International Development Jobs For Expats – Where Are The Best Locations? part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
Seeing the world is a popular goal among college students. However, it can be difficult to do so without a stable income. There are many international development jobs for expats available around the globe that provides unique job opportunities. Now, the first thing you should ask yourself is what are they?
With the Internet, finding great international development jobs for expats around the world has become way easier than before. And this is because there are many websites dedicated to helping people in their quest to find these positions.
For example, there are agencies like EthiXO where you can find a wide variety of international development jobs for expats, including positions in education, healthcare, agriculture and more. You could also look into organizations that work with developing countries the most. Examples are UNICEF or any other humanitarian non-profit organization focused on helping people around the world.
However, if you don’t have any previous experience or qualifications, then one of the best ways to get an international development job is to check out the Peace Corps website. The Peace Corps is not only a great international development organization. But, it also has plenty of information and resources that can help you find your ideal international development job for expats.
In addition, worry less if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about international development jobs for expats. In this article, we will walk you through the best locations suitable for international jobs, the jobs available and many others to mention a few. Continue reading to get the full details.
What is International Development?
Before we proceed to explaining what we have for you, it would be better to have a glimpse of what international development entails. Of course, international development jobs all play a part in making a positive change in developing countries, whether through improving infrastructure for citizens or providing support to those who need it most. In today’s digital world, some of the main types of international development jobs include:
- Project management jobs
- Finance jobs
- Policy jobs
- Consulting jobs
- Development education & advocacy jobs
- Aid & volunteer job opportunities
Project Management Jobs in International Development
Project management jobs involve managing the development of projects, often across multiple locations. These projects are usually funded by organizations based in developed countries and seek to solve issues affecting less affluent areas. For example, one project manager might work on solving health problems faced by citizens in rural areas of Africa while another might work on providing clean water to an area in South America.
Finance Jobs in International Development
Finance jobs are quite diverse, from working as an accountant or auditor to being a loan officer or financial planner. For example, one finance professional might be responsible for keeping track of the budget for a small NGO while another may assist with the financial development of an international non-profit organization.
Policy Jobs in International Development
In policy jobs, professionals work to develop and implement public policies that can help to solve problems within developing countries. For example, a professional might assist with drafting legislation for clean water initiatives or creating new laws regarding responsible mining practices in Africa.
Consulting Jobs in International Development
Consulting jobs can be quite diverse, from working with a project to providing business or financial advice. One example of a consulting job would be offering assistance with improving the efficiency of a charity’s operations within an impoverished country. Another form of consulting work could involve helping a non-profit organization create a long term plan for growth and stability.
Development Education & Advocacy Jobs in International Development
These international development jobs entail raising awareness of social and economic problems faced by citizens in poor countries. Advocacy work can include the spreading of information about a specific issue or it could involve organizing protests, rallies, and other events to raise awareness. For example, an advocate might speak out against child labor practices while another may fight for better working conditions.
Aid & Volunteerism Jobs in International Development
Aid and volunteerism jobs usually involve volunteering abroad to help residents in poor countries. For example, one individual may go out into the streets of impoverished areas to educate children about basic health issues or another might assist with building new homes for citizens who have lost their homes due to natural disasters.
Requirements to Get International Development Jobs for Expats
Are you considering International Development as your next career move? If so, good for you! It’s a very rewarding field where you can make a big difference in the world. But before jumping into it, there are some important things to consider.
International Development is an extremely competitive sector with lots of opportunities. To ensure your success, you need to be well-equipped and ready for the role. Although not every expat working in International Development will have to meet all of these requirements, having even a couple should give you a big advantage over other candidates.
According to the international development sector’s professional association, The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the qualifications you should have to work as an aid worker include the following.
Relevant Degree from a Reputable Institution
This would usually be from development studies or social science background although other traditional degrees may also suffice. At least some international experience is almost always required, including language skills and previous overseas placements.
Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
You should be able to work within a team, as well as independently on your own initiative. Good project management skills are also necessary.
Proven Ability to Analyse
Proven ability to analyse and understand issues related to poverty reduction, economic development, human rights, and the environment is crucial to work in the international development sector. Moreover, a high level of integrity, honesty, and commitment is needed, and you’ll need to be someone others can depend on.
A Strong Desire to Make a Difference
A strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others is essential in any role. Successful candidates are also expected to be flexible and solution-oriented, able to cope with stress, uncertain situations, and challenges involved in international development work.
