International Development

Charities and other not for profit bodies that operate in the field of international development are usually focused upon trying to eradicate poverty and improving the living conditions of people in Third World countries.

The most successful international development projects try to implement long-term solutions to problems by helping developing countries create the necessary capacity to provide sustainable solutions to their problems. A truly sustainable development project is one which will be able to carry on indefinitely without further international involvement or international financial support.

International development organisations are faced with a diverse range of issues, and can therefore undertake operations in the following areas:

• Foreign Aid
• Sustainable Development
• Healthcare
• Education e.g. schools/ local government training
• Gender Equality
• Disaster Preparedness
• Humanitarian/ Emergency Relief
• Infrastructure
• Sanitisation
• Economics/ Micro Finance
• Human Rights
• Environmental
• Agriculture
• Technology

International Charity Jobs

Finding international development jobs can be extremely difficult due to the popularity of the sector. Working overseas can be incredibly challenging, and many jobs require highly specialist skills and specific person requirements.

Unfortunately, there is no sure fire way of finding jobs in international development.

It is not uncommon for minimum requirements to include a Master’s degree in a specialist subject and/or the ability to speak a second language. Agencies very often look for candidates within the local country, and this substantially broadens the competitive landscape for international development vacancies.

CharityJOB provides a list of relevant international development courses. We strongly recommend that if you are considering pursuing a study course in International Development that you also work in collaboration with an International Development organisation when carrying out any research work. You might be able to carry out research on their behalf, and so establish a close working relationship with a particular organisation.

International development charities attach a great deal of emphasis to fieldwork experience; so a great way to acquire suitable skills and work experience is to consider undertaking an internship in the UK or think about volunteering abroad in a developing country.

Ultimately, the most desirable candidates are those with specific skills and work experience, coupled with the ability to speak a second language. But those who are committed and passionate about the organisation’s work will often stand out from the crowd.

• Try to develop your skills and experience in a specific region or a specialist field of international development.
• Build up an understanding of the current issues faced by the developing world.
• Volunteer or work as an intern within a local internationally focused charity.
• Consider studying abroad.
• Pursue a higher degree in a relevant specialist subject area.
• Work in collaboration with an international development charity during any academic work.
• Don’t forget the benefits of broadening your language skills.
• Visit CharityJOB regularly and search for international development jobs.

International Development: The Global Picture

Development aid is given by governments and agencies to support and improve economic, environmental, social and political structures in developing countries. The United Nations (UN) targets countries to budget 0.7% of GNI (Gross National Income) on overseas aid.

Roughly 80% of aid comes directly from governments, and the remaining 20% comes through agencies, development charities and/or Non Governmental Organisations.

Research very often plays an important role in altering social perceptions and influencing policy changes in governments, businesses and society as a whole. There are now more than 5000 think tanks and research agencies globally.

• In 2007, more than US$ 50 billion was invested in Africa by foreign companies.
• In 2008, only US$26 billion of foreign aid was sent to Africa.
• In 2009, developing countries received more than US$ 120 billion.
• There are more than 1 billion people who are classed as being hungry or malnourished.

International Development: Supported by The UK Government

The United Kingdom Government, through the Department for International Development (DFID), provides extensive support to developing countries.

• The UK is the world’s fourth largest international development donor, behind America, Germany and France.
• The UK’s expenditure on international development was £7,767m   in 2009/10, and the DFID aid programme accounted for   £6,629m (85%) of this expenditure.
• In 2009/10, the UK provided  assistance to 90 countries, of which 41 received direct   financial aid.  
• China receives an annual grant of £50 million.
• In 2009/2010 the DFID’s bilateral assistance to sub-Saharan Africa was £1,539m .

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) founded in 1963 is an umbrella organisation made up of 13 member agencies, which are registered humanitarian charities providing humanitarian aid in times of disaster. The DEC often coordinates and raises public awareness of natural disasters and emergencies.

• The DEC appeal for the 2010 Haiti Earthquake raised over £100 million
• The current 2010 Pakistan Flood appeal has raised over £70 million.

The 13 DEC member agencies are:

• ActionAid – fighting for a better world without poverty
• Age UK – working for better recognition of older people within society
• British Red Cross – helping people in crisis
• CAFOD – focused on human development and social justice
• Care International UK – working for the world’s most disadvantaged people
• Christian Aid – improving the lives of people
• Concern Worldwide – fighting against fear, poverty and oppression
• Islamic Relief – helping people satisfy their basic needs
• Merlin – responds to medical emergencies
• Oxfam – campaigns against trade conflict, debt and improving education
• Save the Children – fighting for children who suffer poverty, injustice and violence
• Tearfund – trying to prevent poverty and suffering
• World Vision – works to eradicate poverty, hunger and social injustice.

Sources:

Department for International Development
Institute of Development Studies
Disaster Emergencies Committee