Recruitment Policies

DFID recruits men and women with relevant qualifications and experience interested in supporting Britain's development programme in the UK and overseas. Our priorities lie in poverty elimination, creating sustainable livelihoods for poor people, promoting human development, mainly in the areas of health and education (but not physical education), and conservation of the environment.

The majority of DFID UK and overseas posts last between four months and three years (shorter-term vacancies do arise). Posts are normally at senior advisory or managerial level, providing professional advice and guidance to recipient countries rather than specifically carrying out tasks directly. Our posts cover a wide range of disciplines, including education, engineering, health, natural resources, public sector management, small enterprise development and social development.

Advertisements for specific posts are placed in the national press and professional journals. Appointment usually follows an interview and/or assessment process.

If you are applying for a vacancy, you should also complete the following Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire, available here in PDF or Word format. This form is used for internal monitoring for the purpose of our Equal Opportunities Policy and Diversity agenda.

Employment opportunities directly with DFID are only available to:

• Individuals who are nationals of member states of the European Economic Area (EEA).
• British Commonwealth citizens who have an established right of abode and the right to work in the UK.

DFID is an equal opportunities employer.

DFID offers a taxable UK salary based upon the duties of the job and the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. For staff working outside the UK, DFID's package of benefits can include:

• A Cost of Living Allowance to protect UK living standards;
• A Hardship Allowance (for the most difficult locations);
• Annual fare-paid travel and six weeks' annual leave;
• Free medical and dental cover, accommodation and utilities;
• Relocation and Baggage Allowances.

Specific benefits will be detailed as part of DFID's briefing process. For partners and children, additional benefits and support may also be available, dependent on the length of assignment and personal circumstances.

Details of DFID's recruitment Complaints Procedure is available here.

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