International Development Field Guide

Overview

The goal of international development is to alleviate poverty among the citizens of developing countries. Strategies for improvement include investment in the economic, political and social arenas. Economic development ranges from the creation of sound macro-economic and fiscal policy to the fostering of small- medium enterprise to the introduction or expansion of microfinance. It also involves identifying and creating the necessary infrastructure, energy, transportation, and sanitation for economic growth. Political development focuses on the creation and fostering of good governance, including transparent financial systems, an independent judiciary and the active participation of civil society. Social development focuses on the improvement of health, education and the social safety net. Each of the areas is interrelated and interdependent. International development is literally a global topic and professionally a highly multidisciplinary field.

Career Opportunities

Candidates with a master’s degree may consider employment in government agencies of their home country, multilateral donor organizations, or with the implementing partners in the non-profit and private sectors. Foundations and policy institutes that conduct research and advocacy to influence development policy are also potential employers. A significant proportion of development professionals will work in at least two of the three sectors, public, private and not-for-profit over the course of their careers. Competition for positions in the leading IGOs is fierce, as these organizations seek and recruit qualified candidates world-wide. Selection may require choosing one among several hundred qualified applicants and commonly takes 6-9 months to complete.

Types of Jobs

Project or program manager
Policy and research
Field officer
Grants and fundraising
Monitoring and evaluation
Accounting
Administration

Qualifications + Skills

Quantitative analysis
Strong written and oral communication skills
Foreign language proficiency
Understanding of economics
Field-specific volunteer or internship experience
International experience

PRO TIP: Well-known organizations report that they can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants for entry-level roles, while smaller organizations may only receive a few dozen, so your chances of standing out may be higher. Do your research and cast a wide net!

Sample Employers

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, International Monetary Fund, The World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, World Food Programme
United States Government: Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, Department of State, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States Treasury - International Division
Development Consulting Firms: Abt Associates, Inc., Chemonics, Development Alternatives, Inc., Environmental Resources Management, John Snow International, Inc., The Pragma Corporation
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, International Monetary Fund, The World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, World Food Programme
United States Government: Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, Department of State, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States Treasury - International Division
Development Consulting Firms: Abt Associates, Inc., Chemonics, Development Alternatives, Inc., Environmental Resources Management, John Snow International, Inc., The Pragma Corporation

Sample Maxwell Classes

Policy and Administration in Developing Countries
Economics of Development
Development Finance
Managing NGOs in Transitional and Developing Countries
Health and Development
Humanitarian Action: Challenges, Responses and Results
UN Organizations: Managing for Change

Resources

The Association for Women’s Rights in Development
DevNet
Devex
InterAction
OneWorld
Philanthropy Jobs
USAID

Related Career Guides

United Nations
Economic Development
Humanitarian Aid and Relief