The sudden scale-back of U.S. aid spending in 2025 sent shock waves through the development sector, triggering hiring freezes, restructuring, and widespread redundancies. But while some areas have contracted sharply, others are adapting and even expanding in response to shifting priorities. Understanding where and how these changes are unfolding is critical for anyone building a sustainable career in international development today.
To bring clarity to a turbulent year, Devex analyzed thousands of jobs posted on our platform between January and August 2025 and compared them to the same period in 2024. This exclusive dataset reveals how roles, salaries, and opportunities have shifted across the sector and where professionals can still find stability and growth.
What you’ll learn: