International social work jobs offer social workers the opportunity to address poverty, inequality, displacement, public health crises, and human rights violations on a global scale. For professionals seeking international social work careers, humanitarian agencies, global NGOs, and United Nations organizations consistently hire social workers to support vulnerable communities around the world. With a growing demand for experts in refugee protection, child welfare, anti-trafficking, public health, and disaster response, licensed social workers with global training are well positioned to make a meaningful international impact.
Whether you’re a recent BSW graduate, an MSW student exploring overseas social work opportunities, or a seasoned practitioner interested in humanitarian fieldwork, international roles allow you to apply your skills across borders. From crisis intervention and community development to program management and trauma-informed care, these job paths offer diverse ways to serve high-need populations. This guide highlights the best international social work job opportunities, what education you need, typical salaries, and the most reputable global organizations currently hiring.
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Places Where Many International Social Workers Find Employment
Individuals who want to apply their education and skills outside the US as a licensed social worker have many career opportunities. Keep reading for the best international Social Work job opportunities.
| Organization | Primary Focus Areas | Typical Roles for Social Workers | Required Education / Experience | Salary Range | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | Peacekeeping, human rights, humanitarian relief | Protection Officer, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Policy | BSW/MSW; multilingual; 2–5+ yrs experience | $37,000–$80,000+ + post-adjustments | Those seeking global policy, large-scale humanitarian work |
| International Rescue Committee (IRC) | Refugee resettlement, emergency response | Caseworker, Protection Coordinator, Youth Advocate | BSW or related; 2+ yrs field work; language skills preferred | $35,422–$71,778 | Humanitarian responders wanting field-based refugee work |
| Save the Children | Child welfare, education, disaster response | Child Protection Manager, Migration Advisor | BSW; 5+ yrs child welfare/social services | $30,691–$62,751 | Social workers passionate about global child protection |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Public health, mental health, disability support | Mental Health Officer, Social Work Consultant | BSW/MSW; public health background for advanced roles | $31,000–$90,000 | Social workers wanting global health or clinical impact |
| International Justice Mission (IJM) | Anti-trafficking, slavery, human rights | Trauma Counselor, Aftercare Coordinator | MSW; trauma experience; faith-based alignment | ~$56,480 | Those committed to anti-trafficking and justice systems |
| Danish Refugee Council (DRC) | Refugee protection, emergency aid | Protection Officer, Social Rehabilitation | BSW; 2+ yrs humanitarian experience | 7,500–27,500 DKK/month | Workers seeking Middle East / Africa field deployments |
| Women for Women International (WfWI) | Women’s empowerment, post-conflict recovery | Advocacy Coordinator, Case Manager | Social sciences degree; 5+ yrs exp.; local language fluency | $49,000–$75,000 | Social workers focused on women’s rights & recovery |
| Oxfam International | Poverty reduction, development, livelihoods | Development Officer, Safeguarding Roles | BSW; 1–10 yrs depending on role | $42,000–$81,224 | Those seeking long-term development and anti-poverty work |
| HelpAge International | Elder care, aging policy, humanitarian support | Senior Social Worker, Program Coordinator | BSW; 5 yrs humanitarian/aging-related exp. | £34,031 (~$44,070) | Social workers specializing in aging & gerontology |
| Food for the Hungry (FH) | Poverty alleviation, Christian humanitarian work | Community Development, Program Support | MSW or related; 3+ yrs relevant exp.; faith-based | $33,374–$60,493 | Social workers seeking faith-driven global service |
1. United Nations
Established in 1945, the United Nations is one of the foremost social work and humanitarian organizations, striving to maintain international peace and human rights across 193 member countries. In 2001, the United Nations received the Nobel Peace Prize for their public service. The UN’s global workforce consists of over 41,000 altruistic staff at field offices from Baghdad and Nairobi to Port-au-Prince.
Worldwide job opportunities include political, humanitarian, emergency relief, community organizing, and also peacekeeping missions. Entry-level (P1-P3) positions have base salaries from $37,000 to $80,000. Post adjustments of 65.7 percent are added to cover abroad living costs. The UN looks for proactive, impartial candidates with both the knowledge, respect for diversity and language fluency.
2. International Rescue Committee
In over 40 nations, the International Rescue Committee provides lifesaving assistance to refugees forced to flee from war, natural disaster, and also other humanitarian crises. Since 1933, IRC’s passionate post-conflict network has grown to 8,000+ staff. Currently, there are 320 job openings. Some of these positions are protection coordinator, refugee youth advocate, resettlement manager, and also emergency health officer.
IRC hires candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work or similar fields from various educational programs. They need at least two years of human service experience. Bilingual ability in local languages like Swahili or Urdu is preferred. According to PayScale, the International Rescue Committee’s average salary range is $35,422 to $71,778. In addition, benefits typically include flights, relocation shipping allowances, and also temporary housing.
3. Save the Children
Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, Save the Children is an international NGO working in 120 nations to protect the welfare of over 55 million youth annually. Recent missions have included delivering hygiene kits to Ebola-stricken Liberia and repairing classrooms destroyed in Typhoon Haiyan. Founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb, Save the Children is located in London, England, with job opportunities worldwide.
Social workers could work full-time as child protection managers, migration advisers, and also nutrition advocates. CVs must include a bachelor’s degree in social work or human services from various educational programs. With a minimum of five years of a school social worker experience. Base salaries from $30,691 to $62,751 are average with full benefits.
4. World Health Organization
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organization is a specialized international organization aiming to help global citizens attain the highest possible level of health. The WHO’s diverse workforce includes over 8,500 professionals working in 147 countries. Job vacancies in clinical social work, mental health, disability rehabilitation, and also emergency relief are prevalent.
Only smoke-free candidates aged 20 to 62 are considered for WHO positions. Entry-level (P1) jobs require either a bachelor’s or equivalent work experience. Advancement to P4 or higher will mandate a master’s degree in social work or public health from various educational programs. Base salaries can range from $31,000 to $90,000 based on service level. In addition, there’s also an Internship Program for college juniors and seniors.
5. International Justice Mission
Endowed for $47.1 million, the International Justice Mission is a non-profit human rights organization employing over 600 full-time staff at 18 field offices from Guatemala to Rwanda. The IJM combats global issues like sex trafficking, slavery, and also assault. In 2010, the U.S. News and World Report named IJM among the top 10 world-changing service groups. Grounded in Christianity, the International Justice Mission requires submitting a statement of faith. Most 10 to 12-month deployments overseas will mandate holding a master’s degree in social work or counseling and experience with trauma victims from various educational programs. Along with healthcare and a 403B, IJM workers report an average salary of $56,480.
6. Danish Refugee Council
Since the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council has been a well-known non-profit, aid organization working in conflict zones across 30 countries. Currently, the DRC is providing emergency relief to over 500,000 refugees from Syria every month! From its headquarters in Copenhagen, the DRC organizes housing, food, social rehabilitation, and also healthcare missions to internationally displaced peoples.
Humanitarian jobs are abundant, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor of Social Work or similar degree and 2+ years of experience. Entry-level officers earn a monthly base salary of 7,500 DKK, but management positions garner up to 27,500 DKK.
Learn more about some of the best paid jobs Europe for Social Workers.
7. Women for Women International
As the 2006 Conrad Hilton Humanitarian Award winner, Women for Women International is an NGO founded by Zainab Salbi to support female survivors after the war’s devastation. Regularly featured on CNN, the national WfWI headquarters are in New York City. In addition, the organization maintains eight field offices from Nigeria and Afghanistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Since 1993, WfWI has provided social work services to empower the Middle East’s marginalized women. Women for Women International employs both advocacy coordinators and also change agents licensed clinical social worker who hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. Preference is to international applicants with both five years of experience and local language fluency. In addition team members receive exceptional benefits packages with yearly salaries from $49K to $75K for various job duties.
8. Oxfam International Secretariat
Led by Director Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International Secretariat is a global confederation of 18 NGOs working across 94 countries to end injustices that cause poverty. Supporting people impacted by conflict to grow food and earn a living has been their duty since 1995. Oxfam affiliates can find more resources and job opportunities in Jordan, Hong Kong, Belgium, Ethiopia, and more.
Social worker positions will require holding a bachelor’s degree with one to two years of experience and fluency in host languages like Arabic. More advanced positions like development officer and regional director may require 10+ years in social work. In general, Oxfam pays salaries from $42,000 to $81,224 with paid holidays, insurance, and also pensions.
9. HelpAge International
Geriatric social workers abroad should consider joining HelpAge International, an NGO with 200+ partners serving older adults in over 70 global nations. Since 1983, HelpAge has coordinated community projects to address issues affecting the elderly, including discrimination, mental health, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and also natural disaster. Dedicated staff runs nine regional centers with sponsors like AARP, USAID, and also Pfizer.
Job vacancies are posted frequently for professionals with at least five years of humanitarian experience. Bachelor’s degrees in social work, nutrition, public health, and also nursing are preferred. Current listings provide an average annum salary of £34,031 ($44,070). However, opportunities are growing because more than one in five world citizens will be 60+ by 2050.
10. Food for the Hungry International
Founded by Dr. Larry Ward in 1971, Food for the Hungry International is a Christian relief organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, to combat hunger in over 25 countries. In 2005, FH received a $8.3 million grant from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. With over 2,000 staff members, FH provides Christ-centered missions that empower vulnerable communities to overcome poverty. Social workers can find employment and church mission opportunities in the world’s most devastated countries, including Bangladesh, Haiti, Peru, and also Mozambique. Salaried jobs generally require a master’s degree in sociology, social work, and also international relations. However, three years of previous experience in related field is suggested. In addition, salaries range from $33,374 to $60,493 each year for these International Social Work Jobs.
What is the Best Education for International Social Workers?
Many accredited schools offer international experience and the education and skills needed to become an international social worker. An MSW with a global or international concentration is a common path to an international social work job. The scope of international social work is broad. So, students interested in a career should also read about the job and research the qualities of a global social worker for more information.
International Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Jobs
many international social workers find a position
Your International Social Work Career
These ten top-notch organizations represent just a smidgen of the service groups making efforts to fight social injustices abroad. We suggest visiting the International Federation of Social Workers (IFWS) website for more these dynamic positions and international social work job search opportunities.
How to Become an International Social Worker (Step-by-Step Guide)
Becoming an international social worker requires a mix of education, cultural competency, field experience, and specialized humanitarian training. Below is a clear, structured pathway that aligns with global hiring standards and ranks well for “how to become an international social worker” search intent.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Related Field
Most global organizations require at least a BSW, but degrees in sociology, international relations, public health, psychology, or human services may also qualify.
Key skills gained: human behavior, case management, community development, ethics, research methods.
2. Pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) with an International or Global Focus
An MSW significantly expands your eligibility for overseas positions, especially clinical, trauma-informed, and leadership roles.
Popular MSW specialties for global work include:
- International Social Work
- Global/Community Development
- Refugee & Migration Studies
- Public Health Social Work
- Humanitarian Assistance
Some roles (e.g., UN P4+, WHO technical roles) require a master’s degree.
3. Gain Licensure and Clinical Experience (Optional but Valuable)
While not all countries require licensure, becoming an LMSW or LCSW increases your competitiveness.
International employers value:
- Mental health assessment skills
- Trauma counseling
- Crisis stabilization
- Case management expertise
4. Build Field or Humanitarian Experience
Most international NGOs require 1–5 years of experience.
You can build global-ready experience through:
- Refugee resettlement agencies (IRC, USCRI)
- Local immigrant and refugee organizations
- Disaster relief programs
- Community mental health
- Human rights or anti-trafficking nonprofits
Internships abroad also strengthen your profile.
5. Develop Language Skills & Cultural Competence
Fluency in a second language—such as Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili, or Dari—is highly valuable.
Equally important: the ability to work respectfully with diverse communities under stressful conditions.
6. Complete Specialized Humanitarian or Protection Training
Many agencies prefer or require training in:
- Sphere Standards
- Child Protection in Emergencies (CPIE)
- Psychological First Aid (PFA)
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training
- Human Rights & Protection Principles (UNHCR)
These certifications are major ranking factors for global hiring.
7. Apply to International Organizations and NGO Roles
Start with early-career or entry-level humanitarian jobs to gain your first overseas deployment.
Top employers include:
- United Nations
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Save the Children
- International Justice Mission
- World Health Organization
- Oxfam
- CARE
- Danish Refugee Council
Positions often include relocation assistance, housing allowances, and field hardship pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Social Work Careers
Do social workers get hired by the United Nations?
Yes. The United Nations (UN) hires social workers for roles in protection, humanitarian response, child welfare, human rights, and refugee support.
Common UN agencies employing social workers include:
- UNHCR (Refugee Agency)
- UNICEF
- UNDP
- UNFPA
- WHO
Most professional roles (P-level positions) require an MSW or related graduate degree, 2–5 years of experience, and proficiency in more than one language.
Can you be an international social worker with a BSW?
Yes — but opportunities may be more limited.
A BSW qualifies you for some entry-level humanitarian jobs, especially roles in:
- Case management
- Community outreach
- Youth programming
- Support services for displaced populations
However, many global organizations prefer or require an MSW, especially for clinical roles, leadership positions, or trauma-focused work.
Do international social work jobs require travel?
Often, yes.
Most international social work roles involve:
- Traveling to field sites
- Relocating temporarily or long-term
- Working in humanitarian or crisis-response locations
Some positions (especially remote program management roles) involve limited travel, but field-based jobs typically require flexibility, mobility, and cultural adaptability.
What languages are most helpful for international social work?
The most in-demand languages vary by region, but the top priorities are:
- Arabic (Middle East, North Africa)
- French (West Africa, Haiti, Europe)
- Spanish (Latin America, U.S.-based global roles)
- Swahili (East Africa)
- Dari/Pashto (Afghanistan)
- Portuguese (Mozambique, Brazil, Angola)
Multilingual applicants have a significant advantage in UN and NGO hiring.
How much do humanitarian aid workers get paid?
Salaries vary widely based on organization, experience level, and location. Typical ranges:
- Entry-level humanitarian worker: $30,000–$50,000
- Mid-level NGO program staff: $45,000–$70,000
- UN professional staff (P2–P3): $45,000–$90,000 plus post-adjustments
- Senior humanitarian experts: $90,000–$150,000+
UN roles often include housing stipends, hardship pay, hazard pay, relocation support, and other benefits, which can significantly increase total compensation.
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