International development is a dynamic and impactful field, requiring professionals with diverse skills, global perspectives, and the ability to navigate complex socio-political environments. Whether you’re applying to work with NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations, crafting a tailored resume is essential to standing out in this competitive industry.
1. Highlight Relevant Field Experience
In the field of international development, practical experience is often considered the most crucial factor in landing a role. Employers want to see a clear track record of your ability to work on real-world challenges, especially in regions or contexts similar to where their projects are based. Here’s how to effectively showcase your relevant field experience on your resume:
a. Include Hands-On Work in the Field
- List volunteer roles, internships, and full-time positions where you worked directly on development projects.
- Focus on experiences in developing regions, post-conflict zones, or underserved communities, as these demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills in challenging environments.
- Highlight specific examples, such as:
“Organized a water sanitation campaign in rural Kenya, reaching 5,000 individuals and reducing waterborne illness rates by 20%.”
b. Quantify Your Impact
- Employers value measurable outcomes, so include numbers wherever possible to illustrate the scope and success of your work.
- Examples might include:
- Number of beneficiaries impacted.
- Funds raised or grants managed.
- Partnerships established.
- Projects delivered within deadlines and budgets.
For example:
“Managed a $250,000 USAID-funded project to improve educational access for 2,000 children in underserved areas, achieving a 15% increase in school attendance over one year.”
c. Demonstrate Your Expertise in Development Themes
- International development encompasses various focus areas, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, governance, and climate resilience.
- Showcase experience relevant to the job’s specific focus. For instance:
- If applying for a health-focused role, highlight work with vaccination campaigns or public health initiatives.
- For climate adaptation projects, mention experience with sustainable agriculture or renewable energy programs.
d. Mention Collaborative Efforts
- International development projects often require teamwork and partnership with local communities, NGOs, or government entities.
- Highlight collaborative experiences, such as:
“Coordinated with local NGOs and government stakeholders to design a microfinance program supporting 1,000 small-scale farmers.”
e. Don’t Overlook Remote or Non-Field Contributions
- If you’ve contributed to international development projects from a distance, such as conducting research, managing grant proposals, or monitoring and evaluation (M&E), make sure to include these experiences.
- Example:
“Conducted impact assessments for education programs in sub-Saharan Africa, analyzing data from 12 schools and providing recommendations for curriculum improvements.”
f. Include Short-Term or Volunteer Assignments
- Many international development professionals gain experience through short-term missions or volunteer work. Even if the assignments were brief, they demonstrate your commitment to the sector.
- Example:
“Volunteered with a disaster relief organization in Haiti, distributing emergency supplies and assisting with housing reconstruction efforts.”
g. Highlight Cross-Sector Experience
- If your fieldwork involved multiple sectors (e.g., healthcare and education), emphasize your ability to work across disciplines.
- For instance:
“Led an integrated health and education initiative, training 50 teachers on nutrition and hygiene practices to promote healthier learning environments.”
By emphasizing your relevant field experience and presenting it in a structured, measurable way, you will demonstrate to employers that you are ready to take on the complex challenges of international development.
2. Showcase Multicultural Competence
In international development, the ability to understand, adapt to, and work effectively across different cultural contexts is paramount. Organizations operate in diverse regions and require professionals who can build trust, foster collaboration, and respect cultural nuances.
a. Highlight Cross-Cultural Experiences
Demonstrate instances where you’ve successfully worked, studied, or volunteered in multicultural settings.
- International Work or Study Abroad:
Include any time spent living or working in another country, particularly in regions relevant to the role you’re applying for. Highlight how these experiences helped you develop cross-cultural sensitivity.
Example: “Spent two years in Bangladesh managing a women’s empowerment project, collaborating with local NGOs to support over 500 beneficiaries.” - Community-Based Projects:
Mention projects where you worked with marginalized or diverse groups, even if they were within your home country.
Example: “Collaborated with refugee communities in Germany to develop a skills-training program for 150 participants, tailoring solutions to meet their cultural and educational backgrounds.”
b. Emphasize Language Proficiency
Language skills are often a significant asset in international development.
- List languages you speak, along with your level of proficiency (e.g., fluent, conversational, or basic).
- If you used these language skills in professional or community settings, highlight their impact.
Example: “Fluent in Spanish; facilitated workshops for rural farmers in Colombia on sustainable agricultural practices.” - If you’ve taken certifications, such as the DELF for French or TOEFL for English, mention these as well.
c. Highlight Intercultural Communication Skills
Show how you’ve successfully navigated cultural differences in professional or community environments.
- Include examples of mediating conflicts, building consensus, or adapting to unfamiliar cultural norms.
Example: “Mediated cultural misunderstandings between local stakeholders and international donors during a healthcare initiative in Uganda, ensuring smooth collaboration and timely project delivery.” - Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex concepts in culturally accessible ways.
Example: “Developed training materials on climate resilience for rural communities in Nepal, incorporating culturally relevant examples to ensure comprehension.”
d. Include Intercultural Training or Certifications
Training in intercultural communication or related fields underscores your readiness to work in diverse environments.
- Mention certifications or workshops, such as Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training, Diversity and Inclusion seminars, or Conflict Resolution in Multicultural Settings.
Example: “Completed Cultural Competency Certification through [Organization], focusing on communication and conflict resolution in global contexts.”
e. Provide Examples of Building Local Partnerships
In international development, establishing strong relationships with local communities, governments, and NGOs is essential.
- Highlight your ability to engage with local stakeholders and build trust.
Example: “Fostered partnerships with tribal leaders in India to implement a community-driven water conservation program, benefiting 10 villages.” - Mention any efforts to integrate local knowledge into program design.
Example: “Worked closely with local farmers in Tanzania to co-develop agricultural techniques that increased crop yields by 25%.”
f. Demonstrate Cultural Adaptability
Show that you are flexible and can thrive in unfamiliar or challenging environments.
- Include examples of adapting to different cultural norms or work environments.
Example: “Adapted to remote field conditions while coordinating disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, respecting local customs and traditions.” - Highlight experiences where you overcame cultural barriers to achieve project success.
Example: “Adjusted communication strategies to align with cultural expectations during negotiations with community leaders in Nigeria.”
g. Mention Experience in Multicultural Teams
International development often involves collaboration with people from various backgrounds.
- Highlight teamwork experiences where you worked with colleagues or stakeholders from diverse cultures.
Example: “Collaborated with a multicultural team of 10 professionals from five countries to design a youth development program for underserved communities.” - If you led a multicultural team, emphasize your leadership in navigating cultural differences.
Example: “Led a team of international volunteers from six countries, successfully completing a rural electrification project in Cambodia.”
h. Leverage Technology for Cultural Bridging
In a globally connected world, remote collaboration is common in international development.
- Mention instances where you used technology to bridge cultural gaps in remote teams.
Example: “Coordinated virtual meetings across three time zones with stakeholders from Europe, Africa, and Asia, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.”
By showcasing your multicultural competence, you demonstrate your ability to connect with people across cultural divides, adapt to new environments, and drive success in international development projects. This skill not only positions you as a culturally aware candidate but also highlights your ability to work effectively in the globalized nature of the field.
3. Focus on Technical and Soft Skills
In international development, success requires a mix of technical expertise to manage projects effectively and soft skills to navigate relationships and challenges in diverse environments. Employers look for candidates who can deliver on both fronts, so it’s essential to showcase a well-rounded skill set tailored to the specific needs of the role.
a. Emphasize Key Technical Skills
Technical skills demonstrate your ability to execute job-specific tasks and are often non-negotiable for international development roles.
- Project Management:
Highlight your experience with tools and frameworks such as Logical Framework Approach (LFA), Results-Based Management (RBM), or software like Microsoft Project and Asana.
Example: “Managed a $1 million UNICEF-funded project using RBM, achieving 90% of outcomes within the timeline.” - Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
International development organizations emphasize data-driven results. Include experience with M&E tools like KoboToolbox, Tableau, or statistical software like SPSS or Stata.
Example: “Designed and implemented an M&E framework for a water access project, using Tableau to track progress for 5,000 beneficiaries.” - Grant Writing and Fundraising:
Proficiency in proposal writing and securing funding is a highly sought-after skill. Mention successful grant applications or amounts raised.
Example: “Developed a grant proposal that secured $500,000 in funding from the World Bank for a rural electrification project.” - Specialized Technical Knowledge:
Depending on the role, include expertise in fields such as:- Public health (e.g., health systems strengthening).
- Climate change (e.g., renewable energy or disaster risk reduction).
- Education (e.g., curriculum design).
- Infrastructure development (e.g., WASH programs).
- Digital Literacy:
Highlight proficiency in technology relevant to international development, such as GIS mapping for humanitarian aid or CRM systems for donor management.
b. Demonstrate Soft Skills with Examples
Soft skills are essential in international development because they enable you to work effectively in complex and often unpredictable environments.
- Collaboration and Teamwork:
Showcase your ability to work within multidisciplinary or multicultural teams.
Example: “Collaborated with a team of 12 professionals across three continents to implement a global education initiative in rural communities.” - Leadership:
Employers value leadership abilities, especially if you’ve managed teams or coordinated stakeholders.
Example: “Led a team of 20 volunteers to deliver disaster relief aid to 1,000 households in Southeast Asia.” - Communication:
Effective communication, especially in diverse cultural settings, is critical. Highlight your ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
Example: “Developed culturally appropriate training materials for local staff, ensuring understanding of new agricultural techniques.” - Problem-Solving:
Show how you’ve tackled challenges in difficult circumstances.
Example: “Redesigned a failing microfinance program, improving repayment rates from 40% to 85% within six months.” - Adaptability and Resilience:
Working in international development often involves operating in challenging environments. Include examples of adapting to unforeseen situations.
Example: “Successfully pivoted project deliverables during political unrest, ensuring the continuity of services to 2,500 beneficiaries.” - Stakeholder Engagement:
Highlight your ability to engage with local communities, government officials, and international donors.
Example: “Facilitated a stakeholder meeting with 50 participants from local and national governments to discuss policy reforms.”
c. Tailor Skills to Job Descriptions
Recruiters scan resumes for specific skills listed in the job description. Tailor your resume by including relevant keywords and aligning your skills with the organization’s priorities.
- Use the job description as a guide to emphasize both technical and soft skills most relevant to the role.
Example: If the role prioritizes disaster response, focus on skills like emergency planning, rapid assessments, and crisis communication.
d. Include Certifications and Training
Certifications add credibility to your technical skills and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
- Examples of technical certifications:
- PMP (Project Management Professional) for project management.
- M&E Certification from platforms like INTRAC or Devex.
- GIS and Remote Sensing for spatial analysis.
- SPHERE Standards Training for humanitarian response.
- Examples of soft skill certifications:
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation certifications.
- Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training.
- Leadership Development Programs.
Example: “Certified in Humanitarian Standards by SPHERE, ensuring compliance with global best practices in emergency response.”
e. Highlight Transferable Skills from Other Experiences
If you’re transitioning into international development from another field, emphasize skills that are transferable.
- Example:
“Leveraged 5+ years of corporate project management experience to design efficient workflows for an NGO’s poverty alleviation program, reducing operational costs by 20%.”
f. Use a Skills Section for Quick Access
To make your resume ATS-friendly and easy for recruiters to scan, include a dedicated “Skills” section.
- Group your skills into categories, such as:
- Technical Skills: M&E, GIS mapping, proposal writing.
- Soft Skills: Cross-cultural communication, leadership, problem-solving.
- Languages: Fluent in French and Arabic.
By clearly outlining both your technical and soft skills, with real-world examples to back them up, you present yourself as a versatile and capable professional ready to take on the challenges of international development.
4. Emphasize Education and Certifications
In the competitive field of international development, education and certifications are critical in demonstrating your theoretical foundation and specialized knowledge. Employers often seek candidates with degrees or certifications directly related to the field, as well as those that show a commitment to continuous learning.
a. Showcase Relevant Academic Background
Your academic qualifications lay the groundwork for your expertise in international development.
- List Relevant Degrees:
Clearly mention your degree, institution, and the year of graduation. Prioritize degrees in fields such as:- International Development
- Public Policy
- International Relations
- Global Health
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Political Science
Example: “Master of Science in International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2022.”
- Highlight Honors or Achievements:
Include any awards, scholarships, or honors that showcase academic excellence.
Example: “Recipient of the Chevening Scholarship, awarded to top candidates pursuing development-related studies.” - Include Relevant Coursework:
If you’re a recent graduate or applying for an entry-level role, mention specific coursework related to the job.
Example: “Relevant Coursework: Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Aid Policy, and Program Monitoring and Evaluation.” - Capstone or Research Projects:
Highlight significant academic projects or theses, particularly those aligned with the role.
Example: “Conducted a thesis on ‘The Impact of Microfinance on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Rural India’ as part of my Master’s program.”
b. Certifications to Strengthen Your Profile
Certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and can give you a competitive edge. Include both technical and general certifications relevant to international development.
- Project Management Certifications:
International development roles often involve managing projects. Highlight certifications such as:- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- PRINCE2 Certification
- Agile Project Management Certification
Example: “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), 2023.”
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
Demonstrate proficiency in M&E frameworks and tools.- INTRAC Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Training
- Devex M&E Certification
- Data Analysis for M&E by World Bank Group
Example: “Completed M&E Essentials Certification from INTRAC, specializing in program impact evaluation.”
- Humanitarian and Disaster Response:
- SPHERE Standards Training
- Core Humanitarian Standards Certification (CHS Alliance)
- UNICEF Emergency Preparedness and Response Training
Example: “Trained in SPHERE Standards for Humanitarian Assistance, focusing on WASH and shelter programs.”
- Technical Certifications:
- GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis (ArcGIS, QGIS)
- Data Analytics (Google Data Analytics Certification, STATA, SPSS)
- Climate Change and Sustainability (UN CC:Learn Certificates, Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training)
Example: “Certified in GIS Mapping and Remote Sensing for Development Applications (2022).”
- Language Proficiency Certifications:
Highlight certifications that validate your language skills, such as:- DELF/DALF (French)
- DELE (Spanish)
- IELTS/TOEFL (English)
Example: “Certified C1 level in Spanish (DELE).”
c. Include Professional Development Courses and Workshops
If you’ve attended short courses or workshops, these can add value to your resume by showing ongoing professional growth.
- Example of courses:
- Harvard Humanitarian Response Intensive Course
- University of Oxford: Forced Migration and Refugee Studies Short Course
- Coursera’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Training
Example: “Completed Harvard Humanitarian Response Intensive Course, specializing in disaster response strategies and ethics.”
d. Emphasize Development-Specific Credentials
Some certifications are tailored specifically to international development and can be a standout feature on your resume.
- Examples include:
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Academy Courses
- UNICEF Data Analysis for Development Professionals
- World Bank Group’s Open Learning Campus Certificates
Example: “Earned certification in ‘Financing for Sustainable Development’ by the World Bank Open Learning Campus.”
e. Educational Affiliations and Networks
Mention affiliations with reputable academic or professional networks. These affiliations reflect your active engagement with the field and its stakeholders.
- Examples of networks:
- Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP)
Example: “Member of APSIA, actively participating in forums and workshops on global policy challenges.”
f. Highlight Online Learning and Certifications
With the rise of online education, platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer valuable courses in international development.
- Examples of online certifications:
- Introduction to International Development (University of London on Coursera)
- Data for Good: Using Data Science for Development (edX)
- Nonprofit Essentials (LinkedIn Learning)
Example: “Completed the Coursera certification in ‘Data for Development,’ focusing on data-driven policy-making for underserved communities.”
g. Tailor Educational Highlights to the Job Description
Make sure the educational qualifications and certifications you include are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Avoid listing irrelevant degrees or courses unless they add transferable skills.
h. Format Your Education Section Clearly
Organize your education and certifications section to ensure it’s easy to read and aligned with the job’s requirements.
- Use bullet points to break down key qualifications.
- For certifications, include the certifying institution and the year of completion.
By emphasizing a strong educational foundation and relevant certifications, you position yourself as a knowledgeable and qualified candidate in the international development field. Tailoring these credentials to align with the job requirements demonstrates your ability to contribute meaningfully to global initiatives.
5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role
One of the most effective strategies for securing a job in international development is customizing your resume to align with the specific requirements of each role. Generic resumes often fail to capture the attention of hiring managers or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because they don’t clearly show how your skills and experiences match the job’s needs.
a. Start with the Job Description
The job description is your roadmap for customization. Carefully analyze it to identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- Highlight Keywords:
Look for terms related to technical skills, competencies, and job-specific requirements. Examples might include “project management,” “grant writing,” “stakeholder engagement,” or “monitoring and evaluation (M&E).”
Example: If the job emphasizes “community engagement,” ensure your resume includes examples of how you’ve worked with local communities to achieve program goals. - Understand the Organization’s Focus:
Research the hiring organization to understand its priorities. For instance, if it focuses on climate change mitigation, emphasize your experience in environmental projects.
Example: Tailor your resume to showcase your work on renewable energy initiatives or disaster risk reduction programs.
b. Customize Your Professional Summary
Your professional summary (or objective statement) should reflect the most relevant aspects of your experience and skills for the specific role.
- Focus on the organization’s needs and how your background aligns with them.
Generic example: “Experienced international development professional with a strong background in project management and stakeholder engagement.”
Tailored example: “Experienced international development professional skilled in designing and implementing community-led WASH programs, with a proven track record of managing $2M budgets and engaging diverse stakeholders in post-conflict regions.” - Keep it concise and targeted, ideally no more than 3–4 sentences.
c. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Deprioritize Irrelevant Ones
Your work experience section should emphasize the accomplishments and responsibilities that align with the specific role.
- Prioritize Relevant Roles:
If you’ve worked on multiple projects, focus on those most aligned with the job’s goals.
Example: For a role focused on education programs, prioritize your experience with curriculum design or teacher training over unrelated experiences. - Use Job-Specific Language:
Rewrite your responsibilities and achievements using terminology from the job description.
Example: If the job description uses “capacity building,” mention your experience in organizing capacity-building workshops instead of generic “training sessions.” - Quantify Achievements:
Use metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Example: “Increased program participation by 30% through culturally sensitive community outreach strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
d. Adapt Your Skills Section
Your skills section should highlight the technical and soft skills most relevant to the job.
- Match Skills to the Role:
Tailor the skills listed to those emphasized in the job description.
Example: For a role involving disaster response, include skills like ‘crisis management,’ ‘logistics coordination,’ and ‘SPHERE standards compliance.’ - Use Categories for Clarity:
Organize skills into categories such as:- Technical Skills (e.g., GIS mapping, data visualization, proposal writing).
- Soft Skills (e.g., cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution).
- Languages (e.g., French – Fluent, Arabic – Intermediate).
e. Align Certifications and Education with the Role
Tailor the education and certifications section to emphasize qualifications most relevant to the job.
- Highlight certifications that align with the role’s focus.
Example: For a health-related position, prioritize certifications in public health or humanitarian health standards. - For entry-level roles, emphasize coursework, thesis topics, or academic projects that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
f. Adapt Volunteer and Extracurricular Experiences
Volunteer work and extracurricular activities can be significant in international development resumes, especially for early-career professionals.
- Focus on Relevant Activities:
Highlight volunteer experiences that align with the job, such as participating in humanitarian aid efforts or contributing to community development projects.
Example: “Volunteered with a refugee support organization, assisting with resettlement programs for 200+ families.” - Position Unrelated Activities to Show Transferable Skills:
If you’ve been involved in activities that are not directly relevant, focus on transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, or event coordination.
g. Tailor Your Accomplishments Section
If your resume includes a section for accomplishments or highlights, adjust it to showcase achievements that directly relate to the role.
- Example: For a policy advocacy role: “Co-authored a policy brief presented to the United Nations on climate adaptation strategies in small island nations.”
- Example: For a field-based implementation role: “Successfully oversaw the distribution of relief supplies to 10,000 displaced individuals during a humanitarian crisis.”
h. Use a Tailored Cover Letter to Reinforce Customization
Your resume works best when paired with a tailored cover letter. Use the cover letter to elaborate on how your experiences, skills, and passions align with the specific role and organization.
i. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Avoid overwhelming the recruiter with irrelevant details. Ensure every section of your resume directly contributes to your candidacy for the role.
- Aim for a one-page resume for early-career roles or a two-page resume for experienced professionals.
j. Test Your Resume Against the Job Description
After tailoring your resume, review it to ensure it closely matches the job description.
- Use tools like Jobscan or SkillSyncer to compare your resume against the job description for keyword alignment and ATS optimization.
By tailoring your resume for each role, you not only increase your chances of passing through ATS systems but also demonstrate to hiring managers that you’ve put effort into understanding the position and its requirements. This customization reflects your professionalism and commitment to the role, making you a stronger candidate for international development jobs.
Conclusion
Crafting a resume for international development jobs requires a strategic approach to showcasing your experience, skills, and global perspective. By emphasizing relevant fieldwork, multicultural competence, technical expertise, and tailored content, you can present yourself as the ideal candidate for driving meaningful change on a global scale.
In today’s competitive job market, having a standout resume is crucial. That’s where Resumofy comes in – an AI-powered resume builder designed to create job-winning resumes in minutes. Visit https://www.resumofy.com.Also Read: How to Use Industry Awards to Strengthen Your Resume.