Thank you to all those who have submitted enquiries by e-mail about the GDS.
We are currently experiencing very high levels of enquiries and applications. Please be assured that we are working extremely hard to reply to your questions as quickly as possible.
Changing lives is what we do. We're helping people to lift themselves out of poverty, for good. Now you can get involved by working with us.
Our new graduate development scheme offers recent graduates the opportunity to work at the Department for International Development (DFID), gaining invaluable experience in areas from policy development to private sector partnerships.
Successful candidates will undergo a paid, 50 week development programme including personalised induction and training, e-learning, and a mentor. Whilst at DFID, you will be able to apply for internal opportunities and you will gain valuable work experience and improve your employability in the sector.
New recruits will begin the programme in September 2012 and will receive a salary of £22,000 per annum (pro rata). There will be positions available in both our London office and our Glasgow (East Kilbride) office in Scotland.
During the placement, you will work with experienced professionals on specific projects, for example, contributing to evaluating where, when and how we deliver the UK’s aid programme. You will work in a department suited to your skills, experience and career aims in one of the following areas:
The scheme will provide you with valuable work experience. You will be given challenging assignments that will develop your skills across a broad range of areas. Your personal development and enhancing your skills and future employability are central to the scheme. You will be part of a comprehensive induction process designed to help you both learn and contribute effectively as quickly as possible. A structured training programme will be designed for your individual training needs that will include personal development options, e-learning, a mentor and dedicated time for reflection.
To be eligible to apply for the graduate development scheme you must meet our academic requirements and nationality requirements.
Academic requirements
You will need to have gained a degree at 2.1 or above, in any degree discipline, or be graduating in 2012 with a predicted result of 2.1 or above.
You should be able to demonstrate having achieved GCSE/Standard Grade, or equivalent, at a minimum grade B or above in English and Maths.
Nationality
To be eligible to apply, you must be:
DFID is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all parts of the community. Please see our equality and diversity policy.
For more information on nationality issues, visit the UK Border Agency website.
Download the application form and return your completed form to us by email graduaterecruitment@dfid.gov.uk no later than 20 March 2012. You will be expected to demonstrate the DFID competencies at least to level II and preferably at level III. Please note we do not accept CVs.
We will let you know if your application has been successful. After 20 March 2012 you will hear from us regarding your application. If you have been successful at the screening stage, you will be invited to an assessment centre at our Glasgow (East Kilbride) or London office. The assessment centre is an opportunity for us to find out more about you. You will be invited as part of a group of applicants and the day will include an interview and a number of tasks for you to complete individually or participate in as part of a group exercise.
Assessment centres will take place in April and June 2012. On your application form, you will be asked to indicate a preference for your assessment centre location and to tell us any dates when you are not available for example due to exams.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions or for any other questions specific to your personal situation, please contact us by email us at graduaterecruitment@dfid.gov.uk
DFID will have presentations on campus and be visiting career fairs at universities in the UK between January and March 2012. See where you can come along to meet us.
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DFID’s new graduate development scheme is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to gain experience and skills within the development sector
Mark Lowcock
Permanent Secretary, DFID