Landing your first job in development can be challenging. Strike that: It will be challenging, and likely frustrating as well. But there are ways to take the edge off and increase your chances of succeeding.
In this edition of Career Hub, I’m sharing a few things you need to know if you aspire to work in development. I also have the latest on hiring in the Ukraine response, including recruiter insights from a leading organization that’s staffing up in the region. Plus, you can explore new and exciting job opportunities at the European Investment Bank, Seed Global Health, and many more top agencies.
+ A Devex Career Account gives you access to global development’s top jobs and expert career advice. We’re offering an exclusive 50% discount for Career Hub and community members on an annual Career Account membership through the end of today!
Regional Communications Manager
Seed Global Health
Remote
Programme Analyst
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Niger
Senior Energy Sector Specialist
European Investment Bank
Luxembourg
Procurement Officer
FHI 360
Nigeria
We asked Anne Clinton, head of careers education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, for her expert advice and insights on how to break into the sector:
• Your degree isn’t the most important thing. While there are some positions where the right credentials are crucial, “even a master’s degree with no relevant work experience, with no convincing stories to tell, with no evidence of passion and commitment to the work, won’t get you anywhere,” Clinton says.
• Demonstrate your passion. “Because the sector is highly competitive, what you’re looking for is this ‘extra’ all the time,” Clinton says, adding that the specific area you’re enthusiastic about is less important than the fact that demonstrating passion can help you stand out from other candidates.
• Consider alternate routes. If you’re struggling to find your first job within the development sector, you could start by taking a functional role in any organization and then “transferring to do that functional role in international development, and then making, perhaps, an internal move once [you’re] inside,” Clinton says.
Read more: 6 tips for aspiring development professionals
+ Did you miss our most recent career event? It was geared toward those looking to land their first development gig. Catch up here and watch TechChange CEO Nick Martin, along with Devex's Kate Warren, discuss different strategies for successfully embarking on a career in global development.
Devex community members often ask me how to get more attention from recruiters on our platform. The No. 1 answer is always to update your profile. This is also the best way to increase your chances of being featured in our hand-picked talent pools, which I first introduced in this newsletter a few weeks back.
We’re constantly looking to connect employers with the right talent for their organization, so our in-house recruitment specialists are currently compiling talent pools based on specific global development skill sets. These lists are exclusive to our top recruiting organizations. We prioritize the most up-to-date profiles and CVs on Devex when considering candidates for inclusion.
You can get recruiters’ attention by updating your profile now. If you have yet to create a profile, here’s how.
Explore more: Your guide to a standout online profile
Data Management Analyst
International financial institution
United Kingdom
Research Assistant
United Nations agency
Senegal
Environmental Compliance Project Manager
Sustainability consultancy
United States
Fundraising Manager
Nonprofit organization
Democratic Republic of Congo
“Candidates … [can help] build a more inclusive humanitarian response in a country that has the largest proportion of older people affected by conflict.”
— Justine Tordoff, head of human resources, HelpAge InternationalHelpAge International, a global network of organizations promoting the rights of older people, has worked in Ukraine since 2014 and also has a presence in neighboring Moldova. According to the international NGO, older adults make up one-third of all people in Ukraine who are in need of assistance.
Justine Tordoff, the head of human resources at HelpAge, spoke with Devex to share insights into the organization’s Ukraine response and what it’s looking for in terms of staffing. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
What have been the most urgent needs in your Ukrainian response effort, and what types of roles have been integral to meeting those needs?
HelpAge International is one of a handful of INGOs that was already operating in Ukraine, a country where 1 in 4 people are over 60. We have sought to strengthen our teams across the board as we continue our program work in eastern Ukraine, set up new operations in Dnipro and Lviv, support our refugee response in Moldova, and champion the needs of older people caught up in the war.
Roles filled so far have been varied, including security, humanitarian coordination, protection, and program [positions]. More roles will emerge as we continue to distribute food as an immediate need, support internally displaced people and refugees, work with our partners to ensure that older people’s needs are not overlooked, and respond to the changing external context.
Are there any particular skills or areas of expertise that have been particularly needed to help you accomplish your mission?
We need new staff with experience who can take things forward fast, have an inclusive approach, and can understand and address the specific needs of an older population in a complex emergency.
Read more: Hiring trends for development roles in the Ukraine response
+ Explore current job openings related to Ukraine
Stop saying “sorry” at work. Research suggests that being excessively apologetic in the workplace isn't doing you any favors. [Refinery29 Australia]
Productivity hacks anyone can use. Three entrepreneurs share perspectives on better calendar management and other ways to be more productive at work. [Inc.]
How do bonds work for development? If you want to understand how bonds can be used to fund climate and development objectives, this video explainer can help. [Devex]
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