Back to Career Guides

How to become an Aid Worker

305

Aid Worker jobs

6,529

Aid Worker courses

Career progression and salary expectations for an Aid Worker

Team Administrator

| Up to £18,000

Project Manager

| Up to £30,000

Field Coordinator

| Up to £40,000

The role of an Aid Worker

What does an Aid Worker do?

Want a career where you can really make a difference? You should become an Aid Worker… Aid Workers help to provide care and develop sustainable solutions for people affected by emergencies, or for those living in developing countries.Work in this sector is diverse, and could involve dealing with a variety of developmental and environmental issues – as well as natural disasters and war. Many Aid Workers are also responsible for developing projects to improve problem areas such as education, health, human rights, and sanitation.Although most Aid Workers operate on the front-line, administrative positions are available in the UK.Typical duties for an Aid Worker could include:

Assessing emergency situations and distributing aid
Carrying out assessments to understand needs
Researching project requirements
Maintaining safety and security in unstable areas
Managing projects and monitoring their effectiveness
Sourcing and collecting equipment (e.g. medicines, tools)
Handling budgets and assigning resources

Is a career as an Aid Worker right for me?

Aside from excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure, you’ll also need to be able to communicate well with all kinds of people – no matter what situation they’re in.Passion and enthusiasm for the cause you’re supporting is also essential, as it’s this drive that will help you to plan and implement projects that will really make a difference to people’s lives.And, as you’ll also rely on the support of your team, the ability to work well with others is key.To become an Aid Worker, you’ll also need to be:

Willing to live and work in undeveloped areas
Able to prioritise and delegate tasks
Patient and organised
Motivational
Able to make decisions
Goal-driven

What's it like to be an Aid Worker?

"Aid work is extremely rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. It took a few years of volunteering and helping out with various projects both overseas, and in the UK, to get where I am now. My day-to-day could involve anything from handing out care packages and working on large healthcare projects, to pushing for funding and sponsorship. Strategic planning is also a big part of what I do, as it helps to manage disasters effectively and create long-term solutions. The hardest experience so far was providing aid after the Nepal earthquake in 2015 – but it was also the most rewarding. Thinking that I helped at least a few people deal with the disaster is incredibly humbling."

Get qualified as an Aid Worker

Gaining relevant work experience (alongside a degree related to your field of interest) is essential if you want to become an Aid Worker. Many local and international internships are available, and volunteering is also a great way to build your practical expertise.

Recommended Aid Worker courses

First Aid Techniques, Health and Safety and Risk Assessment Training for Aid Worker

Janets

Flash Sale! | Career Guided Programme | 30-in-1 Bundle | CPD Certified | 300 CPD Point | FREE PDF & Hardcopy Certificate
- Compare
- Online
- 260 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 300 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

In the UK and worldwide, the need for skilled aid workers is growing significantly as humanitarian and disaster relief efforts expand. With salaries ranging from £35,000 to £55,000, aid work offers a fulfilling career for those passionate about helping communities in cr …
£100
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) with Health and Safety Level 3

Training Express Ltd

39 Topics in 1 | Level 3 Diploma | CPD Accredited | Free Certificate Included | Instant Access | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- 104 students
- Online
- 3.6 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

Highly rated

See more See less

Consider your employee who experiences sudden chest pain or asthma. What actions would you take in such a situation? Take the initiative to enroll in our comprehensive First Aid at Work course, which equips you with the necessary techniques to handle health emergencies in the wor …
Save 4%

£12 £12.50