Working in War Zones Overseas

Dangers Abound Yet the International Work Satisfies the Soul

By Jeff Morris

War leaves countries in ruins. To make matters worse, the civilians in many countries, including Afghanistan and Lebanon (including many countries in the Middle East, Africa, and recently Ukraine), were already in serious trouble before endless traditional, proxy, and civil wars break out. The international community often comes to the rescue, and, fortunately for Americans looking for adventurous and meaningful work abroad, American organizations make up much of that community.

Have you done any volunteer work? Military service? Foreign travel? Do you speak another language? Anything helps; the more you can put on your resume, the better your chances.

The United Nations should be the first place a potential war zone worker looks for a job or even a career. Currently there are more than 87,000 thousand UN military, police, and civilian personnel deployed in 12 different war zones from over 120 countries. The application process can be slow (see the link to the article on applying to UN jobs at the end), but the personal moral and even the financial rewards are worth the effort it takes to get hired. Some UN war zone workers make over $100,000 tax-free annually, but pay varies based on need and skills. Editor's Note: See How to Get Jobs with the United Nations for many options involving work in war zones or providing support.

The Operation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) is probably the second largest war zone employer. It employs most human rights and elections supervision workers and most of the American attorneys working in war zones. The U.S. State Department oversees official war zone employment for Americans working for OSCE, which includes 57 member states in the 17 field operations in which it is involved.

The International Rescue Committee was founded during WWII to help those displaced because of the war. It provides medical services, food, shelter, and refugee assistance among other things. Visit International Rescue Committee (IRC) for more information. The IRC also offers intern and volunteer positions if you need to strengthen your resume before you apply for your desired war zone job.

Job search databases. While you’re checking out these organizations’ websites, also check job search engines such as Indeed.com, and JobMonkey for overseas employment, which offer a wide range of pay for civilian contractors. Fill out as many online resumes and applications as possible; new war zone positions open up every week.

Life in a War Zone

The lack of electricity, water, food, supplies, or telephones can make the simplest things difficult and even heartbreaking. Imagine trying, with no phone, to find housing for a family of 11 before the rapidly approaching winter hits. But then imagine how you’ll feel after seeing those 11 people in a warm place to live.

War zone workers’ work schedules include a 4- to 8-day break at the end of the month, and many of the world’s top travel destinations are often inexpensive planes or train rides away. Even if you don’t take off for Amsterdam or Paris, you can immerse yourself in learning about local life. The average war zone assignment lasts from 9 to 12 months, leaving plenty of time to get to know the country you work in and nearby countries. People take you into their homes and make you part of their family. You will not have a problem finding someone willing to trade language lessons.

There is, of course, a big catch. War zone workers are paid well because of the mortal dangers they face. There would not be a war without hate, and to think that hate disappears after the war is a deadly mistake. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time has killed and maimed physically or psychologically many hundreds of war zone workers over the years. By studying the war zone you plan to work in ahead of time and paying attention during orientation, you should be able to avoid this danger.

Then there’s the bad food and health conditions. Medical facilities may be limited and far away. Ensure you get a physical and dental exam before leaving; if something is wrong, fix it.

Even if you don’t make a lifelong career in war zone work, when you return home from the most challenging and rewarding period, you’ll be more robust and wiser.

JEFF MORRIS, a freelance writer from St. Petersburg, FL, spent two years working as a police officer for the United Nations. He is the author of Working in a War Zone—Cashing in Safely After the Shooting Stops.