Mozambique, after being struck by two cyclones, is in desperate need of assistance to reach those still without access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. The ongoing conflict in Yemen and Syria forces tens of thousands to flee their homes, while in Somalia, severe drought has resulted in growing food insecurity. These are the tough environments that organizations working in the humanitarian relief sector are often operating in — facing natural disasters and conflict head-on.
Humanitarian organizations need to be on the ground quickly. Once basic needs have been met in the aftermath of an emergency, efforts to rebuild the community — including its education, health, and livelihood systems — are at the top of the agenda.
As a result, a range of professionals are involved in the sector, usually employed as full-time staff, consultants, or contractors, by national and local governments, civil society groups, multilateral and bilateral donors, consulting firms, or humanitarian organizations.