The job market and the application file

1Who recruits, and how?

• International NGOs (MSF, IRC, NRC, Save the Children, ACF…): the majority of field posts, with national and international staff.
• United Nations agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, OCHA, WHO…): locally recruited staff posts (G and NO categories), international posts (P and D), consultants, and volunteers (UNV).
• The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: the ICRC, the International Federation, National Societies.
• National NGOs: often the best way in, and increasingly funded directly (pooled funds, localisation of aid).

First experience often comes from an internship, volunteering, a national post or a short-term emergency contract. For many posts, field experience counts for more than qualifications.

2Reading a vacancy like a recruiter

A vacancy notice generally contains: the context, the responsibilities, the required qualifications (mandatory) and the desirable ones (an advantage), competencies, languages, duty station, duration and deadline.

The recruiter first screens applications: those that do not clearly show the mandatory criteria (years of experience, degree, language) are rejected, sometimes by software. So use the keywords of the vacancy in your CV and cover letter, where they genuinely apply to you.

Beware of scams: a genuine organisation never asks for money for recruitment, a visa or compulsory training. Always apply through the organisation's official website.

3A CV in humanitarian format

• 2 to 3 pages for NGOs, clear, in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• A 3-line profile summary, aligned with the post.
• For each post: organisation, job title, location, dates, then quantified achievements rather than a list of tasks. For example, “Supervised 12 community workers and reached 4,200 households” instead of “Responsible for supervision”.
• Languages (with level), technical skills (Excel, KoboToolbox, Power BI…), relevant training and certificates.
• Professional references (former supervisors) available, with their agreement.
• Avoid a photo, age and marital status unless the organisation asks for them.

For the UN, applications go through a platform (for example the agency's careers portal) and a detailed profile: fill it in completely, as screening is based on it.

4The cover letter

One page, three or four paragraphs:

1. Opening: the post you are applying for and why this organisation (its mission, its presence in the country).
2. Evidence: two or three achievements that meet the key criteria of the vacancy.
3. Added value: languages, knowledge of the context, local network, rare skills.
4. Conclusion: availability and wish to discuss it at interview.

A letter written for a specific vacancy is worth more than ten generic letters.