Recruiters weigh in: Top career trends to watch for in 2015

Devex recently asked our network of international development recruiters to make their predictions for upcoming career trends. More than 100 recruiters participated in the “Devex Career Trends in 2015” survey, providing insight into where their organizations anticipate the most job opportunities will be and what kinds of global development professionals will be in demand in the coming year. Consulting firms made up nearly half of respondents, followed by international NGOs, international organizations and local NGOs. Respondents’ organizations were based in more than 25 different countries, from Colombia to Germany, though the majority are headquartered in the United States. Some of the findings confirmed trends we frequently discuss — like the fact that organizations are increasingly seeking local talent to staff their projects. But a few surprising trends emerged, too. Here are five takeaways from the Devex “Career Trends in 2015” survey. 1. Employers struggle to staff positions in fragile states It is perhaps not a surprise that recruiting for positions in conflict zones — typically unaccompanied posts that carry elevated security risks — is a challenge. This survey confirmed that indeed the most difficult country for recruiters to attract candidates for both international and local hires is Afghanistan. One respondent elaborated by saying that the wind down of America’s military presence in Afghanistan means that finding qualified candidates willing to accept this post or for those already there to stay is becoming even more difficult than it has in the past. After Afghanistan, respondents ranked Iraq, Liberia and South Sudan in a tie for second place as the most difficult country locations to recruit international candidates for. As aid workers saw one of the most violent years for humanitarians in recent memory last year, including several high profile deaths making global headlines, convincing experienced professionals to take these high-risk jobs is increasingly a tall order. However, for those willing to take on this kind of work, there is less competition, and in many cases, increased benefits and perks to working in a conflict zone. 2. Africa expected to see the most job opportunities Seventy-nine percent of recruiters polled said Africa was one of the top regions where they anticipated the most hiring in 2015. Indeed, four out of the top 10 job posting locations on the Devex job board last year were countries in Africa. Africa is a priority region for some of the largest contributors to foreign aid, including the World Bank, the U.K. Department for International Development and U.S. Agency for International Development, along with the United Nations system and private sector. From health and food security to infrastructure, climate change and access to finance, opportunities abound for local, regional and international professionals. In 2013, Devex hosted a career forum in Nairobi, and last year in Addis Ababa, where leaders from many sectors of the development space echoed the opportunities — and race for talent — across the African continent. 3. MBAs are in demand Coming in second place, 38.5 percent of recruiters said that an MBA would be one of the most sought after degrees for positions in 2015. Read: MBA to international development: Career transitions for business majors Professionals with a business training and background are increasingly in demand as organizations continue to adapt private sector approaches, including partnering with the private sector itself. To find out what other degrees are in demand, including which ranked first, check out the full feature. 4. Salaries expected to remain the same or increase Despite pressure from donors like DfID for increased value for money, respondents were surprisingly optimistic about where salaries are headed in 2015. Fifty-seven percent said they expect salaries for international hires at their organizations to stay the same, while 36 percent anticipate them to increase. Only 7 percent anticipate a decrease in international salaries. For local hires, 65 percent predict salaries will increase while 33 percent think they will stay the same — and only 2 percent think they will decrease. Read: Foreign aid salary spotlights: The complete Devex list 4. International and home office hires not going anywhere While a combined 63 percent of recruiters predict local hires will fill half or more of their anticipated jobs, the news is not all bleak for those looking for either home office or international positions. Seventy-nine percent of those polled think international hires at their organization will either increase or stay the same and 75 percent predict that the number of home office hires will either increase or stay the same. Read: Local hiring means passing the torch, not extinction of expat jobs To view the complete findings of the “Devex Career Trends in 2015” survey, including which languages are in demand, what sectors will see the most opportunities and more, check out the full features: 2015: Where are the global development jobs? and 2015: Who are global development employers hiring? Whether you’re a seasoned expert or budding development professional — check out more news, analysis and advice online to guide your career and professional development, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news every week.