Many humanitarian assignments are never advertised: the organisation directly calls people already pre-selected in its roster (a list of available experts). Being in the right rosters is often the fastest way to get a consultancy or an emergency deployment.
What is a roster?
A roster is a list of candidates whose profile has already been checked (CV, references, sometimes a test or interview). When a need arises, the organisation first contacts the roster members who match the profile, country and language. Joining a roster does not guarantee an assignment: it is a pre-selection.
The main types of rosters
| Type | Examples | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations agencies | Talent pools and expert rosters of UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, WFP, IOM, OCHA… | Experienced specialists, often 5 years or more depending on the grade. |
| Standby partners | NORCAP (Norwegian Refugee Council), CANADEM, RedR, iMMAP, Danish Refugee Council… | Experts seconded to UN agencies for a few months, often in emergencies. |
| International NGOs | Emergency rosters of large NGOs (rapid response teams in health, WASH, logistics, protection…). | Field profiles able to deploy within 72 hours. |
| Donors and development agencies | Expert databases of the European Commission, development agencies and the firms that implement their contracts. | Consultants for evaluations, studies, technical assistance. |
How to sign up, step by step
- Pick 2 or 3 precise fields (for example "information management + coordination"). Rosters look for specialists, not generalists.
- Prepare a CV in the organisation's format: UN CV (P11 or online profile), 2 to 3-page NGO CV, or donor CV with detailed, quantified assignments.
- Search for "roster", "talent pool" or "expert roster" on each organisation's careers page: calls for rosters often open on specific dates.
- Prepare your references: 2 or 3 former supervisors, informed and reachable. A reference who does not answer often costs the place.
- Take the tests: many rosters add a written test or a competency-based interview. Practise with the site's free tests and interviews.
- Stay visible: update your profile at least every 6 months and state your availability. An old profile is rarely called.
National staff and national consultants
Rosters are not only for international staff. Agencies also look for national consultants and national officers (grades NO-A to NO-D at the UN) who know the country, local languages and authorities. State your country, regions of experience and languages clearly.
Common mistakes
- Signing up everywhere with the same generic CV.
- Not stating your availability: the organisation calls someone else.
- Paying to "join a roster": rosters of serious organisations are free. Be wary of any request for payment.
On Humanitarian Jobs, your free profile also works as a roster: registered and verified organisations can find members who chose to appear in the directory.