Charity and development work : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Many charity and development work organisations identify their missions on a global scale and operate offices and projects overseas. For example, Oxfam GB operates in 80 countries and Christian Aid in over 40. The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has operated in 35 countries.  

There are specialist job roles that exist in international development. For example, health professionals may work in feeding stations or mother and child clinics, teachers may work in rural village schools, and scientists and technical experts in areas such as crops, water resource management and sanitation.

Although overseas opportunities do exist for UK based candidates, many organisations are increasingly committed to employing local staff on international projects. For this reason, competition is tough for positions overseas.

International charities may offer UK based employees’ secondment opportunities to visit international projects which can last several weeks or months. Some organisations may allow staff to undertake voluntary work overseas to help them develop their skills and experience.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Overseas opportunities are available, but these often require specialist qualifications, relevant skills and experience of working in other countries.  Many opportunities will require language skills. 

Having a postgraduate qualification in international development is desirable to employers as it shows a commitment to the sector. The Development Studies Association (DSA)  lists relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses in development.  It also lists postgraduate research opportunities. 

A qualification plus previous paid or unpaid work experience in development will prove to potential employers that you have a good understanding of the context you will be working in. 

More generic skills such as first aid and mechanical skills will also be useful. Employers look for candidates that show resourcefulness, resilience, independence and can show evidence that they can deal with uncertainty and change.

Where are the opportunities?

There are opportunities to work in:

• capacity building; 
• human rights; 
• peace and conflict; 
• refugees; 
• humanitarian crisis relief; 
• environment; 
• education; 
• health; 
• enterprise development; 
• rural livelihoods; 
• governance; 
• infrastructure and urban development; 
• social development. 

Charities including Christian Aid, the Mines Advisory Group, Oxfam and WaterAid offer international opportunities. Other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including voluntary and religious organisations offer international development opportunities. BOND (British Overseas NGOs for Development)  is the UK membership body of NGOs and has a useful website that includes a directory of its members. The CareersGroup at London University has a useful website on Getting into International Development .