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International Development Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Washington, DC

$21.75 - $30/hr

The position offers a dynamic work environment at the intersection of international development policy, global governance, and institutional decision-making, providing the successful candidate with ...

Research Assistant

Washington, DC

$21.75 - $30/hr

The position offers a dynamic work environment at the intersection of international development policy, global governance, and institutional decision-making, providing the successful candidate with ...

Perform research on potential international markets, market trends, trade policies, and other research related to export development; and * Other responsibilities include working closely with federal ...

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International Development Policy information

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$47K

$67.6K

$88.5K

How much do international development policy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for international development policy in the United States is $67,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with an international development degree?

An international development degree prepares individuals for roles such as development analyst, program coordinator, policy advisor, or project manager in NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations. It often involves skills in research, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication, with opportunities to work on issues like poverty reduction, health, and education globally.

What is the difference between International Development Policy vs International Development Project Manager?

AspectInternational Development PolicyInternational Development Project Manager
Required CredentialsMaster's in International Relations, Development Studies, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Project Management, Development, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPolicy offices, think tanks, government agenciesOn-the-ground project sites, NGOs, international agencies
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, NGOs, international organizationsNGOs, development agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on policy analysis and formulationFocuses on project implementation and management

While both roles are integral to international development, International Development Policy professionals primarily focus on creating and analyzing policies that guide development efforts. In contrast, International Development Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and management of specific development projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What can you do with a degree in international policy?

A degree in international policy prepares individuals for roles in international development policy, diplomacy, research, and advocacy. Graduates can work for government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, or think tanks, often requiring strong analytical, communication, and research skills. The field may also involve project management and policy analysis, with opportunities to specialize in areas like global health, human rights, or economic development.

What professions make 500,000 a year?

In international development policy, high-earning roles such as senior government advisors, chief economists, or heads of large NGOs can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve strategic decision-making, policy formulation, and international negotiations, and may include bonuses or other compensation components.

What is international development policy?

International development policy refers to the strategies, plans, and guidelines that governments, organizations, or international bodies create to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve living standards in developing countries. These policies often address issues like education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance, and economic reform. Professionals in this field work on designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster sustainable development and global cooperation. Their work involves research, policy analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders across the world.

What jobs pay 200,000 a year in the USA?

In international development policy, senior roles such as Director or Chief of Party can reach or exceed a $200,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level government or NGO positions, consulting roles, and positions requiring specialized expertise or security clearances may also offer salaries in this range.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in International Development Policy, and why are they important?

To thrive in International Development Policy, you need a solid background in political science, economics, or international relations, often supported by a relevant master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy evaluation frameworks, and global development databases is typically required. Strong cross-cultural communication, analytical thinking, and adaptability help professionals collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. These skills are crucial for designing impactful policies and ensuring successful implementation in complex, global environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in International Development Policy roles?

Professionals in International Development Policy often encounter challenges such as navigating complex political environments, coordinating with diverse stakeholders across countries, and adapting to rapidly changing global priorities. Balancing the interests and objectives of governments, NGOs, and local communities can be demanding. Additionally, these roles frequently require managing projects with limited resources and tight deadlines, while ensuring that policies are culturally sensitive and evidence-based.
More about International Development Policy jobs
What cities are hiring for International Development Policy jobs? Cities with the most International Development Policy job openings:
What states have the most International Development Policy jobs? States with the most job openings for International Development Policy jobs include:
Infographic showing various International Development Policy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,603 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
New Business Development Officer

New Business Development Officer

Counterpart

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Profile:
Counterpart International is currently seeking a Business Development Officer to support proposal development efforts. This is a full-time position based in Arlington, Virginia. This position will report to the Associate Director, New Business Development. As a key member of the Business Development Team, the Business Development Officer is responsible for managing proposals, quality control and compliance, as well as playing a supporting role to Associate Directors on larger bids. This position is ideal for someone with a solid business development background looking to gain greater exposure to capture planning/portfolio management, budgeting, and partnerships. Counterpart is committed to the career growth and trajectory of all team members. This position has great exposure to many levels of Counterpart leadership.
Primary Responsibilities
Serve as Proposal Manager on approximately 8 bids per year:
  • Establish and manage the proposal timeline, deliverables, and assignments.
  • Lead partner identification, communication, and negotiation.
  • Lead and/or facilitate the technical and management plan design sessions.
  • Draft narratives for management chapters, institutional capacity statements, past performance reports, staffing plans, key personnel biographies, and other relevant sections of the technical proposal; including annexes.
  • Oversee recruitment process, partake in interviews, and finalize key personnel decisions.
  • Oversee cost proposal development.
  • Ensure technical and cost volumes adequately reflect technical and management approach.
  • Oversee technical and cost proposal, compliance, consistency, and quality.
  • Ensure all approvals are secured and oversee final packaging and submission of technical and cost volume, including ensuring that the proposal meets all Counterpart and donor requirements.

Conduct capture and business development activities:
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with local and international partner organizations.
  • Collect early intelligence on funder opportunities.
  • Develop EOIs, capture plans, and present plans for go/no-go bid pursuit decisions.
  • Conduct competitive analysis, stakeholder analyses, and donor mapping.
  • Conduct in-country assessments and reconnaissance missions for upcoming proposal opportunities.
  • Provide coordination support during proposal pre-positioning.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in International Development, Public Policy, Public Management, or other relevant field.
  • 5+ years of business development experience for a USAID implementing partner.
  • Solid writing, editing, formatting, budgeting, presentation and project management skills.
  • Proven experience serving as proposal manager or coordinator on successful USG proposals.
  • Knowledge of the entire business development lifecycle, including opportunity identification, capture management, technical design, recruiting, proposal writing, and costing.
  • Experience facilitating communications across a wide range of technical specialists, recruiters, pricing specialists to support business development.
  • Comfortable working and communicating in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and under pressure against tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; self-motivated, detail-oriented, self-directed and curious.
  • Thorough computer software skills, namely the MS Office Suite of programs.
  • Experience using SalesForce or similar system for business development, tracking opportunities, and submissions.
  • Up to 25% travel to developing country locations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of proposal development and management methodologies.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in International Development, Public Policy, Public Management, or other relevant field.
  • Field experience working with development programs.
  • Previous program implementation, program management, and/or monitoring and evaluation experience.
  • Familiarity with DFID and DFAT proposal requirements.
  • Language skills in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or other relevant languages.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.