Humanitarian recruitment almost always follows the same path: online application, shortlisting, written test, interview, reference checks. Each step has its own rules.
1. A clear two-page CV
- Open with a three-line summary: your profession, years of experience and contexts (emergency, development, countries).
- For each role: organization, location, dates, then three to five concrete results with figures ("12,000 people reached", "USD 450,000 budget", "team of 8").
- List your languages with their level. French, English and Arabic are in high demand in Africa.
- Send your CV as a PDF so the layout stays intact.
2. A cover letter that answers the vacancy
Take the three or four main requirements of the posting and show, for each one, a specific experience that meets it. A short, targeted letter beats a general one. Many UN agencies replace the letter with questions in the application form: treat them with the same care.
3. The written test
It often lasts one to three hours: write a briefing note, analyse a budget, propose a crisis response plan, fix a logical framework. Practise writing fast and in a structured way: context, analysis, recommendations.
4. The competency-based interview
Recruiters ask for real examples: "Tell us about a time when…". Prepare five or six stories using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. The most assessed competencies are teamwork, stress management, integrity, planning and communication.
5. References and safeguarding
Let your former managers know they will be contacted. Organizations also run checks related to sexual exploitation and abuse: this is a normal step.
What a genuine organization never does
No serious NGO or UN agency asks for money for an application, a visa, a medical test or a training course. A vacancy that requires payment or contact through a private messaging app is a scam.