Frequently Asked Questions for Global Positions

To find answers to your questions about US-based positions with Action Against Hunger, please click here.

I cannot upload my CV. What should I do? 

Your CV demonstrates your skills and lets us know that you are a good fit for the position you are applying for. Try using a simple Word.doc or PDF format. You can also try to minimize the length of your CV and remove any photos or other large graphic elements. If you are still having trouble, email our staff at info@actionagainsthunger.org.

How will my position be evaluated? 

Positions are typically evaluated based on the following categories: Program Manager, Coordinator, Deputy Country Director or Country Director. Specialist positions are evaluated on the same level as Program Managers and Experts are evaluated on the same level as Coordinators.

How long does it take Action Against Hunger to respond to job applications? 

Thank you for your interest in Action Against Hunger. We receive hundreds of applications every month, so unfortunately, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you are a good fit for our team, we will be in touch within a couple of weeks.

Why can’t I apply for multiple jobs?

We ask all candidates to apply for the job that is best suited to their skills and interests. However, our recruitment team will consider you for each open position. If we think that you may be a better fit for another position, we will let you know.

What languages do I need to be able to speak and write? 

International field vacancies are usually posted in the working language of that mission. This means that you should be able to communicate well—both verbally and in writing—in that language. Speaking other languages is an advantage, especially when working in the humanitarian sector. While English, French, and Spanish are the most commonly used languages within international teams, other languages may also be helpful.

What language will be used in my interview? 

Your interview will usually be conducted in what will be the working language of the position you have applied for — either English or French.

Why can’t I apply for an international position in my home country? 

International field vacancies are only opened when operationally it has been determined that this will be the best outcome for our programs. It is not possible to hire local staff in their home country on a US contract. Accordingly, these positions are restricted to professionals from other countries.

I have already included my background information in my CV. Do I need to include this information on the application form?  

Yes. We ask candidates to enter their professional experience and qualifications for several reasons:

1. CVs are often structured and formatted very differently from our application form. Having the information in both places allows us to more easily your qualifications.
2. If you are accepted into our candidate pool, your cumulative work experience is used to calculate your salary in line with Action Against Hunger’s international salary structure.

How does the recruitment process work? 

Throughout the recruitment process, you will be given various opportunities to demonstrate your skillset. This is your opportunity to showcase your background experience, qualifications, and interests.

Initial screening: Each candidate’s application is screened to ensure that it aligns with our criteria. You will be screened for both the position you applied for and other open vacancies.

Technical test:  You may be asked to complete a technical test. The test allows us to evaluate how you typically problem solve and complete tasks. These tests are timed and usually take 2 to 3 hours.

Interviews:  You will be interviewed by the HR department and a technical advisor. Depending on the position, you may be invited to additional interviews with other staff.

Reference checks:  Your references will be contacted to verify your employment, character, skills and previous experience.

Will I have to travel for an in-person interview? 

For some positions, you may need to travel to our office.  Other times, interviews are conducted on the phone or via video call.

Who will interview me? 

All potential international field employees are interviewed by both a representative of the Human Resources team and a technical expert. If you have previously worked with one of our technical advisors then we will usually identify a second technical advisor to participate in the interview so that all candidates are evaluated equally objectively against the same selection criteria.

Why do I have to complete a technical test? 

Technical tests give candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills. They are also one of the methods we use to evaluate how you act in real field situations. Through this test, we can assess your expertise firsthand and determine whether you have the fundamental abilities to meet the professional requirements of our international field positions.

I do not want my references to be contacted before I tell them that I have applied for a job with Action Against Hunger. Will you let me know before contacting my references? 

Yes. If you have moved through the earlier steps in the recruitment process, we will let you know before contacting your references. You will then have the chance to inform them that they should expect a phone call or email from our HR team.

How long does it take for Action Against Hunger to complete the recruitment process? 

Usually, a candidate’s recruitment process will be completed in six to eight weeks. It might be faster if we need to fill a more urgent vacancy, and it might take longer if you or any of the people involved in the process are not immediately available.

Can I send my CV directly to a friend or someone I know who is currently working with Action Against Hunger — either in the field or at one of the HQs? 

If you are interested in working at Action Against Hunger, please apply for a specific vacancy on our website. This allows us to ensure that the same recruitment process is followed for all candidates. This is not only fair but ensures that we match the best candidates to the available vacancies.

If you have been alerted to a vacancy by someone who is currently, or has previously, worked with Action Against Hunger, then you may consider asking them to provide a reference for you. They will be contacted if you reach this step in the recruitment process.

Will Action Against Hunger ask me to verify my previous employment and qualifications? 

All candidates may be asked to provide copies of their diplomas and other professional qualifications.  We reserve the right to ask for verification of the dates and scope of any previous employment you have cited in your application. Any information you provide to Action Against Hunger that is later determined to be falsified or cannot be substantiated may be grounds for cancelling your participation in a selection process or cancelling a field assignment. You should only provide us with accurate and verifiable information, not only in your application, but throughout the entire recruitment process.

I am currently working with Action Against Hunger as a member of a national team. I would like to apply for an international position. Should I apply through the Action Against Hunger website? 

All current national staff should contact their HR or Finance Coordinator to facilitate the process to be validated for international field positions. All past national staff can apply to one of Action Against Hunger’s country offices. Your past employment with Action Against Hunger will be reviewed during the recruitment process.

I have previously, unsuccessfully, applied to work with Action Against Hunger. I have since gained additional experience and skills. Can I reapply for a position?  

Thank you for your continued interest. We keep your application on file for 12 months, and during this time, you cannot reapply for any position. If you believe you have gained sufficient experience during that period to meet the requirements of our international field positions, you can reapply through the website. You will have to re-enter all your details.

Can I bring my family with me on my assignment? 

Depending on the position, we may be able to offer accompanied status benefits for certain senior field positions. We evaluate your request based on several elements: the nature of the position, the length of the field work, the security conditions of the host country, the availability of medical and educational services, and other operational considerations. You can specify in your application your preference for accompanied or non-accompanied positions. Please remember that there are significantly fewer accompanied posts available than non-accompanied posts.

I have received an email telling me that I was accepted into Action Against Hunger’s pool of candidates. What does this mean? 

We do not only recruit for open positions. We also keep candidates in our pool to alert them of future vacancies.  If you are accepted in the pool, you have been validated for international field vacancies, but we are unable to currently offer you the position. However, once you are validated to work with us, our HR team will continuously review your profile against vacancies around the world.  the world. If The HR team finds a suitable match, you will be contacted to discuss a specific assignment.

Please note: We cannot predict how long it may take to find an appropriate assignment for anyone in the pool. Do not resign from your current employment until you are formally offered and have accepted an assignment.

I was notified that I have been accepted into the pool of candidates and am interested in a few other current vacancies. How do I let the HR team know I would like to be considered for these? 

When Action Against Hunger advises you that you are validated for our international field positions, you will be given the contact details of the HR Officer responsible for your technical pool.

I am in the pool but have not been offered an assignment. When can I expect to be matched to a post? 

If you meet the requirements for an assignment, every effort will be made to match you to a specific post. However, Action Against Hunger receives a large number of applications for available vacancies and it is not always possible to place everyone – either because your availability, skills and experience do not exactly match current operational needs, or because there are other, better qualified, candidates. As noted above, please do not resign from your current employment until you are formally offered and have accepted an assignment.

I have been accepted for an international field position. Will Action Against Hunger provide any assistance with pre-departure preparation?  

Action Against Hunger provides assistance with securing your visa and flights. (See below for further information related to visas and passports).

You will also be asked to complete administrative documents related to your salary and other benefits.

Close to your departure, you will be asked to specify two half-days when you can be available for briefings with the US team. Briefings are usually conducted over the phone or by video call. Various technical advisors may also send you extensive background briefing materials.

International field employees working with us for the first time may also be asked to attend a 5-day induction training at our Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Costs for attending this training will be covered by Action Against Hunger.

What are the physical requirements for a field position? 

We do everything possible to ensure that our employees are comfortable and safe. However, due to the nature of our international missions, our field team often encounters difficult conditions while also completing their required work. In order to work with us in the field, international employees must confirm that they are capable of enduring physically difficult, highly stressful situations. This may include walking long distances (while carrying a backpack or equipment up to 50 pounds), driving long distances over very poor road conditions, boating over poor water conditions, eating a limited diet, and living in tents or potentially uncomfortable housing.

What are the medical requirements for a field position? 

You must have suitable mental and physical fitness before working in an international program. That is why our prospective international employees are all required to undergo a medical examination prior to an assignment being confirmed. No physical or mental condition, physical or mental disability will automatically preclude you from working with us, unless your situation renders you incapable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. You should be aware that many of our projects are in remote, high-risk locations and if we are unable to place you in certain locations, this will limit our ability to find you a suitable assignment.

What date will my contract start?

All employee assignments are for a fixed period. Your contract start date will ensure that your contract is inclusive of travel time at the beginning and end of the assignment, induction and other trainings, and briefings either in-person or by phone/video call.

How long will my contract be? 

Assignments typically vary in length, although many are for six months to a year. Towards the end of your assignment (approximately four to six weeks), you will discuss with your supervisor your exact departure date. This date may vary depending on the planned arrival of the staff member that will take your place.

Will I be able to go home during my assignment? 

You will usually be able to go home during your breaks . Nevertheless, this may not always be practical. You will be able to assess home visits dependent on your current operational plans and deadlines, the travel time and distance, the cost, and whether you have accrued additional paid vacation days to ensure that the trip is worthwhile. Once you receive an offer of employment, we will review our vacation policies with you.

Do I need a passport? 

Yes. All international field employees are required to have a valid passport in order to work with us. Your passport must be valid for at least a year after your departure date, or three months longer than your planned assignment. Your passport must also have at least six blank pages to allow for potential visas (for trainings in other countries, international meetings, breaks, and vacations).

How will I get a visa for my country of assignment? 

We will assist you with the visa process for your country of assignment. You will typically be able to secure a visa in your home country. If alternative arrangements are required, we will work with our other offices to help facilitate this process. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long it may take to secure a visa for your country of assignment. However, we will work closely with you until your visa has been issued.

How will I find out about the security situation in my country of assignment? 

Whenever Action Against Hunger posts a job vacancy for an international field position, we also include information about the current security conditions in the field.  This information will be supplemented with additional information during your recruitment process and during your briefings. You are encouraged to ask questions about all your security-related concerns before and during your assignment.

Can I refuse an assignment if I am worried about the security situation in that country?

Action Against Hunger prioritizes the security of all staff. However, we often work in countries dealing with turbulent and unpredictable crises. Our goal is to provide support and stability to communities facing distress, and this means that we often must work alongside them.

Therefore, due to the nature of our international positions, our field staff may be confronted by security risks. That is why it is important to thoroughly review a field position before applying.

During the recruitment, placement, and briefing process, as well as during your assignment, you will be encouraged to ask questions about the security procedures and situation where you are working. We will always respect your decision to refuse an assignment because you have serious concerns about your personal safety in your proposed country of assignment. Similarly, while working in the field, if at any time you no longer feel comfortable working in a specific location, you should discuss your concerns with the Country Director so we can help you make the most appropriate decision for you.

How does Action Against Hunger monitor these potential security situations?

We place the utmost importance on continuously analyzing, managing, and communicating about the safety & security of its staff. The senior operations team updates each mission’s security procedures in response to urgent situations. Individual employees are responsible for following our security rules and communicating any concerns to their supervisor.

What kind of accommodation will I be provided with during my assignment? 

Whenever we post a job vacancy, we also include information about the current living conditions in that position’s base. Please review this information carefully before applying for a position. The standard of accommodation varies from one mission to another, as well as in between project sites and capital locations. We strive to provide comfort to all of our international field employees. However, the living conditions are not always guaranteed to meet your standard of comfort. Especially when dealing with emergency situations, living conditions may be unfamiliar or sometimes uncomfortable.

How often will I be able to communicate with my family? 

It depends on whether your base has consistent cell phone service or internet. Sometimes, our bases are in a remote location where service does not reach. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the cost of all international calls.

Where will I find details of Action Against Hunger’s remuneration package for international field staff? 

You can find a link to a detailed overview of Action Against Hunger’s remuneration package from the main careers’ page or from each individual vacancy. Please read this carefully before you apply for a position because Action Against Hunger field salaries are part of a harmonized international agreement and are non-negotiable.

What is the Rest & Recuperation (R&R) policy? 

Due to the difficult living conditions in many of our missions, employees are provided with regular rest & recuperation (R&R) breaks. Such breaks give employees a break from potentially stressful and demanding situations. These are not considered regular holidays or vacations.

R&R breaks are intended to support your mental health away from the field. That’s why they are compulsory for all employees. The frequency of R&R breaks depends on the specific living and working conditions of each mission (considerations include the level of insecurity and stress, difficulty of living conditions, extremes of climate, and more). The standard benchmark for R&R breaks is five working days every three months.

The details of the terms and conditions of the R&R breaks applicable to your particular assignment will be discussed during your placement process. You will also receive more information in your offer of employment.

What is the vacation policy for international field staff? 

You will accrue two and a half calendar days of paid vacation for every month you work in the field. You will be able to attach accrued vacation days to R&R breaks after you have worked at least three months of a minimum six-month assignment. However, you will not be able to take vacation days before they are accrued.

Will Action Against Hunger pay for my family’s medical insurance? 

If you accept a non-accompanied position, then only your medical insurance will be 100% covered. If you accept an accompanied position, you will receive medical insurance for both you and your family.

How will I develop my professional skills throughout my time at Action Against Hunger?

Action Against Hunger is committed to helping all staff develop their skills and experience. Learning and development opportunities are not restricted to in-person trainings. With the help of your dedicated supervisors and HR team, you will be able to reach your professional goals with the help of your supervisors and HR team.

Action Against Hunger’s Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, supports professional and capacity-building activities. The Training Center team regularly conducts trainings, and it works closely with the HR team to identify and address the learning needs of all staff.