Recovery worker skills in post-earthquake Haiti: the disconnect between employer and employee perspectives

Abstract

Although the research literature on humanitarian organizations is continually expanding, little is known about the skills that international aid agency workers need in post-disaster contexts. The present study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining differing perspectives on the skills needed in post-disaster contexts; specifically, we investigate whether a mismatch exists between the views of international aid organizations and on-the-ground employees on the skills needed. Using in-depth interviews with aid workers (n = 59), participant observation, and a review of secondary sources (e.g. job announcements) after the 2010 Haitian earthquake, we found that agencies prioritize technical skills and field experience in their hiring practices. However, compared to technical skills, field workers view emotive skills, communicative skills, and leadership skills as equally, if not more, important. These findings are significant because selecting workers that are better suited for long-term recovery work may mitigate the adverse consequences of sustained time in the field, including: burnout, emotional distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Healthier, better-adjusted workers improve overall organizational performance, thus contributing to the success of recovery programs on the ground.