A Blueprint For Professionalizing Humanitarian Assistance

TLDR

International humanitarian response employs 210,000 people and spends nearly $15 billion annually, yet no international professional body exists to ensure workforce quality and integrity. The paper investigates the case for professionalizing humanitarian action through an international professional association, core competencies, and a universal certification system. The study develops core competencies and a universal certification system for aid workers to support this professionalization.

Abstract

International humanitarian response to crises employs 210,000 people and accounts for nearly $15 billion in spending globally each year. Most action is carried out by not-for-profit organizations working with United Nations (UN) agencies, military organizations, and commercial entities. UN agencies employ many technical experts, often retaining them for five or more years. As yet there is no international professional apparatus to promote the quality and integrity of this workforce. This paper reports on research exploring the case for professionalizing humanitarian action through an international professional association, the development of core competencies, and the creation of a universal certification system for aid workers.