A Career in International Development
If you are interested in global development and health, you may want to consider a career in international development. This field requires experts in several areas, including medicine, engineering, and ICT. It also requires knowledge of a second language, which will benefit your career. You can learn a second language while studying at a university, and an advisor can help you become fluent.
Multilateral development cooperation covers many areas, including health, education, economic development, and conflict resolution. Its purpose is to promote collaboration across borders and to foster cooperation among countries. Sweden’s participation in multilateral organizations has several advantages. Membership in multilateral institutions enables the government to advance its interests while being untied and non-earmarked. Moreover, procurement and recruitment systems should be transparent, and Swedish staff should be able to operate on equal terms with other interested parties without experiencing competitive disadvantages.
The missions of multilateral agencies vary considerably. Most multilateral organizations have an evaluation function. The United Nations, for example, has an inter-agency working group on evaluation, and the European Union has a Court of Auditors. In the case of the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has special responsibility for evaluation from a rights perspective.
Sweden should increase its role in multilateral development work by establishing alliances with like-minded countries. Joint action may involve operations in another country or pursuing a standard policy in various forums. However, collective action may also weaken a party’s profile and pose political risks for some actors. Sweden should also encourage a more active role in multilateral development organizations and should make more use of the knowledge of non-governmental organizations and the business sector.
There are a variety of career options in the NGO sector. Many of them are a mix of volunteer work and paid positions. Some have a global focus and employ international staff, while others are more local. Most offer roles based in the UK, but some have offices in developing countries. For example, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) sponsors a Junior Professional Officer Programme for recent graduates. Likewise, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) employs recent graduates and postgraduates with expertise in economics.
For example, scientists with the proper credentials can conduct field research and provide medical aid. Others with forensics training can document crimes against humanity. Similarly, scientists with a background in public health have many options. They can work in an NGO or government agency but must maintain strong links with academia.
International aid/development is a competitive field and requires specific skills and education. Those interested should research the sector before applying. The industry is highly diverse and requires thorough knowledge and experience. For example, engineers and scientists who work in disaster relief or humanitarian aid must have particular qualifications. Relevant work experience is necessary to get a first-line post in the sector, which can be gained during or after study.
Learning a second language increases your chances of landing a good job, advancing in your career, and allowing you to interact with other cultures. Language barriers are a real problem for many countries and are a significant reason why people feel isolated outside of their own countries. Learning a second language opens the doors to new ways of thinking, communicating, and solving problems.
Moreover, many jobs in the field of international development require knowledge of a second language. Whether you plan to apply for a job in a nonprofit or a government organization, knowing a second language will benefit you in the long run. You can take language classes in college or graduate school and improve your professional prospects. Ideally, you should learn a language that is widely spoken and is used by international development organizations. It will eliminate a significant barrier to employment when you are in the field.
Employers are constantly looking for fresh ideas and may pay particular attention to those who have worked with different cultures. In addition, learning a second language enhances your ability to multi-task, a crucial skill in today’s job market.
While the benefits of a career in international development are many, living abroad can also present some unique challenges. First, foreigners are often not comfortable managing day-to-day tasks, such as paying bills and using the internet. Also, they may not have access to the same services that are available to domestic workers, including reliable health care and international schools.
Another challenge that new comers to the development field face are cultural sensitivity. Although an NGO position may be the ideal start for a career in development, there are many obstacles to navigate. Traveling to a foreign country and obtaining a visa are costly tasks. Furthermore, many “starry-eyed idealists” may not be able to adapt to the culture and lifestyle. Therefore, they may have to return to the US after their stint abroad.
