How do I become a international development worker
Get qualified to work as a international development worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to International Development Worker.
Common questions
There are no clear salary figures for International Development Workers at this time, though many begin their careers through volunteer assignments.
Courses.com.au Team
International Development Workers are hired by NGOs, charities, and non-profits as well as government-funded aid organisations. They usually work overseas.
Courses.com.au Team
To become an International Development Worker you will need university-level qualifications such as the Bachelor of International Development, Bachelor of Arts (International Aid and Development) or Master of Development Studies. You will also benefit from supporting qualifications in a key field of expertise: social sciences, nursing, medicine, agriculture, IT, environmental studies, engineering, public health, and others. If you’re serious about a career as an Internatonal Development Worker, we recommend contacting the Australian Council for International Development for more information. It is highly recommended that you undertake volunteer assignments in your area of interest and learn a foreign language.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
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International Development Worker careers
International Development Workers are employed by non-profits, charities, and government organisations to setup infrastructure and welfare programs in developing countries. They usually specialise in one area of expertise (eg, water, housing, public health, sanitation, child protection, disaster response) and may be responsible for project management in-the-field, inter-government liaisons, project reporting, advocacy and awareness work.
As an International Development Worker you could be meeting with government officials to plan the implementation of a sanitation program, collaborating with a local women’s group to run a family planning workshop, preparing a report to submit to the executives in your NGO, or overseeing a team of local tradespeople as they build a hospital.
To succeed in this role you’ll need to be passionate about making a difference in the world and willing to carry out short and (long-term) assignments in developing countries all around the globe.
