Pillar Guide

Remote Humanitarian & INGO Jobs: The Complete Career Guide

International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and humanitarian agencies form the backbone of the global aid system. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be in a conflict zone to make a difference — thousands of impactful roles are performed entirely remotely.

What are humanitarian and INGO careers?

Humanitarian careers encompass any work that responds to, prepares for, or helps communities recover from crises — armed conflict, natural disasters, famine, displacement. INGO careers more broadly include development work aimed at long-term poverty reduction, governance strengthening, and capacity building. The sector is enormous: the UN system alone employs over 120,000 staff, and the major INGOs collectively employ hundreds of thousands more.

Remote roles in this sector tend to cluster in headquarters functions: grant management, donor relations, monitoring and evaluation, communications, data analysis, information management, and technology. Programme design and technical advisory roles are also increasingly remote, with experts providing guidance to field teams via video calls and shared platforms.

Key skills employers look for

  • Programme & project management — Logical frameworks, results-based management, donor reporting (USAID, ECHO, DFID formats).
  • Monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) — Survey design, qualitative methods, data visualisation, DHIS2/KoboToolbox.
  • Grant writing & proposal development — Crafting competitive bids for institutional donors.
  • Languages — French, Arabic, and Spanish dramatically expand your opportunities.
  • Information management — Humanitarian data standards (HDX, IATI), GIS mapping, dashboard creation.
  • Protection & safeguarding — Understanding of humanitarian principles, do-no-harm frameworks, and child protection policies.

How to get started

If you lack field experience, start with domestic volunteer work: refugee resettlement agencies, disaster-preparedness organisations, or local Red Cross chapters. Apply for remote internships at smaller INGOs (they are less competitive than the UN). Build MEL or grant-writing skills through free courses on DisasterReady.org or Kaya (Humanitarian Leadership Academy). Consider a short-term consultancy listed on ReliefWeb to get your first INGO credential on your CV.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a remote INGO job without field experience?

Yes. Many INGO roles are headquarters-based and fully remote: grant management, donor reporting, communications, data analysis, HR, and IT. Field experience is valuable but not required for most support functions.

What are the largest INGOs that hire remotely?

The largest remote-friendly INGOs include IRC, Save the Children, Mercy Corps, CARE International, World Vision, ICRC, Oxfam, and MSF. UN agencies like UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, and OCHA also list remote consultancies.

What skills do humanitarian employers value most?

Programme management, M&E, grant writing, logistics, protection knowledge, and language skills (French, Arabic, Spanish). Technical skills like GIS and mobile data collection are increasingly in demand.

How much do remote humanitarian jobs pay?

Entry-level: $40,000-$55,000. Mid-career: $65,000-$100,000. Senior: $100,000-$150,000+. UN consultancies bill at $300-$700/day. Browse current openings in our humanitarian category.

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