International Aid/Development Worker Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an International Aid/Development Worker includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Lobbying and advocacy to represent the needs of poor communities to sponsors, governments and the public.
  • Conducting needs assessments;
  • Researching and writing project proposals and reports;
  • Strategic planning for long-term development and/or disaster management to reduce the need for crisis intervention;
  • Drafting funding proposals to ensure the future of specific overseas programmes;
  • Recruiting, managing and training staff and volunteers;
  • Administering the day-to-day work of an office or team;
  • Managing, monitoring and evaluating projects;
  • Organising fundraising;
  • Developing relationships with partner organisations in the field and encouraging capacity building;
  • Communicating effectively with relevant internal and external stakeholders including volunteers, clients, partners and donors;
  • Negotiating and liaising with public bodies and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs);
  • Evaluating the response required in fast-moving emergency situations;
  • Managing budgets and allocating resources;
  • Implementing security procedures to ensure the safety of staff working in unstable areas, maintaining an overview of the security situation and making appropriate decisions;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of International Aid/Development Worker duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific International Aid/Development Worker roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.