Where to find international development jobs
International development, also known as global development, is a field of work that works to create a better quality of life for people around the world. Work in international development includes: the reduction of poverty, education, access to healthcare for people, government aid for foreign countries, creating gender equality, disaster help and preparedness, human rights and environmental issues, to name a few. Many of the jobs in international jobs are not for profit jobs. Those who want to work with improving the quality of life for those around the world may find a career in international development fulfilling.
Relief jobs
People who work in relief jobs often are the responders to natural disasters, famines and wars. These professionals, often trained medical professionals, are the ones, who often set up refugee camps and provide emergency aid and shelter after a natural disaster. These people are often trained in relief work and healthcare. People with language skills are also needed in relief work as translators, as are sanitation and logistic experts.
Technical experts
Technical experts encompass a variety of fields that require high expertise. Irrigation engineers, water and sanitation experts as well as those who have worked in and overseen food distribution programmes are professionals who are considered to be technical experts.
Finding those positions
People can find positions in this area of international development through organisations, such as the US Agency for International Development, the US Department for International Development and the World Bank. Most of these professionals have extensive education and speak languages that are useful to particular projects. They also commit to terms of a year or more in the "field".
Democracy and governance
International development is also concerned with the spread of democracy and anti-corrupt governments. Those who are experts in the election process as well as international lawyers are needed in this area of international development. Professionals who work in this area of international development oversee elections and help to make the election process more competitive and fair. In addition to this, professionals in this area works to make governments around the world more transparent and promote the need for media to be free of governmental controls.
References
United State Agency: International Development-Usaid.gov
(DFID) Development For International Development-Dfid.gov.uk