This is a sector where it’s important to use a variety of approaches to job searching. This means applying to advertised jobs on industry specific websites such as Devex, but also reaching out to new or existing contacts in the sector.
There are a huge number of different job roles in this sector. I’ve outlined some of the major functions below.
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Advocacy – involves running campaigns and developing strategies to influence organisations and individuals to effect change and promote an organisation’s goals.
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Communications – an increasingly important area for any organisation, the work involves deciding how to present key messages and information to internal and external audiences.
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Consultant – depending on the amount of experience you have, the work can range from preparing bid documents for projects to developing policy and delivering projects on the ground for clients. Most consultants work either for a consulting firm, or in the case of those with relevant expertise, as freelancers.
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Fundraising – work can range from putting together bids for grants from donor organisations, to marketing to individuals and event organisation. Often overlooked as a career option, this function has a comparatively large number of vacancies compared to other roles. Found mainly in NGOs.
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Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning – roles involve conducting research into programme effectiveness and impact.
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Policy & research – roles involve researching development issues and formulating policies. Most often to be found in NGOs, government departments, multilaterals, think tanks and academia.
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Technical specialists – such as medical professionals, engineers and accountants. Often to be found in humanitarian (emergency relief) work.
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Corporate functions (HR, IT, Finance) – ensure organisations are governed efficiently. It is not unusual to gain experience of these roles in other sectors and then transfer across.