Humanitarian occupations focus on helping others and making a difference in the world. However, many people are concerned that they will not earn enough money, especially when they are in debt, live in areas with high living costs, or have a family to support. You may find humanitarian occupation opportunities in nearly every industry, but it would be best if you learn how to land the job you have always wanted. If you don’t want to sacrifice your financial well-being to help others, here are 12 highly rewarding humanitarian jobs.
- Humanitarian lawyer
Humanitarian lawyers work on cases concerning crimes against humanity and human rights breaches. A career in this field is good for earning some good income while working for just causes. Lawyers are always in demand and usually employed by legal companies specializing in human rights and international criminal matters. You can advise the state on international humanitarian laws as a humanitarian lawyer. The career is highly compensating, just like other occupations in the legal field.
- Valuation lead
Humanitarian initiatives require intensive monitoring and assessment to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries. These procedures also ensure that NGOs are responsible and accountable to their funders. So the role of the assessment lead is to coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of an NGO’s humanitarian programs. Because the job requires extensive technical competencies and a thorough understanding of how aid programs are reviewed, valuation leads earn a high salary. You will likely earn more if you work in an organization that requires staff monitoring and evaluation.
- Registered nurse
Nurses played a critical role in the medical sector during the pandemic. Unfortunately, there are projections of a shortage of over half a million national registered nurses by 2030. Nurses offer a variety of roles in health facilities, including maintaining medical records, patient monitoring, aiding with testing, and offering valuable advice to patients and their families. Furthermore, there is plenty of support available if you search tips for nursing students online. You must first obtain an associate’s, bachelor’s, or nursing diploma to become a nurse in the US. Additionally, you will require a bachelor’s degree to pursue a graduate program. After, you will write a certification exam to obtain a license. While salaries vary, you can earn roughly $70,000 annually. If you work in the health industry and enjoy working with seniors, you can check out some retirement community job openings.
- Social impact consultant
You can earn an average salary of $77,000 by assisting organizations such as NGOs with social impact consulting services. Your role is to assist them in increasing their productivity and efficiency, expanding their reach, and amplifying their beneficial influence. Most organizations prefer individuals with doctorates and years of expertise in the field. You can work independently or with other social impact consulting agencies as a social impact consultant. Since most organizations are wise about how they spend their money, you may have to back your claims of experience and successful programs.
- Humanitarian director
A Humanitarian Director is a high-ranking management position inside a nongovernmental organization. Humanitarian directors are responsible for all elements of an organization’s humanitarian projects. Since it is the key leadership position with authority over program execution, resources, and finance, it is well compensated. The role is financially rewarding since it comes with a lot of responsibility and demands a lot of expertise working in humanitarian help. The position of Humanitarian Director is generally one of the highest paid in an NGO.
- Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers are playing active roles in today’s climate-conscious world. Often required in developing countries, one of their primary roles is to design methods for getting clean water and securely disposing of waste. These specialists also investigate the environmental effect of various development initiatives, such as air and water pollution, and devise processes for cleaning and restoring damaged locations. In 2020, the median pay for Environmental Engineers was $92,120, with the top 25% earning $118,960.
- Public health specialist
Public health professionals can be found in many places, including schools, state offices, and hospitals. They are in charge of operating public health initiatives, engaging people, and educating communities about issues related to their health. This broad field may have other specialists, including family services professionals, case managers, and school health instructors. While a bachelor’s degree is required, you will need a doctorate to apply for higher-level positions. You may require other certifications too. You can earn around $48,000 as a health education expert and $74,500 as an emergency management director.
- Data analyst
Data is crucial for a myriad of businesses and organizations today. Without access to data, it is almost impossible to determine an organization’s achievement and what needs improvement. However, the data analyst’s job is to show what is happening, discover new trends, and assist organizations in monitoring their progress. As an operational data analyst in a humanitarian team, you may be responsible for enabling performance, providing insight, and continuous improvement practices using available data to recognize vital trends and opportunities for improvement. You will require a degree in math, statistics, or a related subject to work as a data analyst. Working experience in software, database, or statistics may also be required. Senior data analysts in the US earn a starting salary of $83,000.
- Education advisor
Education is crucial in the fight against poverty, and education advisors oversee and plan educational activities, train local instructors, and perform several other roles. You may require fluency in many languages and a teaching and learning theory background. A background in other related fields can be a big plus, depending on the organization with which you work. As an education advisor, your responsibility may include aiding students to obtain work while in college and overcoming challenges that may jeopardize their academic achievement and skill development. A 2022 study suggests that education advisors or consultants earn an average salary of $63,156.
- Human resource specialist
The human resource department is critical for NGOs or state agencies. This professional will be responsible for hiring staff, arranging visas and working permits, and ensuring that other administrative functions are handled efficiently. Although you may not be required to operate or go on the field, your role as an HR expert is key for NGOs or state institutions to function and achieve their objectives. According to PayScale, you can earn an average salary of $53,125 per year, depending on your location, skill, and experience.
- Grant Specialist
Grants are required for organizations to keep their programs running. As a grant expert, you will identify donors, report gifts, and distribute grant funds, among other responsibilities. Grant specialists are critical for the long-term viability of any institution that relies on funding. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar subject is typically required. Organizations frequently want an expert with experience in the field on which the company concentrates. For instance, if the organization concentrates on health initiatives, they will search for grant experts with health experience or understanding. Grant directors earn slightly above $80,000, while managers earn somewhat above $74,000 in the US.
- Supply chain manager
The Supply chain manager oversees all logistics, procurement, transportation, and warehousing on a humanitarian operation. Since effective supply chain management is critical to the successful aid program execution, supply chain managers are tasked with ensuring supplies reach those in need. For this reason, many highly qualified supply chain managers may earn competitive pay. However, the position requires extensive knowledge and experience on humanitarian missions in integrating logistics systems and procedures into demanding environments such as war and disaster zones.
Humanitarian work can be found worldwide and in the United States. Since you know some of your options, consider acquiring the needed skills to start your career path.