Job Descriptions

Aid Worker Job Description

What is the job description of an Aid Worker? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Aid Worker? What does an Aid Worker do?

Job description of an Aid Worker

Aid workers/humanitarian workers manage and develop emergency response programmes within designated geographical areas that have been subjected to war, natural disasters or other environmental or developmental problems.

Aid workers are usually employed by charities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international aid agencies and volunteer groups. 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.

Responsibilities of the job vary considerably according to the nature of the emergency or situation.

This Aid Worker job description example includes the list of most important Aid Worker duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Aid Worker profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Aid Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Aid Worker job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Liaising with United Nations agencies, government officials, colleagues etc
  • Ensuring knowledge of and compliance with appropriate national and international procedures, policies and regulatory codes
  • Producing funding proposals.
  • Recruiting/managing local staff
  • Managing budgets
  • Managing the implementation of emergency activities and monitoring their effectiveness
  • Producing response reports, recommendations and proposals for emergency intervention
  • Rapidly assessing emergency situations; working closely with staff located within the area or other emergency departments
  • Making representations to donors, local authorities and humanitarian community members
  • Organizing induction, support and training for volunteers/other aid workers
  • Implementing, overseeing and ensuring strict adherence with security/safety procedures
  • Coordinating and supporting the work of volunteers
  • Developing and monitoring objectives

Aid Worker Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Aid Worker job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A University degree. The degree discipline you choose should really depend on the activity you want to undertake as an aid/development worker. For example, if your field of interest is healthcare, then a degree in nursing or medicine would be most relevant. Other acceptable and relevant subjects include: sociology, economics, human rights, international development, international studies, modern languages and marketing.
  • Although obtaining a relevant academic qualification is important to a certain extent, gaining volunteering experience is much more vital.
  • Excellent communication skills are essential

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Aid Worker starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Aid Worker job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Aid Worker may also reference it in preparation for the interview.