While AI skills are increasingly in demand for global development roles, AI expertise remains scarce, according to a recent survey by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. This presents an opportunity for individual job seekers who are proactive in learning artificial intelligence and engaging in conversations on the topic, HLA’s Ka Man Parkinson said during a recent Devex digital event.
In this edition of Career Hub, I’m sharing more insights from our recent digital event for Devex Career Account members on how professionals can utilize AI skills in 2026. Plus, the best new job opportunities on Devex’s board from the Gates Foundation, BRAC International, and other leading organizations.
+ Don’t miss out on the full value of your Devex Career Account, including exclusive events, expert career insights, and tools from top recruiters. These are key benefits designed to help you advance your career in global development. To make sure you’re receiving the updates that matter most, take a moment to update your email preferences now. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Career Account with a free 15-day trial.
Top full-time staff jobs this week
1. New Business Developer
Dorcas
The Netherlands
2. Special Assistant to the President and CEO
Corus International
United States
3. Senior Communications Officer, Champion Engagement and Creative Partnerships
Gates Foundation
United Kingdom | United States
4. Safeguarding Coordinator | APSP
Abt Global Inc.
Papua New Guinea
5. Regional Director, Europe
Amnesty International
United Kingdom
6. Senior Manager, Laboratory Technical Expert – CDC Strengthening Public Health Systems
IMA World Health
Nigeria
How and where to develop AI skills
During a recent Devex event, experts recommended several online platforms, including Coursera, HPass, Credly, and edX, that offer courses on AI tools. In some cases, you can earn badges or certificates in different skills that can be shared on your LinkedIn profile.
Development professionals should consider taking this a step further and writing a post about what they have learned, suggested Ka Man Parkinson, communications and marketing lead with the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. Doing so will signal to employers that you are engaged and thinking about how to bring these tools to your work, she said.
Ali Al Mokdad, a senior strategic leader who advises organizations on AI strategy and implementation, highlighted AI courses focused on leadership, data management, and international affairs, as well as numerous webinars on the topic.
But he also recommended using AI tools themselves to prompt for key recommendations based on what's available online.
Watch: The AI skills global development professionals need in 2026 (Career)
Download: A global development pro's guide to AI (Career)
Top consulting and short-term jobs
1. Resource Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement Lead
The Population Council
Kenya
2. Strategic Transformation Adviser
Cowater International
Ethiopia
3. Consultant: Infectious Diseases and Pathogens Prioritization Exercise
Project HOPE
Worldwide (remote)
4. Consultancy for AIM Research and Learning Partner
BRAC International
Rwanda
5. Individual Consultant: Public Climate Finance
United Nations Environment Programme
Fiji
6. Partnerships Specialist (Philanthropy)
UNICEF
India
+ For more opportunities, check out the weekly Devex Jobs Alert newsletter on LinkedIn and Devex’s job board.
Post-USAID pivots
Devex recently spoke with six former USAID employees about what they learned after being abruptly terminated. While some eventually found similar work, others made more drastic pivots — including Brian Pedersen.
In 2019, Pedersen and his husband began exploring the possibility of one day owning and operating a bed-and-breakfast. When Pedersen saw in early 2025 that he was losing his global health career of over 20 years, their plan moved up.
In February 2025, they contacted a broker, and by September, they bought an already operating business in Galena, Illinois — a six-bedroom house located a three-hour drive west of Chicago.
While it’s a shift from global health, Pedersen says he sees parallels with his previous career in how he looks after guests. “I’m hoping that they feel cared for, which is the same thing we try to do in global health,” he says. “That’s how I’m sort of bridging the gap between what I used to do and what I’m doing now.”
Read more: They lost their jobs in 2025. Here’s how they pivoted (Career)
Explore more: For those affected by USAID job loss, how to move forward in 2026 (Career)
Around the watercooler
News and views from around global development worth knowing about.
What emerged from Feed the Future’s ashes. Responsible Innovations was established after former USAID-backed researchers sought to preserve years of food systems research and global partnerships. (Pro)
Do globaldev pros need to worry about critical minerals? As demand for lithium, cobalt, and copper surges, mineral-rich countries are rewriting the rules on who controls the resources driving the clean-energy transition. So what are they? (Pro)
Malawi struggles to replace U.S. aid. With the Malawian kwacha plummeting, experts tell Devex that the country will be hard-pressed to cover the shortfall, despite changes to the tax regime and a bilateral health funding agreement with the United States. (Pro)
Sign up to Devex Career Hub for global development’s top jobs, expert career advice, and practical tips to help you do more good for more people.
About the author
Justin Sablich
Justin is a contributing writer and editor who previously led Devex’s careers content strategy. Before joining Devex, Justin served as the managing editor of Springwise, covering sustainable and climate-tech innovation across all business sectors. He also spent over 13 years as an editor and writer for the New York Times, specializing in digital content production and strategy while producing written and multimedia content on a range of topics, including travel, sports, and technology.
