International Development Officer

Position Overview

Samawada is seeking a passionate and strategic International Development Officer to help design, strengthen, and expand humanitarian programs that improve access to clean water, sanitation, health, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for underserved communities.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about global development, humanitarian innovation, policy, and community-led solutions. The successful candidate will support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development initiatives while building partnerships with governments, NGOs, universities, donors, and international organizations.

The role will also support initiatives connected to:

• sustainable development
• water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
• climate resilience
• humanitarian innovation
• AI and digital development
• women's empowerment
• youth engagement
• capacity building
• policy and advocacy
• international partnerships

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, humanitarian programming, strategic partnerships, and global nonprofit operations.

What You Will Do

Program Development & Strategy

• Support the design and development of humanitarian and international development programs.
• Conduct needs assessments, stakeholder consultations, and community research.
• Assist in developing project proposals, logical frameworks, and implementation plans.
• Monitor program progress and recommend improvements that increase long-term impact.
• Promote community-led and sustainable development approaches.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with NGOs, governments, universities, multilateral organizations, and development partners.
• Support collaboration with local communities and implementing partners.
• Assist in coordinating meetings, partnership activities, and joint initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Represent Samawada in relevant development networks and forums.

Research, Policy & Innovation

• Research global development trends, humanitarian priorities, and emerging policy frameworks.
• Analyze opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Support policy research and advocacy initiatives that strengthen community resilience.
• Identify innovative technologies, including AI and digital tools, that improve humanitarian outcomes.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, and policy recommendations for leadership.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Support monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) activities.
• Collect and analyze program data to measure outcomes and impact.
• Assist in preparing donor reports, case studies, and impact assessments.
• Help document lessons learned and best practices across projects.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with fundraising, grant writing, finance, marketing, technology, and program teams.
• Support proposal development by providing technical information and project design.
• Assist in developing strategic partnerships that enhance program delivery.
• Maintain organized program documentation and development resources.
• Help strengthen organizational systems that support sustainable growth.

What We Are Looking For

Experience or strong interest in:

• international development
• humanitarian assistance
• project management
• program development
• policy research
• community development
• partnership building
• monitoring and evaluation (MEAL)

Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Knowledge of international development principles and sustainable development.

Understanding of project planning, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation.

Experience with proposal development, policy analysis, or development research is an asset.

Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Passion for humanitarian work, equity, innovation, and community empowerment.

Preferred Areas of Interest

Candidates with interest or experience in any of the following are encouraged to apply:

• International development
• Humanitarian assistance
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
• Climate resilience and environmental sustainability
• Women's empowerment
• Youth development
• Public policy and governance
• AI for social impact
• Community-led development

What You Will Gain

• Real-world experience in international development and humanitarian programming.
• Opportunity to contribute to projects that create sustainable community impact.
• Exposure to program design, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic partnerships.
• Experience working on innovation-driven development initiatives and global collaborations.
• Networking opportunities with development professionals, NGOs, policymakers, and academic institutions.
• Portfolio-building experience in program development, research, policy, and international cooperation.

Strategic Projects You May Support

• Water Infrastructure & WASH Programs
• Climate Resilience & Environmental Restoration Initiatives
• Women's Economic Empowerment Programs
• Youth Leadership & University Partnerships
• AI & Humanitarian Technology Projects
• Community Capacity Building & Livelihood Programs
• International Partnerships & Sustainable Development Initiatives
• Policy Research & Advocacy Campaigns