Applying for a job at DFID

Before applying for a vacancy, please make sure you:

• meet the eligibility criteria set out in the vacancy advert, and
• have any essential qualifications/experience specified in the advert.

Preparing your application form

• DFID will be looking to see whether you have the experience and competencies needed to do the job in question. Ask yourself the following questions:
• what work have I done that is relevant?
• what relevant competencies have I demonstrated in my current or previous jobs, at the appropriate level?
• where I don’t currently have a competence, do I have any experience or qualifications that demonstrate my potential to acquire it?

If you’re looking at the advert online, click on the link to ‘specific vacancy information’ for more detail about the job.

Completing the application form

Space is limited, so try to be concise and to the point. Make sure everything you write relates directly to the competencies and skills specified in the advert and/or shows how your experience is relevant.
Remember to read through your application and check your spelling and grammar before submitting it to DFID.

 Advertisements for specific posts are placed on Civil Service Jobs online, in the national press and professional journals, as well as on this site. All permanent posts are also advertised through Jobcentre Plus.

Core competencies

Most jobs require candidates to demonstrate five of DFID’s nine core competencies. The list of core competencies, the competency framework and the core competency framework for advisers set out the skills and attributes that make up each competence.