Those scrolling through Devex’s job board will quickly notice that several positions typically found in NGOs and government agencies — such as grant writers, donor managers, and program officers — mirror those within philanthropic organizations in many ways. It’s no wonder, then, that many are exploring pivot opportunities as the development job market remains ultra-competitive.
In this edition of Career Hub, I’m sharing some expert guidance on how to secure your first job in the philanthropy space. Plus, the best new job opportunities from Devex’s board, from leading organizations such as WaterAid UK, Cowater International, and many others.
+ ICYMI: How to get started as a global development consultant. During a recent digital event, veteran development consultants Jami Johnson Darkoh and Candela Iglesias Chiesa offered expert guidance on how to break into consulting in the development sector.
To gain access to this exclusive session and all of our digital career events, hiring trend guides, and our extensive job board, sign up for a Career Account with a free 15-day trial.
Top full-time staff jobs this week
1. Marketing and Media Manager
International Law Institute (ILI)
United States
2. Director of Strategic Partnerships
Simprints
Ghana (Remote)
3. Investment Officer
Cowater International
Cambodia
4. Non-Negotiables Project Manager
Partners In Health
Liberia
5. Development Manager
Crisis Action
United Kingdom
6. Programme Support & Knowledge Director
WaterAid UK
Tanzania | Rwanda | Ethiopia | Nigeria | United Kingdom
Devex Talent Solutions, our boutique recruitment agency, is supporting a leading international financial institution in its search for a director general, general counsel. The role is based in the Middle East, and the opportunity is open until Dec. 8.
+ See more roles DTS is helping to fill.
Getting started in philanthropy
“[Good networking is] reaching out to the people who already know you and appreciate your work, and saying, ‘Hey, can you introduce me to other people who might be interested in my services?’”
— Christina Schiavoni, senior communications coordinator, Grassroots InternationalAs people look to the philanthropy sector as a space where jobs around social good might still be found, Devex asks the experts about how to secure that first philanthropic position.
Carve your own path. Frederick Hillinger of TPP Recruitment says career paths in philanthropy often vary, especially in fundraising. The key is to find a workplace that aligns with your values and “have clarity on what [you] want to contribute,” Schiavoni adds.
Showcase transferable skills. You likely already have skills that can be applied. Listening and identifying the points of shared interest is, for example, a key skill for those working in major gifts from individuals, trust foundations, or institutional donors.
Demonstrate passion. It’s important to demonstrate passion for the particular cause you’ll be working on, Hillinger says. Schiavoni was drawn to Grassroots’ mission and approach rather than the specific role. “I would be happy serving our social movement partners from any number of angles,” she says.
Read: How to get your first job in philanthropy (Career)
Explore more: How to get started as a global development consultant (Career)
+ To access all of our digital career events, hiring trend guides, and extensive job board, sign up to Devex Career Account today and get up to 75% off an annual membership.
Top consulting and short-term jobs
1. ICT Officer
UNOPS
Austria
2. Senior Health Financing and Econometrics Consultant
Resolve to Save Lives
Rwanda
3. Environmental, Occupational, and Community Health & Safety Officer
World Bank Group
Mozambique
4. Global Programs Manager
AgriCorps
Worldwide (Remote)
5. Project Adviser, Policy & Value Chain Engagement (LICA 9)
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Nigeria
6. Deputy Director, AI & Data Enablement Hub
Gates Foundation
United States
+ For more opportunities, check out the weekly Devex Jobs Alert newsletter on LinkedIn and Devex’s Job board.
Data download: Top employers to know across Africa
As we continue assessing the state of development job opportunities across the globe, our latest job board data analysis delved into the nearly 20,000 development roles in Africa advertised over the last 12 months. Here’s a look at five organizations that stood out in each African region, including some of the roles they’re currently looking to fill.
North Africa: Coptic Orphans — Coptic Orphans works to address poverty in Egypt through education and long-term mentorship of children. It is currently seeking a Cairo-based training and research specialist to strengthen the organization’s programs in collaboration with field staff, volunteer representatives, and partner organizations.
View all current openings in Egypt.
East Africa: Rainforest Alliance — The Rainforest Alliance works with markets and companies to improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities, including through its certification program. It recently sought a senior director of climate to provide strategic direction and strengthen the organization’s positioning as a thought leader.
View all current openings in Kenya.
West Africa: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture — The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is a research-for-development organization focused on generating agricultural innovations and sustainable solutions. It’s currently seeking a consultant to support the implementation and monitoring of methane-reducing agricultural practices.
View all current openings in Nigeria.
Central Africa: Danish Refugee Council — DRC, Denmark’s leading international humanitarian NGO, has posted 40 roles based in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past 12 months. Its priorities in the DRC include safe water provision, hygiene and sanitation, and food security.
View all current openings in DRC.
Southern Africa: Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development — With an office based in Mozambique, AICS implements technical and financial cooperation and development initiatives across rural development and food security, environment and land use, human development, and human aid and fragile contexts.
View all current openings in Mozambique.
Read: The top global development hubs hiring in Africa (Career)
Around the watercooler
News and views from around global development worth knowing about.
• South Africa’s credit rating boost. South Africa’s credit rating was upgraded from a BB- to a BB, signaling lower lending risk — and cheaper borrowing — for the country. What does this mean for development there?
• COP30’s rocky landing. The conference ended with no words on fossil fuels and weak language on adaptation finance, but multilateralism prevailed.
• What the G20’s decisions mean. Reporting from the G20 leaders’ summit, Devex explains the policies, promises, and power plays with the potential to redefine development.
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.
