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International Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Manager

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Social Impact (SI) is a Washington, DC-area international development management consulting firm. SI's mission is to improve the effectiveness of international development programs in improving ...

S. based international development consulting company established in 1987, has worked in over one hundred countries and implemented over three hundred projects. IBTCI serves government agencies ...

S. based international development consulting company established in 1987, has worked in over one hundred countries and implemented over three hundred projects. IBTCI serves government agencies ...

Business Development Associate

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$51K - $70K/yr

SI's mission is to improve the effectiveness of international development programs in improving people's lives. We provide a full range of management consulting, technical assistance, and training ...

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International Development information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$76.8K

$131.9K

How much do international development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for international development in Virginia is $76,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $89,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is international development?

International development is a field focused on improving the economic, social, and political conditions of countries around the world, particularly in regions facing poverty or instability. Professionals in this area work with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to create programs that promote sustainable growth, health, education, and equality. The goal is to reduce global disparities and help communities achieve long-term prosperity through collaboration and innovation.

What are the qualifications to get an international development job?

The qualifications for international development jobs vary by position. Private organizations and NGOs usually ask for a bachelor's degree and several years of relevant experience. On the other hand, official programs like USAID provide contracts for jobs, and they care less about education and experience and more about your ability to complete the job. Regardless of your position, fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a job in international development requires excellent communication skills, good teaching skills, and the ability to work as part of a large, coordinated effort to impact a region. The emphasis on developing countries means that fluent speakers of uncommon languages are often in demand, so the ability to converse with groups that do not speak English can set you apart from other applicants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in international development, and why are they important?

To thrive in International Development, you need a background in areas such as international relations, economics, or public policy, often supported by relevant degrees and experience in global project management. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and knowledge of donor compliance systems is highly valued, along with certifications like PMP or specialized humanitarian training. Strong cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving skills help professionals excel in diverse, often challenging environments. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively managing complex projects, fostering partnerships, and achieving sustainable development outcomes across varied international contexts.

What are some common challenges professionals face when working in international development roles?

Professionals in international development often encounter challenges such as navigating cultural differences, working in resource-limited or remote settings, and adapting to rapidly changing project requirements. Collaboration with local partners and stakeholders can be complex, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, managing multiple projects across different time zones and monitoring impact can be demanding, but these experiences also provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and cross-cultural exchange.

What is the difference between International Development vs International Relations?

AspectInternational DevelopmentInternational Relations
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in development studies, international relations, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in political science, international relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentNon-profit organizations, NGOs, government agencies focused on development projectsGovernment agencies, think tanks, diplomatic services, policy institutes
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in development-focused organizations and NGOsPrimarily in government, diplomatic, and policy sectors

International Development and International Relations share overlapping skills and educational backgrounds but differ mainly in focus. International Development emphasizes on-the-ground projects to improve living conditions, while International Relations concentrates on diplomacy, policy, and global political dynamics. Both fields often collaborate but serve different primary objectives.

Is it hard to get a job in international development?

Getting a job in international development can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in international relations, development studies, or related fields, along with experience in project management, research, or fieldwork. Fluency in multiple languages and knowledge of international organizations or policies can also improve job prospects.

What are international development jobs?

International development jobs involve working to improve economic growth, health, education, and social conditions in developing countries. These roles often require skills in project management, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge of global issues, with many positions based in the field or in international organizations.

What can I do with an international development degree?

An international development degree prepares individuals for roles in NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations focused on global aid, policy, and sustainable development. Common positions include project manager, policy analyst, program coordinator, and researcher, often requiring skills in cross-cultural communication, project management, and knowledge of development tools. Opportunities may also involve fieldwork, grant writing, and working with diverse stakeholders worldwide.

What are the most commonly searched types of International Development jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of International Development jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to International Development jobs in Virginia?

For International Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for International Development jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most International Development job openings:

Infographic showing various International Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,774 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Various International Development Opportunities (Anticipated)

Navanti Group

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

POSITIONS NOT YET FUNDED. NAVANTI IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESUMES FROM CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN THE BELOW CATEGORIES FOR ANTICIPATED POTENTIAL WORK.

Navanti is an applied analytics company specializing in helping its United States Government and private sector clients make informed and empirically driven decisions on some of the most challenging issues in transitioning and post-conflict countries. We conduct research and analysis, provide training and technical assistance, manage programs, and help clients operate in countries across Africa, Eurasia, and the Middle East.

Navanti is currently seeking highly qualified candidates for various anticipated international development opportunities focused on strengthening program and operations performance through analytic support, training, technical assistance, information management, communications, and change management services.

  • Technical Manager: Shall serve as Navanti's primary subject matter expert and chief liaison to the customer, as well as provide overall leadership for all technical aspects of the work performed by staff under the program

  • Business Manager: In coordination with the Technical Manager, shall continuously monitor all aspects of contract activities and recommend adjustments when necessary

  • Technical Advisors: Shall conduct analysis of program and organizational performance in the sectors below to inform decision-making and provide technical assistance and training to strengthen the ability of staff and stakeholders to plan, implement, and assess program and management performance

    • Strategic Planning and Performance Management

    • Economic Growth

    • Agricultural Development

    • Health

    • Environment and Natural Resources

    • Democracy and Governance

    • Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction

    • Humanitarian Assistance

    • Gender Issues

    • Youth Issues

  • Technical Advisor Program Associates: Shall provide administrative and logistical support and may be called on to prepare drafts and copy edit reports under analytic support and technical assistance activities

  • Writers/Editors: Shall produce high-quality print and electronic materials for effective distribution to target audiences

  • Information Architects: Shall gather information about websites, web-based applications, and online communities and develop logical data models to present information to various internal and external audiences

  • Web Developers: Shall design web pages or elements of web pages and build them into standards-compliant websites using relevant web development technologies

  • Database Developers: Shall create management systems to provide effective and efficient access to information stored in databases

  • Program Associates: Shall provide administrative and logistical support and may be called on to prepare drafts and copy edit reports for one or more program technical areas, such as training, technical advisory services, and communications/information management