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FA C T S H E E T

International Development
Work
Sector overview
The sector can be difficult to define as it encompasses a wide range of professional areas and
responsibilities including healthcare, defence and security, conflict management, education, human
rights, economics and infrastructure. The work of the industry typically focuses on supporting
economically disadvantaged countries and regions; and striving to find sustainable solutions to problems
by undertaking research and providing practical aid.
Opportunities in the sector are available in the UK and overseas with government institutions (e.g.,
FCDO), Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), multi-lateral development agencies, think tanks,
consultancies and also universities. Disruption as a result of Covid-19 and war continues in the sector,
however more positively such disruption drives change, such as progress with vaccinations and health
technologies (Bond, 2022). Students and graduates wishing to work in international development must
demonstrate that they are committed to global issues; this commitment must also be matched by tailored
experience, skills and qualifications. Development work can be a challenging career for a graduate to
enter after a first degree, with few ‘entry-level’ positions. Postgraduate study can be highly valuable but
work experience (paid or unpaid) is absolutely essential.

What skills may I need?

It is important that you research job titles that you are interested in so that you can gain a clear insight
into what is needed for that specific role.

 The ability to work with a diverse range of people from different national and cultural backgrounds

 People management and project management skills

 A willingness to live and work with basic and limited resources

 Confidence and assertiveness, matched by excellent listening skills and the ability to be empathetic

 Language skills with French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish or Swahili being particularly advantageous

 An ability to show patience and to take a “longer term” approach

 Problem solving and decision making

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 Strong written communication skills for research roles

 Team working and collaboration

 Organisation and the ability to work on multiple projects

How do I gain work experience?

As competition for this sector is particularly strong, it is essential to undertake some voluntary / paid work
experience to demonstrate your passion for international development and also to develop skills and
knowledge that is helpful to employers. Some examples of approaches to finding work experience are
detailed below, with further explanations of opportunity types on the job search help sheet. See the
finding opportunities and relevant employers' section for information on relevant employers and job
search sites.
Internships

Structured internships in this industry are relatively uncommon but they are offered by some of the larger
charities that operate within it, including: Christian Aid, People and Planet, Oxfam, Red Cross and World
Bank (postgraduate students). They can also exist in consultancies and research organisations such as
Scriptoria Communications and RAND Coorperation. IGOs such as the UN can also offer internships.
The criteria and structure of these types of internships are not consistent, e.g., some internships are paid
while others only pay for basic expenses. Some are aimed at final year students and graduates while
others are designed for penultimate year students. Use sites in the finding opportunities section to
search for ‘internship’. Human Rights Careers also lists some examples of paid human rights internships.
You can search for charity and development internship and volunteering opportunities advertised by
Careers & Enterprise using the the Student Services Portal
Volunteering
It is more common for students to gain crucial experience of this sector by undertaking some form of
voluntary work either at university or on an aid or development project abroad during their holidays. Well
established organisations such as NCVO can provide information about unpaid opportunities linked to
this industry, including those that are based abroad (which are helpful for understanding how it works ‘on
the ground’). Charity job, Idealist and other job search sites advertises both paid internship and voluntary
positions.
Speculative applications, networking and using social media
Many students find experience and jobs by making speculative applications and networking (including by
using LinkedIn and social media); this approach can be successful with smaller charities and research
institutes that don’t have internship or placement programs. Make speculative applications to
organisations of interest for paid/ voluntary roles or projects (search using directories such as UIA).
Consider which strengths and skills you can offer (e.g., communications and social media, project
management), that could benefit the work of the organisation and provide examples in your application.
See further advice in the ‘finding opportunities and relevant employers’ section of this fact sheet.

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What can I do at Durham?

To be successful in this sector, developing your competencies is just as important as academic
achievements and relevant work experience. You can make the most of opportunities at Durham to
prepare yourself in a number of different ways, with some examples listed below.
The Careers & Enterprise team host a range of employer events, job fairs and sector forums, such
as the ‘careers in politics and international affairs’ and ‘alternative routes into UK government careers’
events (taking place in epiphany term), and employer presentations by organisations such as
Charityworks. Browse the Student Services Portal for details of upcoming events. Events are a great
way to gain information, develop skills and build networks of useful contacts.

Look at the Developing Employability Skills guide for ideas about how to develop skills and experience.

Expeditions Abroad
Many job roles within this industry require graduates to manage and participate in projects in other
countries. Therefore, it is important that those wanting to enter the profession are comfortable travelling
abroad and can adapt effectively to different cultures and geographical environments. The university
charity DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) and the Student Volunteering and Outreach
(DUSVO) team provide opportunities for volunteers to participate in projects overseas.

Join a relevant society

There are a number of societies at Durham University which students can access to help them develop
skills and knowledge for this industry. For example, the Amnesty International Society at Durham
contributes for the global human rights movement through campaigning, raising awareness and
fundraising. Also, Engineers without Borders is part of a wider, national organisation that aims to remove
barriers to development by undertaking engineering projects that tackle poverty.

Improve your debating and public speaking skills

Strong public speaking and debating skills are required for this area of work (e.g., you may be required
to help secure funding or could also be needed to debate contentious issues such as government foreign
policy). You could develop this skillset by applying for JCR executive roles in your college, joining the
Debating Society or by taking on leadership roles in any societies that you participate in.

What jobs can I do in this sector?

This industry operates across international borders and is potentially responsible for physically and
economically rebuilding whole countries. Job roles are therefore broad and diverse and typically fall into
several categories. Before starting your job search, it will be helpful to decide what types of roles you
wish to undertake within the industry by firstly considering vocational areas e.g., education, human
rights, governmental opportunities etc. Once you have considered these factors, you can then undertake
a more tailored job search. Some examples of jobs in the field and UK are listed below:
Opportunities in the field: Advisory Roles, Teaching & Health, Technical, Project Management

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Opportunities in the UK: Lobbying, Fundraising, PR, Financial Support, Private Consultancy,
Communications, Project Management, Policy and Research.
Academic & Research: Teaching, Research, Advising, Strategic Planning

Finding opportunities and relevant employers

Employers in the sector include:
 Government organisations e.g. Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

 Intergovernmental/Multi-lateral/Regional Organisations e.g. United Nations, it’s agencies and

related organisations; EU; The World Bank; International Monetary Fund

 Non-government organisations (NGOs), Charities, Social Enterprises e.g. Medecins Sans

Frontiers, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, World Vision, WaterAid, Sanergy

 Academic organisations, research institutes, think tanks e.g. the Institute of Development
Studies (IDS); Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Royal Institute of International Affairs

 Private consultancies e.g. Saana, Palladium Group, Crown Agents, DAI

Speculative applications, networking and using social media

Networking is crucial for success in this sector, and when you have an idea of the type of role and
employer you are interested in working for, you can contact them directly to express your interest with a
speculative application. Search online for organisations of interest.
Using social media groups can be an effective way to learn about opportunities, as well as to gain advice
and network with industry professionals. Identify and join groups on online web and social media
platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn that are relevant to your interests.
Follow organisations that you’re interested in (e.g., on Twitter), as you will learn about job openings and
stay up to date with their news, which is very helpful for making applications. You could also connect with
Durham alumni on LinkedIn via the Durham University Alumni group and the Alumni too to build
contacts and seek advice.

See the using social media for your job search, LinkedIn, LinkedIn Alumni Tool, networking and
speculative applications help sheets and e-Learning topics.

It is also worth maintaining networks with your peers after graduating. This can be useful for sharing
advice and information, obtaining details of useful contacts, and getting internal recommendations and
referrals for opportunities.

Graduate Schemes
Graduate training programmes in the sector are uncommon, however some larger development and aid
agencies, such as Oxfam and Red Cross, occasionally recruit graduates and regularly advertise
vacancies. Graduate training opportunities in the sector are typically focused around fixed term
placements and internships which last between 6-12 months. These highly competitive opportunities are
designed to give participants valuable experience of the sector and networking opportunities which can
assist them in finding permanent work opportunities at a later stage. The Charityworks graduate training
scheme can include NGO placements.

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Entry Level Positions and Graduate Jobs

Look for entry level positions in smaller organisations which can represent an important means of getting
experience. Smaller organisations can also offer more responsibility and exposure to cross team
working. They are more likely to recruit generalists (responsible for a number of areas), providing an
opportunity to develop a broad range of skills (e.g., finance, legal, operations, marketing, communication,
volunteer co-ordination). The competition for opportunities can be less intense than for roles and
programmes with larger, well known organisations.

NGOs also recruit long term volunteers and interns; this is not ideal financially but represents an
excellent means of developing skills, experience and contacts.
Some orgnaisations that recruit graduates with Masters or PhD qualifications include the Overseas
Development Institute (ODI) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The UN runs a Junior Officer programme, however only nationals of partner countries may apply. Better
World Info details a list of private sector international development consulting firms.
Some recruitment, job search and networking websites are listed below:

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Civil Service Jobs (there are opportunities to work internationally facing with departments other than
FCDO).
ImpactPool
BOND
Idealist
The Guardian
CharityJob
Eldis
ReliefWeb - also lists organisations working on humanitarian projects.
Charitypeople
UN Careers
DevNetJOBS
Net Impact
Thompson Reuters Foundation Jobs Market
[Link]

Postgraduate study
Postgraduate study can be very useful in respect of a career in international development; in some
cases it is a requirement. The value of a postgraduate qualification is very much determined by the
content and relevance of the programme to the areas of development that interest you and the skills you
need to develop (e.g. if you want to work in research, it could be useful to undertake a masters
programme during which you can learn and apply a broad range of research methods).
Postgraduate study is not usually viewed as an alternative to work experience by employers; it can,
however, enhance your employability in respect of highe-level roles within the sector, particularly those
concerned with development policy. It is quite common for multi-lateral development organisations such
as the UN to stipulate relevant postgraduate study as a

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pre-requisite for internship opportunities. NGOs are less inclined to place the same level of emphasis on
postgraduate study, but it is often still viewed as desirable in a very competitive job market.
The Institute of Development Studies produces a very useful course directory detailing both long and
short study options. Further information on postgraduate courses can be found on the Targetpostgrad
and FindaMasters websites.

Professional organisations
Professional organisations represent practitioners working within specific sectors. They play an integral
role in professional development and training and are often a source of graduate vacancies. For anyone
with a specific career role in mind it is very important to establish what support, information and
opportunities are available through the respective professional body.

The most useful professional organisations in this sector are:

 World Association of NGOs (WANGO)

 Development Studies Association (DSA)

 World Service Enquiry (WSE)

Useful websites and articles

 Directory of United Nations systems and organisations

 University of Oxford: International Development
 RedR
 Medair
 Prospects– International aid/development worker
 Charityjob– A guide to working in international development
 Devex- platform for the global development community – produce free newsletters
 22 global development organizations to watch in 2022 ([Link])
 Bond- What’s next for the development and humanitarian sectors in 2022
 Graduate careers in international development ([Link])

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Further information
This Fact Sheet is one of many available in our Career Sector series. If you’re interested in this field, you
may also wish to explore our other Fact Sheets on:
 Charity Work
 Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid
 Parliament, Public Bodies and Political Research
 International Governmental Organisations
 Public Policy and Social Research

If this Fact Sheet is required in an alternative format, please contact us at careers@[Link].

Any questions?
Ask a careers question to get in contact with us about anything careers-related.

Our services
You can find out more about the services we offer on the Careers & Enterprise Centre website. Current
students can also access our Supporting Students website.

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