Why Humanitarian CVs Differ from Corporate Resumes
International NGOs and UN humanitarian agencies operate on competency-based evaluation frameworks. Your application is filtered by both automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and panel committees looking for evidence of direct field impact.
The 3 Essential Sections of an NGO CV
- Executive Summary & Core Competencies: A concise 3-line paragraph outlining your total years of humanitarian/development experience, sectoral focus (WASH, Food Security, Education, Health), and regional mobility.
- Quantified Professional Experience: Always write in action-oriented bullet points using the CAR formula (Context, Action, Result). For example: "Managed supply chain logistics for 14 remote clinic sites in Lower Shabelle, reducing medicine delivery lead time by 32%."
- Education & Certifications: Highlight recognized credentials such as Project DPro, PMP, or specialized humanitarian safety and logistics certifications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid generic objective statements and unverified claims. Ensure your contact details and reference contacts are completely up to date before submitting via ShaqoHel.