Devex Career Hub: 3 Key Hiring Trends Shaping Global Development Jobs in 2026

TIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com

The development sector faced one of its most challenging years in 2025 following unexpected cuts to the U.S. aid budget, disrupting jobs across the industry. As we look to 2026, several trends are shaping the way organizations hire and how professionals navigate careers in global development.

1. Shift Toward the Gig Economy

A growing number of roles are now short-term contracts or consultancy projects. In 2025, over 41% of opportunities on Devex’s job board were for temporary positions. Many affected by USAID layoffs turned to consulting to remain active in the sector while maintaining income. This portfolio-style career model is expected to continue in 2026.

2. Emergence of New Talent Hubs

Traditional centers like Washington, D.C. and New York faced layoffs and closures, prompting professionals to explore alternative hubs. Cities in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Morocco are increasingly attracting talent, along with growing opportunities in Kenya. These emerging hubs offer a combination of research, fieldwork, and organizational roles for global development professionals.

3. Rising Demand for Revenue-Focused Roles

With funding diversification becoming a priority, organizations are hiring more in fundraising, donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and philanthropy. Roles that combine business development with development goals are now in high demand as agencies pivot from relying solely on institutional donors.

Top Full-Time Opportunities

• Director of Strategic Partnerships, Simprints, Ghana (Remote)

• Project Implementation Officer, The Pacific Community, Fiji

• Finance Director, DT Global, Papua New Guinea

• Operations Officer, Caribbean Development Bank, Barbados

Top Consulting and Short-Term Roles

• Supply Chain Management Senior Assistant, UNOPS, Denmark

• Senior Hub Manager, Speak Up Africa, Multiple Countries (Remote)

• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer, Alinea International, Fiji

• Information Management Specialist, FAO, Syria

With the sector evolving rapidly, professionals are advised to adapt skills, explore flexible roles, and consider emerging regions to navigate the global development job market successfully in 2026.