If you asked ten people what they thought the role of an international development worker is, you’d likely get ten different answers. That’s because the role can vary significantly depending on the type of organisation, location, project, and whether the position is paid or voluntary.
Some workers are based in the UK, others are deployed overseas. Some focus on planning and policy, while others work directly on the ground. This guide outlines what to expect from a paid role in international development and how to get started.
Who employs international development workers?
International development workers (sometimes called aid workers) may be employed by a variety of organisations, including:
- Charities and NGOs
- International aid agencies (like UNICEF or the Red Cross)
- Faith-based organisations
- Government-funded bodies (such as FCDO contractors)
- Philanthropic foundations (e.g. the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- Multilateral organisations (e.g. the United Nations, World Bank)
- Academic and research institutions focused on development
Workers may assist with issues ranging from disaster response and healthcare to education, sanitation, and housing. Common focus areas include:
- Public health and nutrition
- Water and sanitation
- Agriculture and food security
- Education and literacy
- Gender equality and women’s rights
- Climate change and environmental resilience
- Conflict resolution and peacebuilding
- Human rights and legal reform
Some positions are based in headquarters, handling strategy, communications, or research, while others involve direct engagement with affected communities in the field.
What do they do?
The scope of work is vast, and no two roles are exactly alike. However, typical responsibilities include:
- Delivering hands-on assistance in the field
- Designing and managing aid programmes
- Liaising with government bodies and international partners
- Monitoring and evaluating the impact of development projects
- Planning budgets and allocating resources
- Fundraising and writing grant proposals
- Building relationships with local communities and stakeholders
- Conducting research and policy analysis
Larger organisations may have more defined roles, while smaller agencies might expect staff to take on a broader range of tasks.
Salary and benefits
While many associate aid work with volunteering, there is a strong core of paid professionals in the sector, especially in long-term projects or leadership roles. Salaries vary depending on experience, role, and location:
UK-Based Roles
- Entry-Level Positions: Typically range from £18,000 to £25,000.
- Experienced Roles: Salaries for positions like project or policy managers generally fall between £25,000 and £50,000, depending on the organisation and specific responsibilities.
Overseas Positions
- Field Roles: For roles such as regional or country programme managers, salaries can vary widely based on responsibility, skills, and location, typically ranging from £21,000 to £37,000.
- Leadership Positions: Senior overseas roles, like deputy head or head positions, often offer salaries between £50,000 and £60,000, reflecting the significant experience required.
Please note that salaries can vary based on factors such as the size and type of organisation, specific job responsibilities, and geographic location.
Additional benefits may include:
- Housing or accommodation allowance
- Travel and relocation costs
- Hardship or risk allowances (for placements in unstable areas)
- Medical insurance and support for dependants
- Training budgets and access to career development
- Paid leave and flexible work arrangements (role-dependent)
Some roles offer the opportunity to work remotely or on flexible contracts, though many require full-time or field-based commitment.
Working hours and contracts
Working hours vary but often exceed a typical 9-to-5 schedule, especially during emergencies or active deployments. Contracts are frequently fixed-term, ranging from six months to three years, depending on project duration and funding availability.
International development professionals often move between locations throughout their careers. Relocation support is typically provided, but frequent travel and changing living conditions are part of the job. Some roles offer rest and recuperation (R&R) breaks to help manage stress and burnout.
Finding a role in international development
Most paid positions require a relevant degree, plus some practical experience. Common degree subjects include:
- International development or international relations
- Public health or medicine
- Social work or sociology
- Economics or political science
- Environmental science or agriculture
- Communications, journalism, or marketing
Many people begin a role within the international development sector with voluntary placements, internships, or graduate schemes to gain hands-on experience. These opportunities help build practical skills, cultural awareness, and a network of sector contacts. Language skills (especially French, Spanish, or Arabic) are often an advantage.
Is it the right career for You?
A career in international development can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding. You may be exposed to difficult environments, political instability, or humanitarian crises. Strong resilience, flexibility, and a genuine desire to help others are essential.
Professionals often report high levels of job satisfaction due to the real-world impact of their work. However, challenges such as job insecurity, emotional fatigue, and ethical dilemmas are also common. It’s important to reflect on your motivation and readiness before entering the field.
If you’re looking for a job that combines purpose, variety, and international experience, this could be the right fit. Many professionals describe it as a calling rather than just a job.
To conclude –
International development workers play a vital role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether you work in project delivery, policy, logistics, or community engagement, your efforts can make a lasting impact.
With the right mix of academic knowledge and practical experience, there are opportunities across the globe for those ready to take on the challenge. To learn more or explore openings, check out:
Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – it’s one of the few careers where the difference you make can be seen and felt firsthand.