International Aid and Development Officer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Aid workers help people in developing countries or conflict zones by providing support, food, resources and infrastructure to people in need. You may provide direct support – by helping hand out food and medical parcels – or you may work in a development role, working in the health or education sectors. It’s a varied role which may see you working as a volunteer or employed by a charity or non-governmental organization. (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Government employment opportunities are also available through organizations such as Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations.
As an International aid/development worker, you'll work with developing countries to set up long-term, sustainable solutions to problems. Working on development projects in fields such as education, sanitation, health and agriculture. You may also be involved with the development of urban and rural areas and small businesses. (Graduate Prospects)
This profile includes information about: International development project officer, International aid and development researcher, Women's program coordinator
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- Sokanu - career info & videos: Humanitarian
- Get involved in international development – Government of Canada
- Development Job Profiles – My World Abroad
- Stories - Government of Canada information about Canada’s international efforts for development, trade and foreign policy
- How to become an International Aid Worker - Committed to Good
- Are You Ready to Be an International Aid Worker? - Canadian Red Cross
Education
The educational requirements for International Development Work varies depending on the type of position. Completion of a bachelor's degree is usually required. A graduate degree or several years of experience may be an asset. Proficiency in foreign languages may also be an asset.
UM Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar and Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring other education options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
Professional associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- The Canadian Association of International Development Professionals (CAIDP)
- Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
Directories, industry associations, and sector councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) - Part of the Inter-council Network
- Corporate Members - CAIDP
- Humanitarian Coalition
- International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) – Government of Canada listing of programs to gain international development experience
Job boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- AIESEC - University of Manitoba Student group with opportunities for international volunteer and work experience
- My World Abroad - See guides on finding jobs with NGO's and international development
- I want to work for the UN: A guide to getting started – Northeaster University
- Funded/Partially Funded International Opportunities – Memorial University listing of programs offering international development experience
- International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative – Opportunities from the Government of Canada for indigenous students to gain international development experience
- Devex - Social enterprise and media platform for the global development community
- Career Center – useful advice for applying for jobs in international development
- The New Humanitarian – Non-profit journalism on humanitarian events (formerly IRIN News)
- Career Advice – Third Sector (U.K)