Aid workers typically operate in front line conditions, facilitating the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to people who have been hit by human or natural disasters.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Aid Worker - Humanitarian- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Aid workers typically operate in front line conditions.
- Facilitating the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to people who have been hit by human or natural disasters.
- Communicating with local authorities
- managing distribution
- Supporting people with compassion and diplomacy
- Supporting the delivery of Health, welfare & education initiatives
Most candidates for aid worker positions have gained experience by volunteering with an international aid agency. Many types of work skills transfer to international relief efforts, including:
- Medicine
- Transportation and logistics
- Engineering
- Technology
Humanitarian worker support he 4 stages of releif work: (MaryVille.edu)
1. Mitigation
The goal is to limit the potential for mass destruction or loss of life. The steps may include upgrading infrastructure and strengthening buildings, as well as promoting social justice, healthcare, education, and environmental protections.
2. Preparedness
The focus of this phase is improving the community’s ability to respond to a disaster by promoting education, training, and outreach to individuals, families, organisations, and community leaders.
3. Response
A timely response also minimises damage to property and ensures people affected by the disaster have the food, shelter, and medical attention they require.
4 Recoivery
A strategic plan to meet the long-term needs of inhabitants, including housing, employment, infrastructure, and economic development
Further Information
- Aid worker/humanitarian worker- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
- Sensitivity and understanding
- The ability to work well with others
- The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- The ability to understand people’s reactions
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Excellent written communication skills
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Thinking and reasoning skills
- To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device [NCS 2021]
Interests - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
Entry is open to degrees of all disciplines. Qualifications in First Aid and management can be extremely beneficial. Approved courses are provided by various organisations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Graduates with a specific skill in areas such as: Community development, health care, logistics, teaching, and engineering might find it easier to get a placement overseas.
Independent non-governmental organisations - Ireland
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business administration, customer service, engineering, care, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: management, teaching, engineering, youth, community development, social care, allied healthcare.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Management, Finance, Care, Transport and Logistics, Engineering Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: management, teaching, engineering, youth, community development, social care, social science, arts, humanities, allied healthcare.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: community development, health care, logistics, teaching, engineering.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €44k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed / Irish Red Cross / Prospects/ Talent/ Charity Careers
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Youth and community workers; Child and early years officers; Housing officers; Counsellors Welfare and housing associate professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation continued to be strong across the five-year period. Census data for 2022 indicates that youth and community workers account for the largest share of occupations within this group and vacancies announced through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022 were primarily for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Aid Worker - Humanitarian
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Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Volunteering Ireland
