Information and communication technology is no longer seen simply as a supporting function but as a core driver of impact across global development organizations. Digital tools, data science, and AI-assisted service delivery are increasingly central to how organizations design programs, manage operations, and reach communities at scale.
The growing reliance on technology comes amid continued disruption across the sector. Funding constraints, shifting donor priorities, and geopolitical uncertainty have prompted many organizations to reassess how they operate — often accelerating digital transformation to stretch scarce resources further. As a result, demand for skilled ICT professionals has remained steady despite the hiring slowdown affecting many other roles.
As global institutions, NGOs, and donors continue to invest in technology-led approaches for health, education, and governance, among other programming areas, we take a closer look at the ICT hiring landscape and what professionals with this expertise can expect to earn.