tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post5813290360920890274..comments2010-01-27T23:05:05.048+01:00Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790peter@theroadtothehorizon.orgBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-1677720334812783112010-01-27T23:05:05.048+01:002010-01-27T23:05:05.048+01:00Hi Peter<br /><br />Blessings to you from the Carolinas! Can you tell me what qualities, traits, and skills are imperative for a role as an aid worker for the ICRC in Harare Zimbabwe? What challenges are typical in the face of an aid worker?<br /><br />Kindly,<br /><br />Deepa <br /><br />deepz99@hotmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-38786415318475971092009-10-26T13:14:23.163+01:002009-10-26T13:14:23.163+01:00@Yvonne,<br /><br />Unless if I am mistaken, international position for US government organisations (as USAID) is for US nationals only. I *think* this is true for any governmental aid organisation.<br /><br />As for NGOs, I am not sure for each country, but I assume legally they don&#39;t &quot;have&quot; to take their own nationals, but in general, I found they do give priority to their nationals...<br /><br />As for large international organisations (MSF, IFRC, Goal, Save the Children): they often have an overall coordinating branch, which is easier to get into. They also have national branches, which again, often take people from their nationality.<br /><br />But keep on applying, and follow up on the applications with email, phone calls... <br /><br />P.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-34884115597976329842009-10-26T13:00:42.576+01:002009-10-26T13:00:42.576+01:00Dear Peter, first my compliments for your site and all the aid work you did, very interesting to read. I found out that many vacancies in development work are from US and British NGO’s. Is it true that they prioritize US or UK citizens above applicants in other countries? I don’t get any reply on my applications, aside from confirmation (I am Dutch).<br />sincerely,Yvonnenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-10340714600148839602009-10-15T07:28:44.539+01:002009-10-15T07:28:44.539+01:00@C:<br /><br />Nope, age does not matter. I am not sure if the NGOs require a degree, but the UN does (varying from graduate to a Masters degree dependent on the agency).<br /><br />I was 34 when I started in the humanitarian world, and I felt I was one of the younger ;-) After consulting, I landed my first job at 36.<br />There are people getting into the system which are much older. Often they first start a career in the commercial sector, grow tired of it, and then move to the nonprofit.<br /><br />Hope this helps,<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-79163566804382787202009-10-15T07:04:49.477+01:002009-10-15T07:04:49.477+01:00Hi Peter -<br /><br />A million thanks for this - seriously grateful to people like you: helping those who want to help the world. <br /><br />Previous posts answer most of my concerns but one: Does age matter? I have just come back from backpacking in SE Asia and like many people, inspired to give back and help. I don&#39;t have relevant volunteer experience, only have a college diploma, and have one year of work experience in my related field (marketing). <br /><br />To be able to work for NGOs or IOs, I understand that I need a degree and I would like to start over and pursue a degree in international development studies or social sciences. So this means finishing studies and starting a jobsearch (entry level positions) in aid/development work around 30 years old. I realize it&#39;s never too late to start over and do what you love but realistically, do you think I could face issues when actually looking to start my career?<br /><br />Thanks so much for your advise on this<br /><br />CAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-38325605298967836802009-09-29T11:26:55.001+01:002009-09-29T11:26:55.001+01:00@Jose<br /><br />Just sent you an answer via Email!<br /><br />P.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-89842150840020169072009-09-29T09:45:43.265+01:002009-09-29T09:45:43.265+01:00Hi Peter<br /><br />I got to read you useful post through a link you posted in Aid Workers Network.<br /><br />As most of the people that reaches wether AWN or your blog, i&#39;m also gathering information about how to become an aid/developement full-time worker.<br /><br />I have a BArch and some years of experience in private companies. Since i left my job in Norway 11 months ago, i have been travelling though Asia. I spent 7 months in Nepal involved in a long-term volunteering building an orphanage in a village 20 km of Kathmandu. As you mention in your post, that experience was quite disappointing since the ong was 100% focused in the collection of &#39;the volunteer fee&#39; in order to fundarise the project and all the volunteers i met during my time were pretty much retarded... <br /><br />After that, left 2 months to Thailand where, thanks to some info of people i met on the way, got to Mae Sot in the norhwest and could work very closely with the burmese refugees issues building playgrounds for the ilegal migrants schools, a really nice experience but once again,just volunteering at least this time with no volunteer fee whatsoever.<br /><br />After that travelled Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, where i find myself right now.<br /><br />I&#39;ve been visiting several of the websites you recommend in search of a job vacancy that suit me but all of them seem to be very undifined and none ask expressely for &#39;an architect&#39;. The &quot;architects without borders&quot; websites don&#39;t offer real job vacancies either....<br /><br />I&#39;m also open to give up my job and start &#39;a new career&#39; in a differen field.....but, in what?<br /><br />Hope your vast experience can help in some orientation<br /><br />Thanks for reading<br /><br />My email: barastegui@yahoo.esjosehttp://icelandconnection.spaces.live.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-4837030892769387292009-07-09T11:51:24.472+01:002009-07-09T11:51:24.472+01:00@SamWandering<br /><br />Sam, <br />as you are about to enter university, my advise would be to choose a direction of study in which YOU are interested in, and NOT one that might lead you into the aid world. <br />Humanitarians come in all kinds of shapes and forms. All kinds of people with all kinds of backgrounds can be used in the aid world. From accountants to technicians to policy people to lawyers. Go with what you would like to do, and what you are good at. The rest will come.<br /><br />Meanwhile, see if you can volunteer during your studies. Either as online volunteer, or as neighbourhood volunteer, etc.. <br /><br />Hope this helps,<br /><br />PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-53543797951011461652009-07-09T07:32:23.581+01:002009-07-09T07:32:23.581+01:00I am about to enter University. I need advice, how do I go about obtaining the degree I need to be the best aid worker I can be? What majors do I need to be looking at to work out in the field? I am not scared I can handle the frontlines, my question is though how can I set myself up to get there? What skills do I need to help those suffering? I know I am young but I see that as an asseset, I know what I am called to do with my life, I only need some direction in getting there. DO you have any advice you would be willing to offer me?SamWanderinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00859758466656862232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-81282833581753966422009-06-29T20:45:25.566+01:002009-06-29T20:45:25.566+01:00Excellent post, thanks for all the tips/links.<br /><br />-Undergrad with hopes of getting into this field.Gurjeethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474304496025202375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-60151834515647929832009-02-18T20:20:32.726+01:002009-02-18T20:20:32.726+01:00@anonymous:<BR/><BR/>In the past 13 years I must have hired, or been involved in hiring somewhere around 300-400 people. Of which probably 2/3 were at the level of international staff or international consultants... <BR/><BR/>Only a handful had a masters degree.<BR/><BR/>The prequalifications for international staff in the UN specify "a university degree". No matter which level that degree is.<BR/><BR/>So no, I don't agree with you that lack of a master's degree would reduce one's chances. <BR/><BR/>But I *do* strongly believe that it is very challenging "to get into the aid world". According to me, the reason is simple: there are thousands out there, knocking at the same door, competing for the same positions.<BR/><BR/>P.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-58924586210741590812009-02-18T20:06:00.000+01:002009-02-18T20:06:00.000+01:00I find some of the information on this site to be a big joke. Even with a robust economy, networking, and volunteer exp., you are hard press to find an aid position WITHOUT a masters degree. Maybe it was different 20 years ago, but now I know people fluent in 3 languages, have volunteer experience, contacts,etc., but always get denied by aid agencies-especially international aid agencies. I've read "What color is your Parachute" and books like that and had success standing out the field, but as an aid worker its like playing pin the tail on the donkey...on a football field. Not a vent, just speaking recent experience.<BR/><BR/>dtc_1139@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-62792378879305752892009-02-07T11:30:31.851+01:002009-02-07T11:30:31.851+01:00@Wayne,<BR/><BR/>Go the volunteering route, first. There are plenty of opportunities both physical as well as virtual (via the web) where any kinds of skills can be put into good use.<BR/><BR/>That is where I would start...<BR/><BR/>The "Aid Resources" column in the side bar has many sites where you can start...<BR/><BR/>P.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-36994519946279802822009-02-07T10:34:00.000+01:002009-02-07T10:34:00.000+01:00Hi Peter,<BR/><BR/>I am a 38 year old male with the need to do something that brings meaning to my life. I have always believed and will for ever so that all of us need someone to help us out in a time of need. <BR/><BR/>If we can not or are ignorant of the fact that as humans our greatest strengths lie in the ability to help each other, who then can the people of our planet rely on?<BR/><BR/>I have a wide range of skills gathered over many years of working in all sorts of fields. I never studied one particular field of interest, but preferred to remain open to all sorts of challenges.<BR/><BR/>Is there an entity or platform on which folks like myself can get exposure or direction?<BR/><BR/>Thanks,<BR/>WayneThe Mystic Tinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722797433784581588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-54685457127121289072009-01-15T01:41:49.491+01:002009-01-15T01:41:49.491+01:00@Anonymous:<BR/><BR/>It depends agency per agency. There are normally no university degrees per se required for consultants.<BR/><BR/>As professional staff working for the UN, a university degree is required, but bachelor level (no masters needed. - I don't have a masters...).<BR/><BR/>And I agree: in these times of economic decline, the non-profit sector is getting squeezed. Job opportunities are there, but the market certainly became more competitive.<BR/><BR/>Don't give up, though!<BR/><BR/>PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-81319825974667001932009-01-15T01:39:13.390+01:002009-01-15T01:39:13.390+01:00@Luke: <BR/><BR/>answering you via Email.<BR/><BR/>PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-45915006657939296502009-01-14T23:11:00.000+01:002009-01-14T23:11:00.000+01:00In my experience most of the jobs overseas call for a Masters/grad degree of some sort. Its just a bit taxing to find a job in the nonprofit sector--I have friends who feel the same way. Some with Master degrees and years of experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-38196716046743148512009-01-07T04:29:00.000+01:002009-01-07T04:29:00.000+01:00Inspirational stuff Peter!<BR/><BR/>I am at that same turning point you described in your car that evening. <BR/>I am not statisfied with my life and want only to be part of something great and important. Financial gain means nothing compared with the feeling one gets when they have the opportunity to change lives.<BR/>I am willing to go down any route to achieve this and any help would be greatly appreciated.<BR/><BR/><BR/>wilkotaz@yahoo.com<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work mate.Luke Wilkinsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-75346302195238396972008-12-30T19:45:15.515+01:002008-12-30T19:45:15.515+01:00Kieran, <BR/><BR/>I will answering you via email.<BR/><BR/>PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-63293279695069438302008-12-30T18:08:00.000+01:002008-12-30T18:08:00.000+01:00hello,<BR/><BR/>This information has been truly inspiring, i am myself in exactly the same frame of mind as you were that particular evening when you thought, enough is enough. my life has been dramatically shaken maybe i am at that turning point in my life but i cannot eat nor sleep with the thought that i am alone in wanting to truly do good for the earth and for the lives that need light. over the last 4 years through information from the internet i have since seen there is so much good at work that it fills my heart with hope and the possibility to be part of that brings joy to me that i cannot express with words. i am worried i do not know enough of the world to put myself somewhere where i can truly benefit, i dont want money from doing this or any gratification, just similar dedicate people, have you any advice on this?<BR/><BR/>the_tree_frog@hotmail.co.uk<BR/><BR/>all the best to you<BR/><BR/>in admiration<BR/><BR/>kierankieran bannigannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-52292980214612747092008-12-04T13:00:23.515+01:002008-12-04T13:00:23.515+01:00@Sundar:<BR/><BR/>Replying to you via email.<BR/><BR/>P.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-89427541677872016222008-12-04T12:33:00.000+01:002008-12-04T12:33:00.000+01:00Hi Peter, <BR/><BR/>Your blog on finding aid work is very inspiring. I have 14+ years of experience in development work, now desiring to work in the African region - some country, in program support. I have multiple skills. Most of the times though my CV matches the job descriptions perfectly with INGOs, almost all the time I never got an interview call. I am also willing to take up short term up to 6 months. Looking for some advice and help,<BR/><BR/>Thanks again in advance,<BR/>Sundar<BR/>rsundar65@rediffmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-83281669251872504842008-10-20T19:19:46.129+01:002008-10-20T19:19:46.129+01:00@Paige: answered to you via email. In summary: going on mission with children is not a problem. I did it too.<BR/>The challenge might be more the relative short period of 4 weeks...<BR/><BR/>PeterPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877671849645884790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-41373941924143979482008-10-20T12:01:00.000+01:002008-10-20T12:01:00.000+01:00hi,<BR/>i am writing in the hope that you may be able to give us some directon, next summer for four weeks me and my partner want to provide short term aid work in a developing country, we have two young children and want to bring them as we belive it will provide them with a unique learning experience and should not prevent us from going as this is something wee feel pasionate about doing before we buy the new house at the end of next year and as a result become restricted in persuing this. i would like to know if this is something we could do with the children and where we go from here, if anyone has done something similar or has advice i would love to here from you my email address is paige.jodi@yahoo.com<BR/><BR/>thanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21629351372307923.post-978458064723816782008-09-23T07:56:00.000+01:002008-09-23T07:56:00.000+01:00I would also like to add that it's pretty important to be totally realistic about what being a development or humanitarian worker entails. For many, it means a life of spinsterhood / bachelorhood. Others don't realise it means pit latrines, bad food, sand in bread and cold water.<BR/><BR/>It's a rewarding career, but not as glamourous as Angelina Jolie. I've had interns freak out the moment they find out what poverty is really like.<BR/><BR/>So I agree with what Peter Casier says about travelling first. And that is travelling as a backpacker in the dodgiest spots.vasco-pyjamahttp://vasco-pyjama.livejournal.com/noreply@blogger.com