety of staff engaged in emergency activities
- Research and establishment of projects
- Liaising and complying with UN officials
- Writing project proposals and reports
- Co-ordinating fundraising efforts and managing budgets
- Managing, recruiting and training staff and volunteers
- Negotiating with public bodies and NGO’s
- Lobbying to represent the needs of poor communities
- Monitoring objectives and writing finding proposals
This area is fairly competitive to get into, so having the right qualifications and plenty of experience is crucial.
Interested in aid work?
Qualifications and work experience
Read about one Southampton student's experience of volunteering with refugees.
More information
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The experience gained has been invaluable for any future career as it has given me the opportunity to live and work abroad developing personal maturity and responsibility as well as communication skills to overcome many language barriers.