r/humanitarian • u/One_Apricot1804 • Nov 04 '24
Can anyone relate?
I feel like this might be a bit of a silly question, especially since I’m aware of the history of U.S. military involvement in many developing countries, but are there any humanitarian aid jobs that actively look for military veterans? I served for four years, didn’t deploy, and now I’m finishing an MS in Sustainable Management. I’m interested in getting into the field, maybe in something like monitoring and evaluation, but I’m open to other entry points as well like volunteering perhaps?Just feeling a little lost right now so I’ll take any advice :-)
6
u/lbsdcu Nov 05 '24
USAID looks kindly on vet status but doesn't actively seek vets.
The only org that I know that actively seeks vets is Team Rubicon. Their domestic responses seem well respected but their international work is dire and they have a (rightfully) awful reputation for operating unilaterally and without consideration of contextual factors.
2
u/ZiKyooc Nov 05 '24
M&E is more about data science, and needs to have a background in quantitative methodologies.
With general management you can look at field/base/area manager/coordinator.
With military background the security related jobs could do. If you like analysis of context, you can look at INSO job opportunities.
2
u/sirwobblz Nov 05 '24
M&E can also be less technical - often a regular ability to use excel and especially a good level of English can be enough depending on the org.
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u/sirwobblz Nov 05 '24
military experience is usually always a plus I think. I knew some ex soldiers. You just need to be ready to expect a very different working culture. The one I knew was definitely too stuck in a military headspace that didn't make him the most suitable candidate.
I'd recommend looking at internships rather than volunteering. they also more commonly pay a minimum these days. in the past most UN internships didn't pay. It's more similar to any other career industry than some might think. I volunteered with refugees where I lived in Europe during my studies but I didn't travel to volunteer. Volunteering abroad to build schools etc is more tourism than work. if you find an interesting volunteering option in the field that you're interested in, I stand corrected of course.
Just use all the buzz words in your CV showing how your skills are transferrable and how your new degree will make you an excellent candidate for a starting position in something like M&E (you could ask ChatGPT to "humanitarianize" your language but of course get it checked)/
all the best
3
u/HumanitarianCafe Nov 11 '24
USAID just posted this article that might interest you: Following the Call to Serve Again
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u/fewerifyouplease Nov 06 '24 edited Nov 06 '24
If you have an EOD or ATO qualification, there are a lot of ex-military in the humanitarian mine action and arms control sectors
Edit: sorry, just saw the "didn't deploy" part and generally read your post properly! Regardless those sectors are more used to working with ex military than perhaps others. There are many in humanitarian access/security as well, though appreciate none of this is the specific M&E path you were asking about.
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u/HumanitarianCafe Nov 08 '24
I think you could have an added value in three sectors:
You should be aware that being a US citizen and ex-soldier is sometimes a red line for some contexts and organizations.