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How much do humanitarian jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for humanitarian in the United States is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are humanitarians?

Humanitarians are individuals who dedicate their time, skills, or resources to improving the well-being of others, especially people affected by crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, or poverty. They work to provide relief and support to vulnerable communities through organizations, non-profits, or volunteer efforts. Humanitarians can serve in a variety of roles, including delivering aid, advocating for human rights, or coordinating emergency response. Their main goal is to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity without discrimination.

What is a humanitarian career?

A humanitarian career involves working to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations affected by crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, or poverty. These roles often require skills in emergency response, project management, and cross-cultural communication, and may involve working in challenging environments for organizations like NGOs, UN agencies, or aid groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Humanitarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humanitarian, you need a strong background in international relations, project management, and cultural competency, often supported by a relevant degree or field experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, humanitarian standards (such as Sphere), and languages commonly spoken in crisis regions is highly valuable. Outstanding soft skills include adaptability, resilience, and effective cross-cultural communication. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering aid, building trust with communities, and navigating the challenges of crisis settings.

What are some common challenges Humanitarians face when working in the field, and how can these be addressed?

Humanitarians often encounter challenges such as working in unstable or resource-constrained environments, managing cross-cultural communication, and responding quickly to evolving crises. These challenges require adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Building resilience, participating in ongoing training, and fostering strong teamwork are essential strategies for overcoming these obstacles and delivering effective aid.

How to get into humanitarian work?

To pursue a career as a humanitarian, gaining relevant education such as degrees in international relations, social work, or development studies is helpful. Volunteering or working with NGOs, developing language skills, and obtaining certifications like first aid or project management can improve employability. Experience in crisis zones or underserved communities is often valued by employers in this field.

Do humanitarians get paid?

Humanitarians can be paid or volunteer, depending on the organization and role. Paid positions often include salaries and benefits, especially in international agencies or NGOs, while many humanitarian volunteers work without pay. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the specific organization.

What Do Humanitarians Do?

Humanitarians devote their time and energy to promoting human welfare and assisting other people in need. You do not necessarily need a job to be a humanitarian. For example, volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating time and money to end hunger or to support refugees or human rights agencies are also humanitarian acts. However, there are also many jobs that can be classified as “humanitarian” jobs. These range from being a volunteer coordinator for a local charity to working as a physician for an international aid organization such as Doctors Without Borders. The responsibilities of a humanitarian range greatly depending on the position and work requirements.

What are examples of humanitarian jobs?

Humanitarian jobs include roles such as aid workers, relief coordinators, emergency response specialists, and development officers. These positions often require skills in project management, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge of international aid protocols, and may involve working in challenging environments to support vulnerable populations.

What is the difference between Humanitarian vs Social Worker?

AspectHumanitarianSocial Worker
Required CredentialsRelevant degrees (e.g., International Development, Humanitarian Studies), certifications in emergency responseSocial work degree (BSW, MSW), licensure
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in disaster zones, refugee camps, developing countriesCommunity settings, hospitals, schools, government agencies
Employer & IndustryNGOs, international agencies, relief organizationsGovernment agencies, healthcare facilities, non-profits
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in emergency and international aidSupporting individuals and communities in social services

While both Humanitarians and Social Workers aim to improve lives, Humanitarians focus on emergency relief and international aid in crisis zones, often working abroad. Social Workers typically serve local communities, providing ongoing support in social services. Their credentials, work environments, and employer types differ, reflecting their distinct roles within the broader field of helping professions.

More about Humanitarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Humanitarian jobs? Cities with the most Humanitarian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Humanitarian jobs? The most popular types of Humanitarian jobs are:
What states have the most Humanitarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Humanitarian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Humanitarian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Humanitarian jobs are:
Humanitarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humanitarian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,778 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Humanitarian Affairs Adviser

International Committee of the Red Cross

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Humanitarian Affairs Adviser
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Delegation to the United Nations (New York)
Resident position based in New York City
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for ICRC.
CONTEXT
The ICRC Delegation to the United Nations (UN) in New York City, through its status of Permanent Observer to the United Nations, plays a key role in humanitarian diplomacy.

ICRC NYC team members must be highly motivated, skilled relationship-builders, curious and flexible, and quickly able to adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing dynamics at UN Headquarters (UNHQ) and with Permanent Missions. Very good political instincts, the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities, experience managing competing interests, and the ability to think creatively and analyze an issue from multiple perspectives are indispensable.

PURPOSE
The Humanitarian Affairs Adviser enables the delegation to understand and influence the wider humanitarian environment at the United Nations. They design and deliver effective diplomatic and policy strategies and shape the delegation's engagement at the United Nations as well as joining the dots globally. They contribute to the thinking and strategies of other policy/diplomacy hubs. They represent the ICRC in multilateral and bilateral engagements relevant to their responsibilities. They participate in meetings, monitor and analyze political dynamics, UN discussions and humanitarian trends, convey key ICRC messages to external interlocutors to influence debates, negotiations, and report internally on UN activities and relevant issues. They build and maintain a strong diverse diplomatic network at UNHQ and beyond as a critical component to all humanitarian diplomacy objectives.

RELATIONSHIPS


  • Hierarchical: The Humanitarian Affairs Adviser reports to the Head of Humanitarian Affairs and Policy (Deputy Permanent Observer).
  • Internally, they interact with the Humanitarian Affairs team, the Head of Humanitarian Affairs (direct supervisor) and the Head of Delegation. They also interact with relevant operational delegations in the region(s) they cover and ICRC Geneva Headquarters (ICRC HQ), including regions, external engagement colleagues, and other relevant parts of ICRC HQ, such as Protection, and the Legal Division.
  • Externally, interacts with UN Member state and UN Observer delegates, UN secretariat and agencies staff, UN-related think-tanks, and other relevant persons.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advise all levels of the ICRC on processes, fora and stakeholders related to humanitarian diplomacy and contribute to the development and delivery of the ICRC’s engagement and influencing strategies. Among other tasks and responsibilities, the position will include:


  • Being the focal point for ICRC Humanitarian diplomacy for the Americas and Eurasia regions (excluding Türkiye), and in charge of the following thematic issues: climate and security, essential services, and hunger and conflict, among others.
  • Monitoring/analyzing/reporting/influencing deliberations and decisions of the UN Security Council (UNSC); maintaining relations with Permanent Missions in New York and concerned ICRC regions and delegations.
  • Maintaining dialogue with ICRC regions and delegations, informing and mobilizing diplomatic engagement enabling ICRC operations.
  • Functioning as strategic anchor between relevant capitals, Geneva and NYC, for key policy and operational objectives.
  • Being the focal point for the strategic engagement in NYC and for UN processes on thematic issues of priority to the ICRC.
  • Monitoring/analyzing/reporting/influencing relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and debates.
  • Taking an active part in the planning of ICRC field and ICRC HQ engagements at the United Nations or with Member States (MS) (UNGA High Level Week and ICRC leadership / operations visits to New York).
  • Maintaining regular dialogue and coordination with IFRC counterparts in New York relevant files.
  • Advising management on new UNSC dynamics and opportunities.
  • Contributing to designing and delivering effective diplomatic strategies, tactics, plans, and products based on the ICRC's global (and regional) humanitarian diplomacy priorities.
  • Building and sharing experience on the dynamics of both global and regional politics and positioning at state, regional and UN levels, particularly how these trends affect and inform geopolitics at UNHQ. Working with ICRC New York and ICRC HQ policy teams to cultivate and maintain an effective network of contacts within diplomatic circles, international organizations, governments, regional organizations, NGOs, and UN.
  • Participating in the annual planning and budgeting process (Planning for Results), leading on objectives for their portfolio and setting policy/diplomacy direction and monitoring impact/outcomes. Determining work priorities related to the achievement of these objectives.
  • Possibly supervising, coaching, training and providing technical support to Humanitarian Affairs associates and other team members in their department, as appropriate.
GENERAL DUTIES


  • Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  • Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
  • Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  • Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times.
  • Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
  • Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
  • Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
  • May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE


  • 8+ years of professional experience, ideally in humanitarian, policy, diplomatic or related fields
  • Sound knowledge of international relations and the humanitarian and diplomatic environment
  • Previous experience in humanitarian diplomacy capitals would be useful (Geneva, New York, Brussels, Addis Ababa, …)
  • Demonstrated capacity and experience in developing and maintaining networks across a range of diplomatic or humanitarian actors
  • Very good knowledge of the ICRC & institutional issues; i.e. operations, international humanitarian law (IHL), humanitarian principles, Red Cross/Red Crescent (RC/RC) Movement
  • Experience in negotiation between States and/or among UN entities, proven ability to negotiate
  • Field experience in complex operations with an important presence of multilateral political, humanitarian & military actors of the UN including relevant agencies and the UN secretariat, as well as the RC/RC Movement & NGOs will be viewed very positively. ICRC field experience will be particularly valued
  • A university degree in political science, law, international relations or similar is required. An advanced university degree in the same is highly desirable
  • Experience in contexts high on the UN agenda, in particular those at the Security Council, is an advantage


REQUIRED SKILLS:


  • Excellent capacity to conceptualize, and a proven record in planning, as well as rapid and high-quality reporting
  • Excellent analytical skills and capacity to translate UN debates for the ICRC
  • Understanding of the nature of both contemporary and potential future armed conflict, and the possible implications for humanitarian actions. Highly adept in networking and relationship management. Ability to engage diverse diplomatic interlocutors at various levels
  • Understanding of underlying issues in negotiations between States, capacity & will to influence resolutions/PRSTs of the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
  • Excellent level of spoken and written English
  • Spanish language fluency is highly desirable
  • Abilities in one or more of the other official UN languages is an asset (French, Arabic, Russian or Chinese)
  • Excellent people skills and a collaborator
  • Proven ability to balance competing demands, assess political risks, and manage time in a fast-paced work environment. Flexibility and responsiveness are key
  • Sensitivity to humanitarian, political, economic & legal analyses (Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law)
  • Capacity to adhere to the ICRC core principles, in particular those of neutrality and impartiality
  • Strongly motivated by humanitarian work and scrupulous respect of the humanitarian principles

What we offer:
-Join a leading multi-disciplinary humanitarian organization – part of the world’s largest humanitarian network
-Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
-A full-time resident position based in New York City
-Competitive salary
-Lucrative benefits package that includes:


  • Robust health and dental insurance plan
  • 20 paid vacation days (annually)
  • 11 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays
  • 7 paid sick/personal days (annually)
  • 11.5% Employer contribution for our 403b retirement plan

Compensation: The salary range for this role is between USD 130,650 – USD 140,010.

Applications Instructions:
You are required to:


  1. include your resume (no more than two pages)
  2. include your cover letter that highlights your interest, skills, experience, and salary requirements (no more than one page)
  3. respond to the specified questions within the application



  • Application Deadline: July 15, 2026. Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.
  • Start date : August 10, 2026
  • We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply now!
Our Values. At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values.
If you have any questions on the application or need assistance, please contact us at was_hrrecruitment_services@icrc.org.

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