At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to deliver lifesaving health responses and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: UK-Med, a frontline medical aid charity with over 30 years of humanitarian work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured professional development, and international deployment opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic traineeship with potential for extension and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your humanitarian career and develop leadership skills in a meaningful way.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience and a strong interest in humanitarian work.
The predicted salary is between 25350 - 30984 £ per year.
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.
Humanitarian Trainee - Human Resources and Membership in Manchester employer: UK-Med
UK-Med is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in humanitarian healthcare. With a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, employees thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture, while enjoying competitive benefits and the chance for personal and professional growth. Located in Manchester with hybrid working options, this role allows you to engage with visionary donors and create lasting partnerships that transform lives during emergencies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Humanitarian Trainee - Human Resources and Membership in Manchester
✨Get Involved in HR Events
Make sure to attend HR conferences and local meetups. They’re great opportunities to network with industry professionals and find trainee roles. Who knows, you might even bump into someone from UK-Med!
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university career centre is a goldmine for landing trainee positions in HR. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies looking for fresh talent, so make use of those connections.
✨Showcase Your Passion for People
When you get an interview, make it clear why you love HR. Share any relevant projects, volunteering experiences, or even courses that demonstrate your interest in people management—this can be a real game changer!
✨Apply Directly Through UK-Med
Don’t forget to apply directly on UK-Med’s website. Tailor your application to show what you’ve learned about HR and why you want to kickstart your career with them specifically—it shows dedication!
We think you need these skills to ace Humanitarian Trainee - Human Resources and Membership in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for People:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for human resources shine through! Share experiences where you’ve interacted with people, whether in a volunteer role or part-time job. Highlight your eagerness to learn about HR functions and how you are excited to develop your skills in this field as a trainee at UK-Med.
Tailor Your CV to HR Skills:When crafting your CV, emphasise transferable skills that are crucial in HR, like communication, conflict resolution, and organisation. Even if your experience isn't directly in HR, showcase relevant coursework or projects from your studies that demonstrate these skills. We want to see how you could be a great fit at UK-Med!
Mention Any HR-Related Qualifications:If you have any certifications related to human resources, like a basic HR management course or workshops, make sure to mention these in your application. Even if they're informal, these add value and can set you apart from others applying for the trainee position.
Keep It Concise and Engaging:As a trainee, we know you might not have a lot of experience, so keep your writing concise yet engaging. Ensure your motivation to learn and contribute at UK-Med comes through clearly, showing you’re ready to jump into the HR world with both feet!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK-Med
✨Know Your HR Basics
As a trainee in Human Resources, it's essential to brush up on key HR concepts. Familiarise yourself with recruitment processes, employee relations, and basic labour laws. This knowledge will not only show your enthusiasm but also give you a solid foundation for answering technical questions.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Given the people-centric nature of HR, focus on showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of times when you've effectively resolved conflicts or worked collaboratively within a team – that's what HR is all about!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions specific to HR situations, such as how to handle a difficult employee or implement a new policy. Think through your responses ahead of time and consider the rationale behind your decisions, as this demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, it's crucial to convey your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the HR field. Discuss why you're passionate about HR and what you hope to gain from your experience at UK-Med. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in developing your career in this area.
