Changing sectors - getting into relief work

Starting from scratch in a new sector, with a new career is a difficult prospect for most – especially if, like Jake Suddaby, you want to get into relief work where there is no such thing as a conventional career path.

Now fully on his way to a successful career in international relief work, “it all started with RedR’s So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? course”, says Jake, who after a Degree in Spanish and several years of working as a corporate event organiser, decided that the corporate sector was not for him.

“Two years ago I quit my job without a solid backup plan. I began looking at the aid sector because I felt it was important for the work that I do to reflect my principles and values. I was also very interested in the international aspect of relief work.  So, with no job, I decided to attend RedR's So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? workshop in order to find out more about the humanitarian sector and what was on offer, ” Jake explains.

The workshop is aimed at anyone looking to start out in relief work, from graduates to career changers, and introduces participants to different career opportunities and organisations within the sector. For Jake, it quickly became clear that his interests and skills were best matched to a job in emergency logistics, but that he needed further experience and knowledge of humanitarian work to get his foot in the door.

“Logistics was an obvious choice for me, when I looked at the skills that I already had and to what position I could transfer and apply them. In my previous roles, I was responsible for the practical organisation of events - or you might say the logistical side of it.  Some of the skills I developed there I have been able to transfer to humanitarian logistics after changing sectors.  My experience of working in Corporate Event Management, organising events for Formula One teams and large banks, served to develop my organisational and management skills,” he clarifies.
 
He spent the next 12 months gaining experience in the humanitarian sector by volunteering at RedR. First, with the Fundraising and Communications team, using his event organisation experience, and following this with the International Programmes team, learning about different aspects of relief work and making contacts within the sector.  As he is quick to point out, “Who you meet and who you know is important! This is where volunteering comes in.  Being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people means that you find out about opportunities and are more likely to be given those opportunities. “

While volunteering at RedR, Jake also seized the opportunity to take part in some of the organisation’s other training courses to increase his understanding of different aspects of relief work. These included Essentials of Humanitarian Practice,  a five-day intensive course which combines the theory and practice of humanitarian work,  Personal Security in Emergencies, which covers the increasing security threats faced by aid workers today, and Logistics Essentials, which directly relates to the area Jake wanted to work in.

Getting out into the field

Armed with a world of new knowledge from the training courses he had attended and volunteering at RedR, Jake applied for one of the coveted internship places on Save the Children UK’s Logistics Skills Development Programme – and got accepted.  Since starting in January, he has received extensive on the job training and travelled overseas, as part of his new role.

“On the Save the Children programme I have received good training and now have a great, in-depth knowledge of humanitarian programmes and logistics.  Best of all has been getting out into the field and applying the skills I have learnt! I recently got back from a two month placement in Tanzania, where I was working on equipment management, fleet management and security.  It was a great experience and I am now waiting for my next placement. It looks like this will be in Kenya, close to the Somali border, helping train local staff in logistic policies. Soon, I will be a fully fledged logistician!” Jake enthuses.

Jake is now half way through his 12 months internship with Save the Children.  Following his on the job training, he will be qualified to take up a role as a Logistics Officer anywhere in the world.  While not guaranteed a permanent role with Save the Children, he will be placed on their roster and may be contacted when suitable roles become available.  He will also be eligible to apply for jobs at other agencies in both the development and aid sectors.

Looking back, it is clear for Jake that changing careers has been the right choice: “Logistics in a humanitarian context is an ideal job for me. It combines organisational skills with technical knowledge and is not all desk-based – so it’s a highly varied role. It is also very satisfying when you make a difference to the crucial work performed by the programme teams. I love the international aspect as it makes the world a smaller place and exposes you to cultures you may never have had the chance to learn about otherwise,” he concludes.

A rewarding career

Getting into relief work can be difficult as there is no straight-forward career path but don’t let that put you off!  To get where you want to be takes determination and commitment but it is worth it. Helping those less fortunate than you in some of the world’s poorest countries can be an immensely rewarding experience. 

You will need to look at what transferrable skills you have from previous work experience or interests, and how these can be applied in your desired role in the humanitarian sector.  In addition to this, you will need to gain relevant experience to understand how the humanitarian sector operates and what issues are at the top of the agenda. You will also need to show a strong commitment to aid work to get noticed. 
 

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