Starting out in development

Whether you are currently working in development, studying development, or are just interested in learning about development, here are some resources we’ve found that may be helpful to you.

  1. Courses
  2. Search engines and tools
  3. International development networks
  4. Volunteer and internships

Courses

Undergraduate and graduate studies and development scholarships.

RedR training courses

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Search engines and tools

These sites offer the best resources when searching for employment, internships and volunteer opportunities in development.

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International development networks

 AidSource -  is an independent network for those in, associated with, or just curious about global humanitarian community. AidSource brings together aid workers, NGO staff, expats, locals, academics, journalists, donors. It’s a bit like what might result if MySpace and Aid Workers Network hooked up in the teamhouse. AidSource is an independent humanitarian aid & development social network. It is not affiliated with or in any way controlled or administered by any NGO, INGO, UN agency, or aid donor.

Aid Workers Network – is a fantastic free service set up to enable aid workers to share practical advice and resources with each other. The network includes over 20,000 members and offers a space for blogs, advise, learning exchange, fund-raising, and career development. A must for those want to work in humanitarian assistance and emergency response.

Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) – is a regional network across 12 Arab countries, including 23 NGO members. The network’s programs focus on advocating for social and economic rights in the region.

Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) – comprises a network of civil society organisations and individuals committed to advancing the rights of refugees in the Asia Pacific Region through information sharing, mutual capacity building and joint advocacy.

The Communication Initiative Network – is an online space for sharing the experiences of, and building bridges between, the people and organisations engaged in or supporting communication as a fundamental strategy for economic and social development and change. Partners include, UNDP, Unicef, USAID, WHO, Dfid, and BBC world service. The CI also includes a student network for those commited to communication for development.

European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) – is a professional network for development and regional studies in Europe, and provides excellent access to member organisations, publications, training for students and thematic-based programmes overseen by the network’s working groups.

Global Development Network – is an INGO of research and policy insitutes that promote the generation, sharing and application to policy of multidisciplinary knowledge. The network;s core objectives are to build research excellence, promote global networking, policy outreach and shaping policy debates. An excellent resource in terms of research papers, toolkits and policy, as well as providing access to regional and international networks.

Humanitarian Practice Network – an independent forum for humanitarians to share and disseminate information, analysis and experience, We publish specialist resources for practitioners and policy makers alike and facilitate debate through regular events and the ‘Online Exchange’ discussion forum.

International Human Rights Network – a global network that develops own-initiatives activities as well as commissioned assignments for states, UN agencies, European Commission and NGOs. The wesbite provides an excellent set of links to UN agencies, regional agencies and international networks across all sectors.

NGO Global Network – aim is to help promote collaborations between NGOs throughout the world.

Third World Network -is an independent non-profit international network of individuals and organisations involved in issues relating to development, the third world and North-South affairs. The organisation’s vision is to “bring about a greater articulation of the needs and rights of people in the Third World, a fair distribution of resources, and forms of development which are ecologically sustainable”.

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Volunteer, internships and other professional placements

The following sites offer excellent internship and volunteer opportunities. Also listed are internships available at UN and other international agencies, study and scholarship opportunities, and search engines and online tools.

AusAID funded: positions that provide airfares, accommodation, living expenses, and have several intakes per year.

Australian Civilian Corp (ACC)

  • Register for the ACC now (closes 6th May 2013).

Graduate and young professional placements

NGOs (not faith-based)

NGOs (faith-based)

UN and other agency internships

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