Working on the challenge of a lifetime

Benefits | Recruitment Fact Sheet | Go straight to: current vacancies

Let's face it. Most people now agree that job satisfaction is what we value most at work. And it's no different for those who work here at DFID, on one of the most pressing issues of our age: global poverty.

Yes, we do offer the usual package of excellent non-pay benefits offered by the Civil Service to those eligible to work in the UK (see our recruitment policy): a good pension, good holidays, flexible working, and a commitment to personal development.

But, although we're a top-performing government department, DFID isn't the Civil Service as you might know it. We're a dynamic, professional and diverse international organisation which is a leader in the fight against poverty in developing countries. 

As a small Government department, we don't recruit very often. But when we do, we value experience and talent, no matter what your background is.

If you're interested in working towards the reduction of poverty, there's never been a more critical time to work in development, and towards the Millennium Development Goals 

Our influence is growing, we use the latest technology to help us work smarter, and many of our roles involve travel within the UK and overseas.

A family-friendly job which pays competitive rates, and is worth getting up for in the morning? You might just find it here. See current vacancies or contact us with any questions on recruitment

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What benefits do we offer?

The vast majority of DFID staff really enjoy working for us, so our staff turnover is relatively low even when compared with other public sector employers.  

We think that's because we offer:

• Flexible and family-friendly working
• Personal development plan and first-class training opportunities
• Travel season ticket loans
• The opportunity to travel overseas and the chance to compete for overseas postings
• Generous allowances for some overseas posts - look at our recruitment policy summary for details
• A Civil Service pension - still rated as one of the best schemes in the public sector

Guidance and resources

Our Recruitment Fact Sheet has information about eligibility criteria, volunteering, overseas recruitment, working with the EU and more. 

Related websites:

• Civil Service recruitment gateway
• Directgov jobs and careers
• Local government careers
• UK government's staffing office at the European Commission
• World Service Enquiry volunteer placements and general volunteer recruitment - DFID itself doesn't engage with volunteers directly

What's it like to work here?

• Joy Hutcheon Director, East Kilbride
   
• Daniel Arghiros Governance Adviser, Ghana
   
• Kemi Williams
  Social Development Adviser, Southern Africa
   
• More profiles...

DFID roles

• Economist role and economist FAQ
• Note for Economists Fast Stream Applicants
• Technical Fast Stream

Diversity

• Diversity Report 04 (PDF, 735 KB)
• Diversity in the Civil Service
• Our Race Equality Scheme