For professionals in the global development sector, pivoting to roles outside traditional development or accepting positions that don't initially seem ideal can be daunting. However, career coach Stephanie Mansueto emphasizes that some pivots lead to unexpected success in the long run.
Navigating Today's Development Job Market
The job market for development professionals, particularly in the U.S. and Washington metropolitan area, remains extremely challenging. Foreign aid cuts have created fewer opportunities both domestically and internationally, with U.S.-based professionals now more likely to find openings at home than overseas.
Daniel Head of Head Global notes that U.S. professionals may no longer be viewed as the asset they once were, given USAID's reduced funding role. This has led many to branch beyond the traditional development sector for opportunities.
Top Full-Time Staff Jobs This Week
- Program Innovation Associate
Notify Health
Nigeria | Worldwide (remote)
- Junior Procurement Officer
CARE
United States
- Senior Officer, Development
UNICEF Canada
Canada
- Assistant Director for Institutional Advancement
Center for Global Development Europe
United Kingdom
- Senior Malaria Advisor, DOS LEAP Global
ZemiTek
Cambodia
- Client Enablement Manager
Global Impact Investing Network
United States (remote)
Devex Talent Solutions is currently assisting CARE in recruiting a Country Director for Rwanda, with applications open until November 20.
Top Consulting and Short-Term Jobs
- Capacity Development and Training Specialist
DT Global
Indonesia
- Senior Program Coordinator
CDC Foundation
Nigeria
- Consultancy for Writing of Commonwealth Gender Flagship Report
Commonwealth Secretariat
Worldwide (remote)
- Individual Consultant
AGRA
Kenya
- Implementation Mapping Consultant
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
Worldwide (remote)
- Head of Resilient Infrastructure and Territorial Planning
World Bank Group
Madagascar
Practical Strategies for Job Seekers
Experts from a recent Devex digital event shared actionable advice for breaking through the challenging market:
Beyond the Big Names
Many opportunities come from lesser-known organizations that work with your target employers. Conduct targeted research and networking to uncover these hidden gems.
Money Talks
With funding roles in high demand, highlight how your experience connects to business development and fundraising, even if indirectly.
Networking Isn't Transactional
Focus on gathering information rather than directly asking for jobs. Career conversations naturally lead to opportunities when they exist.
Global Development Insights
- African Job Market: Despite cuts, emerging opportunities exist in AI and digital skills across the continent
- UN Staff Transfers: Agencies are accelerating moves to more affordable global south cities
- Climate Fund Growth: The Green Climate Fund achieved record-high financing levels despite budget constraints
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!