Writing an international development CV

An international development CV needs to show impact, cultural awareness and accountability. Employers are looking for professionals who can deliver programmes responsibly while working across diverse environments and stakeholders.

This guide explains how to write an international development CV that communicates both competence and credibility.

What Makes an International Development CV Effective?

Strong international development CVs typically demonstrate:

• programme or project delivery

• work in complex or resource-limited contexts

• collaboration with partners and communities

• monitoring, evaluation and learning awareness

Clarity and relevance are more important than length.

Key Sections of an International Development CV

Professional Profile

Summarise:

• your development focus (humanitarian, policy, health, education, governance)

• types of programmes or regions worked in

• level of responsibility

For profile structure guidance, see our CV Writing Tips resource.

Programme Experience and Outcomes

Focus on:

• objectives of the work

• your role in delivery

• outcomes achieved or lessons learned

Avoid vague descriptions — specificity builds trust.

Skills, Languages and Contextual Knowledge

Include:

• technical or sector skills

• language capabilities

• experience working cross-culturally

Only include what is relevant to the role.

Tailoring an International Development CV

Different organisations prioritise different strengths. Always:

• review the role carefully

• adjust emphasis

• mirror the organisation’s language

If you’re transitioning from another sector, our Career Change guidance may be helpful.

FAQs

How long should an international development CV be?
Two to three pages is common, depending on experience and role requirements.

Should I include field experience?
Yes — practical experience in relevant contexts is highly valued.

This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers. Please do connect with me via LinkedIn.