Humanitarian Trainee - Human Resources and Membership

Role: Humanitarian Trainee - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

Hours: Full-time 

Pay: £35,000 GBP gross per annum

Duration:18 months (with possible extension dependent on funding)

Location: UK-based with international deployment

Are you looking to kickstart your career in the humanitarian sector? Is your ambition to develop towards leadership roles in humanitarian work? And are you willing to work hard, learn by doing, and contribute to humanitarian work by doing everything it takes to deliver lifesaving health emergency responses?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit. 

We are excited to launch our Humanitarian Trainee Scheme, offering three distinct trainee roles in the areas of MEAL, Communications and Human Resources & Membership. The Humanitarian Trainee Scheme presents an unparalleled learning opportunity for early-career professionals who are committed to a career in humanitarian work. It is an opportunity to accelerate your development towards future leadership roles in the humanitarian sector. 

The Humanitarian Trainee Scheme consists of an 18-month pathway designed to provide in-depth exposure to humanitarian health programming through a structured professional development plan. You will embed within a team, gaining practical experience and contributing actively to its work and priorities and those of the wider organisation, both at Headquarters and in the field. Alongside this, you will undertake formal and informal professional development through training, mentoring, shadowing and on-the-job learning. 

The traineeship is a structured development opportunity and is not intended to fill an established role within UK-Med’s organisational structure. 

As a trainee, you will: 

• Embed within a team at UK-Med Headquarters, gaining practical experience while contributing to our wider humanitarian preparedness and activities. 

• Deploy internationally to assist in delivering humanitarian health responses. 

• Participate in tailored training, mentoring, shadowing and on-the-job learning to build your skills, knowledge and experience. 

You will have relevant qualifications or equivalent professional experience, with an established technical foundation in your chosen field. Some professional and international experience is essential, alongside a strong interest in applying your existing skills and developing your career within the humanitarian sector.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Humanitarian Trainee - HR & Membership - Sept 2026 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and answer the application questions:

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Thursday 8th October 2026.

Our selection process is designed to understand your potential, motivation and suitability for the Humanitarian Trainee Scheme, as well as the skills and experience you would bring to your chosen pathway. 

Shortlisted candidates will first be invited to an online interview. Following the interview stage, selected candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person assessment in Manchester. The assessment will include a range of individual and/or group activities designed to explore your skills, approach and potential. 

The in-person assessment is expected to take place on the 19th of November in Manchester. If you progress to this stage, you will be expected to attend in person, so we encourage applicants to keep this date available where possible. UK-Med will provide further information regarding the assessment and associated travel/logistical arrangements to candidates invited to this stage. 

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be deployable without the need for additional visa applications to Schengen countries. This requirement is essential for operational reasons to ensure swift and efficient deployment in humanitarian settings, enabling timely and effective responses to crises. 

Applications for work in the UK can only be accepted from people with an existing right to work in the UK. 

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse.  We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed. 

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion.  We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.