Jobs in Developing Countries
by Mary A. Schumacher
Do your international career goals include working to alleviate poverty, helping a community implement sustainable agriculture, or cleaning up an environmental disaster? Yes, even the most industrialized country has its pockets of poverty and social inequity that desperately need skilled assistance. Today, however, we'll focus on the many opportunities that developing countries offer to apply your skills and experience to help communities help themselves.
You don't have to be a crusader or live in poverty, either, unless you choose to. Many jobs in developing countries are well-paying while providing you with immense satisfaction.
Where Are the International Jobs in Developing Countries?
Geographically speaking, jobs in developing countries exist primarily in parts of Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Other "emerging economy" countries, such as Russia and other Eastern European countries, do join this group because of significant economic, financial, and social problems.
Who is Needed?
In a nutshell, jobs in developing countries are in these broad categories: technical, social/justice, medical, managerial, and educational. You can find different levels of jobs, from intern to entry-level to jobs requiring considerable skill and experience. In international development, don't expect a standard career path. Nevertheless, I'll discuss below some common characteristics.
Technical professions include architects, business advisors, economists, engineers, and other technology/computer professionals.
Social/justice work can include working in non-profit or NGO agencies that provide food relief, promote human rights, alleviate child labor, and similar activities.
Medical personnel needed in developing countries include doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, as well as staff to run programs to combat AIDS and other diseases.
Skilled managers are needed to administer programs and budgets for government agencies or non-profits, and manage people and relationships.
Educators to teach languages and other subjects are in demand.
What Kind of Jobs Are There?
International jobs in developing countries typically reside in the following organizations:
- non-profits/NGOs like Oxfam,
- multinational aid organizations like the United Nations or World Bank,
- academic institutions,
- consulting firms,
- government agencies of your host country or of your own country.
Examples of international jobs in the developing world include:
- Project manager to supervise the design and implementation of a sustainable agriculture project in the Republic of Georgia.
- Scientist in agricultural land use and sustainable development to work in Columbia.
- Watershed management specialist to work in the Middle East.
- Chief of party to manage a three-year USAID project in the Ukraine, including supervising a multi-national team and coordinating efforts with local government officials.
- Development finance specialist in Bolivia.
- English teacher in Kenya.
As you can see, jobs in developing countries vary widely. However, what is common is that these jobs require a certain amount of specialization, although a broad range of knowledge, foreign language skills, and ability to strategize are clearly important.
Furthermore, like working anywhere abroad, you will need to be able to deal with uncertainty, understand and work effectively with cultural differences, and be willing to learn and adapt.
How Much Can You Get Paid?
Salaries range widely, depending on the job, qualifications, and region. Many jobs will include housing as a benefit, and many areas in the developing world will have a much cheaper standard of living compared to industrialized/developed areas.
Nevertheless, salaries can be significant. If you work for a government foreign service agency or multinational organization such as the World Bank, you can expect industrialized country salaries. Similarly, a top manager working for a major non-profit/NGO can also expect a salary approaching USD 100,000. Entry level workers with college degrees can often receive salaries in the USD 30,000s. Of course, salaries and benefits can range tremendously depending on the organization, its mission, and its resources.
It's easier than ever to apply for a job in a developing country. Many government agencies, non-profit organizations and consulting firms advertise specific positions on-line.
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