International Aid/Development Worker Job Description

What is the job description of an International Aid/Development Worker? What are the duties and responsibilities of an International Aid/Development Worker? What does an International Aid/Development Worker do?

Job description of an International Aid/Development Worker

International aid/development workers focus on meeting the needs of people and communities in the developing world. International development seeks to work with developing countries to implement long-term and sustainable solutions to problems.

Many work on development projects in fields such as education, sanitation, health and agriculture. They also work in urban, rural and small business development. Humanitarian and disaster relief work may call for highly specific skills and experience and usually involves short-term assignments.

This International Aid/Development Worker job description example includes the list of most important International Aid/Development Worker duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific International Aid/Development Worker profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

International Aid/Development Worker Duties and Responsibilities

International Aid/Development Worker job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • 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;

International Aid/Development Worker Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

International Aid/Development Worker job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A degree in social sciences (international development or development studies, human rights etc)
  • Ability to relate to and communicate with a range of people
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to operate effectively under pressure
  • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships in changing teams
  • Patience and a willingness to adopt a long-term view
  • Ability to learn and to acquire new skills rapidly and the flexibility to transfer learning from one situation to another
  • Operational decision-making skills
  • Willingness to live and travel in basic conditions
  • Language skills - French, Spanish and Portuguese are often requested and knowledge of Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Swahili or other African and Asian languages may be advantageous, depending on the region
  • Highly specific skills and experience - may be required for humanitarian and disaster relief assignments.
  • Management of both people and projects and the ability to motivate others
  • Drive and determination to achieve results and initiate action
  • The ability to manage the workload, prioritise tasks and delegate when necessary
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity
  • Self-awareness and organisational awareness

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal International Aid/Development Worker starts with crafting a good job description. Use this International Aid/Development Worker job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an International Aid/Development Worker may also reference it in preparation for the interview.