Development Internships at Irish Aid: Get Experience and Start Your Career in International Development with Paid Internship in Ireland

Are you passionate about international development and eager to make a positive impact on the world? Irish Aid, a vital component of Ireland’s foreign policy, offers you a unique opportunity to launch your career in this rewarding field. Irish Aid is currently accepting applications for its prestigious paid Development Internships. These internships provide a remarkable chance to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and gain practical experience in the Government’s international development assistance program.
Application Deadline
Before diving into the details of these exciting internships, please note that the closing date for completed applications is 17:00 (Dublin time) on November 8, 2023. To ensure your application is considered, make sure to apply before this deadline. Late applications will not be reviewed.
Why Choose Irish Aid Development Internships
Irish Aid’s Development Internships are designed to equip successful candidates with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to contribute to Ireland’s international development efforts. These internships span 22 months, commencing in early 2024, and are based in either Limerick or Dublin at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Ireland’s Commitment to Development
Ireland’s foreign policy places a strong emphasis on development cooperation. The country allocates a substantial budget, with €1.23 billion dedicated to Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2023. This budget reflects Ireland’s dedication to alleviating poverty, hunger, and improving living conditions in some of the world’s most impoverished regions.
What a Development Internship Involves
As a Development Intern, you will work closely with colleagues who provide essential technical support to the Government’s international development assistance program. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a highly motivated and skilled team while engaging in a range of disciplines relevant to the aid program’s policy objectives.
For more details on the program, you can visit the official websites of Irish Aid (www.irishaid.ie) or the Department of Foreign Affairs (www.dfa.ie). You can also find valuable information in the policy documents, “A Better World – Ireland’s Policy for International Development” and “Global Ireland – Strategy for Africa to 2025.”
Qualifications and Requirements
To be eligible for these internships, you must meet the following essential qualifications and requirements:
- Possess a second-class honours undergraduate degree in one of the specified areas, such as Development Management, International Relations, Accounting, Agriculture, and many more.
- Demonstrate high-level oral and written communication skills, including excellent applied writing skills.
- Show a strong interest in Ireland’s foreign policy, with knowledge of Irish Aid.
- Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, and good judgment.
- Have good administrative, organizational, and computer skills.
- Be flexible and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
While not mandatory, the following qualifications and experiences are considered desirable:
- Knowledge of global development issues and an understanding of the economic, business, trade, and political context in which development interventions are successful.
- An understanding of the complex environment in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and its missions operate.
- Experience of working in the developing world.
- Experience of working in the area of community development either at a voluntary or professional level.
Job Specification
The role of a Development Intern is dynamic and will evolve according to the demands of the international development assistance program. Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing support in a specific sector or on a thematic issue relevant to the program.
- Contributing to the oversight and monitoring of approved budgets and programs.
- Offering input into briefings, speeches, and reports.
- Collaborating as part of a unit or cross-unit team and with other colleagues across the Department.
- Participating in policy discussions relevant to the Irish Aid program.
- Supporting the Department’s staff in international networks and at international/national meetings.
- Conducting research and data analysis to inform decision-making.
- Supporting public information and communications/outreach work of the Division.
- Undertaking other functions as requested by the head of unit or line manager.
For more opportunities such as this please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Application Process
To apply for these exciting internships, you should complete the official application form available on the Career Opportunities page of the Department’s website. Make sure to save the online PDF version and open it in a Word document for easier completion. If you encounter any issues during the application process, contact the competitions team at [email protected].
The completed application form should be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line
“Development Intern Application.”
Selection Process
Selection for these internships will be based on a competitive interview. In case of a high volume of applications, candidates will be shortlisted based on the information provided in their applications and may be required to complete a written exercise. Interviews will be conducted via video conference.
Citizenship Requirements
Eligible candidates must meet specific citizenship requirements, including being a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), Switzerland, or having the appropriate visa or international protection.
Code of Practice
The selection process for these internships adheres to the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service. Complaints or requests for review will be considered following the procedures outlined in the Code of Practice, which can be found at www.cpsa.ie.
For more information, VISIT HERE