Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Framework Convention • General Assembly • Permanent Mission

Development Aid

Term from International Organizations industry explained for recruiters

Development Aid refers to financial assistance, technical support, and resources provided to developing countries to help improve their economic and social conditions. It's similar to humanitarian aid, but focuses on long-term improvements rather than emergency relief. This includes projects like building schools, improving healthcare systems, or creating sustainable farming programs. Organizations that work in this field include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and various government agencies like USAID or DFID. When you see this term in a resume, it usually indicates experience working on programs that help developing nations become more self-sufficient.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Development Aid projects worth $2M in Southeast Asia

Coordinated Development Aid and International Aid initiatives across multiple African countries

Led assessment teams for Development Aid programs focusing on education

Implemented Development Assistance projects in partnership with local governments

Typical job title: "Development Aid Professionals"

Also try searching for:

International Development Officer Aid Coordinator Development Program Manager Technical Cooperation Specialist Development Project Officer Aid effectiveness Specialist International Aid Worker

Where to Find Development Aid Professionals

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Development Organizations

• World Bank Career Portal
• UNDP Jobs
• European Commission International Cooperation

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure sustainability in development aid projects?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss approaches to building local capacity, ensuring community ownership, creating exit strategies, and establishing sustainable funding mechanisms. They should emphasize the importance of working with local partners and stakeholders.

Q: Can you describe your experience with major donor requirements and reporting?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of different donor compliance requirements, experience with logical frameworks, results-based management, and ability to manage complex reporting cycles for multiple stakeholders.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you monitor and evaluate development aid projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic monitoring tools, data collection methods, evaluation frameworks, and how to measure project impact. Should mention experience with baseline surveys and impact assessments.

Q: What experience do you have in stakeholder management?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience working with government officials, local communities, implementing partners, and donors. Should demonstrate understanding of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic communication.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What do you understand about the project cycle in development aid?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic stages: identification, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Should show understanding of how projects move from concept to completion.

Q: What experience do you have with cross-cultural communication?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate awareness of cultural differences, basic experience working in diverse teams, and understanding of communication challenges in international settings.