Get into international development using UNICEF Manager Utty’s top tips

Posted on 21 November 2025 • Career planning, Jobs, internships and work experience

Utonnwa (Utty) Akinlaja, Resourcing Manager at UNICEF, shares her top tips for starting a career in international development. Follow UNICEF on the OU’s OpportunityHub to keep up to date with opportunities in the organisation. Discover skills, career opportunities and potential employers in Environment and Development and how to build your work experience to prepare for a career move. Improve your networking skills and if you’re considering working abroad, check out our international job search resources. 

First of all, you must believe that it is possible to secure a place in international development and be willing to commit to that. Securing employment in international development can indeed be competitive. but it is not an impossible task. It all depends on you – how committed are you to achieving this? 

The field attracts passionate professionals dedicated to addressing global challenges such as poverty, education, health, climate change, water, sanitation, humanitarian response, human rights among others. To stand out in this domain, it’s crucial to combine to investigate what the organisations you are interested in requiring and invest in acquiring them. 

These general tips might benefit you to build a career in international development: 

1. Check your educational credentials 

A relevant degree/ qualification in fields such as international relations, development studies, public health, environment science, geography or economics is often essential. But check what is requested – you can do this by looking at job vacancies to see what is essential to the role vs desired. If it is essential/required, consider pursuing advanced degrees or specialised certifications. If they are not required, the knowledge gained from further studies can be used to enhance your qualifications.   

2. Gain practical experience

Internships, volunteer work, and programme assignments can provide invaluable hands-on experience. Look for opportunities with NGOs, international organisations, or community projects that align with your interests. 

3. Network actively

Building relationships within the sector can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops, and engage with professionals through networking platforms like LinkedIn, conferences, workshops, professional bodies. 

4. Develop key skills

Proficiency in project management, data analysis, and language skills can be particularly advantageous. Additionally, strong communication and cultural sensitivity and understanding are vital. Be openminded. 

5. Stay informed

Keep abreast of current global issues, policies, and trends in international development. Subscribing to relevant journals, following thought leaders, and participating in discussion forums can help you stay updated and informed. 

6. Utilise your strengths

If you have multiple nationalities, consider leveraging them by volunteering or working in locations where you already have the right to entry. That is a strength, you have more places you could work in – use that. Are you currently volunteering at university and developing skills in areas like event organization, graphic design, student funding pitches, or public speaking for example? These seemingly simple activities can be powerful examples of your skills and achievements when described effectively in relation to the role you seek. Those are strengths – use them. 

7. Be persistent, resilient and flexible

The path to a career in international development may involve setbacks and challenges. Maintaining persistence, building resilience and being open to diverse roles and locations can increase your chances of success. 

 

 

Utonnwa “Utty” Akinlaja is a People centred business owner and the Resourcing Manager for UNICEF UK, blending entrepreneurial acumen with a deep commitment to people and social impact. With a proven track record in strategic talent acquisition, Human resourcing consultancy, Utty as she is known has spearheaded initiatives that strengthened workforce diversity, re-designed organisational structures and optimised recruitment processes for her business clients, while ensuring UNICEF UK attracts and retains top-tier talent aligned with its humanitarian mission.

Utty believes that purposeful work is a great thing. people are the cornerstone of success, and talent drives transformation. She champions practices that create equitable opportunities while driving organisational excellence. Recognised for fostering collaborative environments and mentoring emerging leaders, her approach emphasizes integrity, resilience, humility, the truth and purpose-driven work.