Careers in humanitarian aid: a geographers’ guide

With conflict and climate change impacting communities around the world, humanitarian aid is as vital as ever. 

In a recent careers webinar hosted by the Society, humanitarian aid professionals with a geographical background shared advice on starting a career in this rapidly evolving sector, and why they think geographers are well-equipped for these roles. 

Attitudes to the international deployment of humanitarian aid are changing, with the acknowledgement that the best responders are, arguably, those in the affected country who know the situation and local context. However, while more humanitarian aid jobs are being localised, geographers seeking entry to the sector in the UK should not be discouraged as many emerging opportunities require geographical skills. Alice Almond, Head of Training Services at MapAction, encourages students who enjoy working with spatial data and GIS to use this to their benefit as these skills are short in supply but high in demand. For example, organisations are adopting the use of remote sensing and satellite data for detecting deforestation and damage from conflicts, and there is an increasing application of artificial intelligence (AI) across the sector, such as in early warning systems.

Alice also encourages those entering the sector from a qualitative, human geography background to make the most of their skills. “Human geographers come with an understanding of demographics, such as population structures, age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as an exposure to different cultures and customs, perhaps through learning a different language, which equip you well in the sector.” There are plenty of opportunities for human geographers to apply their understanding with many organisations now dedicating resources and designing programmes to empower young people, account for the unique experience of women and girls, and promote disability inclusion.

The combination of community-based work with technical understanding makes geographers highly employable and valued. Michael Whitworth, an engineering geologist at AECOM and a Chartered Geographer, said: “there is a plethora of research that we can miss as engineers…during post-disaster events, a huge amount of the recovery is driven by the human side and as engineers we can sometimes miss that, so we need to bring [geographical] experts in”.

Geography offers a range of transferable and specific skills, knowledge and understanding. Alongside your skills, the professionals offered these top tips:

1. Get volunteering experience. Alice says: "I would really recommend volunteering…not necessarily internationally but finding a university group connected with the sector. This gave me the opportunity to build networks that were later really valuable to me as well as an understanding of how those organisations work". For those interested in GIS, Alice recommends volunteering opportunities at OpenStreetMap.
2. Attend careers fairs and speak to professionals in the sector. Michael says: “It’s a great place to meet people and talk to companies. For example, they might not show something on their website but when you speak to someone, this can lead to you being put in contact with someone on LinkedIn".
3. Take free introductory courses. Examples include the Disaster Ready Learning Platform and Humanitarian Leadership Academy Learning Platform. 
4. Show your commitment. Joining a professional body like the Society signals a professional and committed attitude towards your career. Chris Ewing, Vice-Chair of the Society’s Disaster Risk Management Professional Practice Group, and a volunteer at MapAction, says: "As you move from university to early career, being in a networking group helps maintain your learning and provides a mechanism to record your activities, it shows that you're not just about the 9-5 but are passionate about the use of geography in the sector".
5. Utilise our resources. From NGO workers and environmental consultants to coast guard and policy officers, there are numerous different roles in the sector and the Society’s free resources, including webinars, can help you find those that would suit you. In addition, our Disaster Risk Management Professional Practice Group brings together professionals from across the humanitarian, governmental and academic sectors. 

Humanitarian aid is just one important sector which geographers are well-equipped for. In our Use geography webinars, we speak to geographers across a range of sectors, helping you to learn more about the many possibilities studying geography opens up.  You can watch previous webinars here or book onto the next webinar which will explore careers that involve community and stakeholder engagement, taking place on Wednesday 26 March.