Humanitarian Health Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s interconnected world, the role of a Humanitarian Health Advisor has never been more critical.

As global health challenges evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and oversee health interventions in humanitarian contexts escalates.

But what exactly does a Humanitarian Health Advisor do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker interested in the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of humanitarian health,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile Humanitarian Health Advisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Humanitarian Health Advisor Duties and Responsibilities

Humanitarian Health Advisors play a critical role in managing health initiatives in humanitarian crises.

They liaise with various teams and agencies to ensure the health needs of vulnerable populations are met.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess health needs and coordinate with relevant partners to implement emergency response programs
• Provide technical advice on public health and health system issues in humanitarian settings
• Develop and implement health strategies in emergency settings
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of health interventions on affected populations
• Coordinate with other humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local health authorities to ensure integrated delivery of health services
• Participate in planning and conducting needs assessments and health surveys
• Provide technical training to field staff on health interventions and disease prevention strategies
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals and budgets for health programs
• Ensure compliance with humanitarian principles, codes of conduct, and international health standards
• Prepare reports and briefings on health activities and outcomes

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Humanitarian Health Advisor to provide technical guidance and support to our health programs in humanitarian settings.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public health, health system strengthening, and managing health interventions in emergency contexts.

The successful applicant will be responsible for designing effective health strategies, providing technical assistance to health project teams, and ensuring that our health interventions are aligned with international best practices and standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and support to health project teams in emergency settings.
• Develop and implement health strategies and interventions in alignment with international best practices.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health programs.
• Participate in the development of proposals and project reports related to health interventions.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of health programs.
• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses in health service delivery.
• Provide capacity building and training to staff on health-related topics.
• Represent the organization in health coordination forums and advocate for the health needs of affected populations.

 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field.
• Proven experience in implementing health programs in humanitarian contexts.
• Knowledge of international humanitarian standards and guidelines for health.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Willingness to travel to field locations, often in challenging and insecure environments.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Education assistance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Humanitarian Health Advisor
• Work Environment: Office setting with significant travel to field locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Humanitarian Health Advisor Do?

Humanitarian Health Advisors usually work for international non-profit organizations, humanitarian aid agencies or government bodies.

They can also work as independent consultants or advisors.

Their main task is to provide expert advice on health issues in humanitarian contexts, often in areas affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies.

They are involved in the planning, coordination, and implementation of health programs in these challenging settings.

Humanitarian Health Advisors often work closely with other health professionals, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure that the health needs of the affected population are met.

They assess health risks and needs, develop strategies and interventions to address these needs, and monitor the impact of these interventions.

They may also be involved in training local health workers, promoting health education and awareness, and advocating for health rights and access to healthcare services.

Their job requires a deep understanding of public health principles and practices, as well as the ability to work effectively in complex and often unstable environments.

Their work is crucial in safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in times of crisis.

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Humanitarian Health Advisor should possess a broad range of skills and qualifications that align with the role, including:

• Strong background in public health, medicine, or a related field to understand and address health-related issues in humanitarian settings.
• Experience in working with international humanitarian organizations or in disaster response, to handle health crises effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills for liaising with various stakeholders including local health officials, non-governmental organizations, and affected communities.
• Ability to make quick and effective decisions in high-stress environments, using strong problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in health interventions to ensure the respect and dignity of affected communities.
• Knowledge of health systems strengthening, disease control, and health promotion strategies in low-resource settings.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, for coordinating with diverse teams and driving health projects towards their goals.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing to monitor health conditions, evaluate interventions, and inform policy and practice.
• Willingness to travel to remote and potentially hazardous locations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Experience Requirements

Entry-level Humanitarian Health Advisor candidates may have at least 2 to 3 years of relevant experience in public health, often gained through roles in healthcare organizations, NGOs, or through fieldwork and internships.

These roles would ideally expose candidates to global health or humanitarian contexts.

Candidates with 4 to 6 years of experience typically have a deeper understanding of humanitarian health programming and policies.

This could be through direct field experience in emergency humanitarian contexts or a health advisor role in a development context.

Those with over 7 years of experience in the field often hold senior-level roles within humanitarian health organizations.

They would have demonstrated leadership in designing and implementing humanitarian health programs, and have experience working with diverse teams.

Furthermore, those with more than 10 years of experience may have extensive experience in policy development, advocacy, strategic planning, and partnership building within the humanitarian health sector.

They would likely be suitable for roles with greater responsibilities, such as department heads or directors, within humanitarian organizations.

In addition to these, most roles would require a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as public health, medicine, or international relations.

Language skills, particularly in languages spoken in crisis-affected areas, are often highly valuable.

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Education and Training Requirements

Humanitarian Health Advisors typically have a master’s degree in public health, international relations, or a related field.

They require a solid understanding of global health issues and knowledge of health systems in low or middle-income countries.

It is also important to have skills in project management, strategic planning, and crisis response.

A clinical background such as a degree in medicine, nursing, or other health-related fields can be advantageous, especially for roles that involve direct interaction with health interventions.

Aside from formal education, experience in humanitarian work, particularly in complex emergencies or disaster settings, is highly valued.

This could be obtained through voluntary work, internships, or working with non-governmental organizations.

Language skills, particularly in languages commonly spoken in crisis-hit areas, can be a significant advantage.

Some Humanitarian Health Advisors may pursue further training or certification in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian principles, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Continued professional development is crucial in this role due to the ever-changing nature of global health crises.

Therefore, a commitment to ongoing learning is essential.

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Salary Expectations

A Humanitarian Health Advisor can expect an average salary of $73,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary significantly depending on experience, education, the nature of the organization, and geographical location.

 

Humanitarian Health Advisor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Humanitarian Health Advisor need?

A Humanitarian Health Advisor needs to have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as they would often be required to make critical decisions under pressure.

They should also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Additionally, knowledge of public health, epidemiology, or medical practice is crucial for this role.

 

Do Humanitarian Health Advisors need a degree?

Yes, a degree in public health, medicine, or a related field is typically required for a Humanitarian Health Advisor position.

Some roles may also require a Master’s degree or relevant professional qualifications.

Furthermore, experience in healthcare delivery, particularly in low-resource settings or during humanitarian crises, is often highly valued.

 

What should you look for in a Humanitarian Health Advisor resume?

In a Humanitarian Health Advisor’s resume, look for a strong educational background in public health or medicine.

Practical experience in humanitarian response or low-resource settings is a strong indicator of suitability for this role.

Additionally, skills in strategic planning, project management, and health program design and evaluation should be highlighted.

Evidence of working in cross-cultural settings or ability to speak multiple languages can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Humanitarian Health Advisor?

A good Humanitarian Health Advisor has a deep commitment to improving health outcomes in challenging settings.

They should be adaptable, able to work under pressure and make critical decisions in complex situations.

Cultural sensitivity and empathy are important, as they will often be working with diverse communities.

They should also be good team players, with strong leadership and communication skills.

 

What are the daily duties of a Humanitarian Health Advisor?

A Humanitarian Health Advisor typically conducts assessments of health needs in emergency settings, proposes strategies and interventions to address these needs, and works with teams to implement these plans.

They also monitor and evaluate health programs, ensure adherence to international health standards, and liaise with other organizations and stakeholders.

Other duties may include training staff, preparing reports, and contributing to policy development.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a humanitarian health advisor.

Surprise!

It’s not just about providing healthcare.

It’s about shaping a healthier, more compassionate world, one community at a time.

With our ready-to-use humanitarian health advisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why end here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health intervention is a step towards a healthier global community.

Let’s shape that world. Together.

How to Become a Humanitarian Health Advisor (Complete Guide)

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