Most jobs are concentrated on the East Coast or overseas, though a number of excellent groups focusing on Latin America are here in California. While getting your foot in the door with many of the big human rights groups can be difficult, the determined job-seeker should be able to find some position in the field with perserverance. Since human rights and humanitarian affairs jobs are so competitive, it is important to build up your resume with internships or work abroad. Then, when a paid opening comes along, you are already well-positioned.
Much humanitarian work draws on specific skills, from medicine to water engineering.
If you have some specialized skill, this can help you land an entry-level position. Another good strategy is to find some way to get to a country where there are organizations on the ground at work on human rights or humanitarian issues. Also, be sure to visit the U.N. careers page for other leads.