International development is a global issue and a highly multidisciplinary field. The main goal of international development is to empower people living in economically disadvantaged areas to improve their well-being and alleviate the causes of poverty. Jobs in the area can thus encompass a wide range of issues, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, human rights, forced migration, security, conflict, disaster preparedness, sanitation and education. While much of the work involved in International Development occurs in the Global South, there are also plenty of career opportunities in Germany.

And what can increase your chances of finding a job in this area? Perhaps surprisingly: belonging to a Christian church. This may sound old school, but it’s due to that fact that the largest development organizations in Germany (such as Misereor and Bread for the World) are Christian organizations. Such organizations are in some cases legally allowed to favor applicants who are members of a Christian church.

We’ve put together a list of some of the top development organizations working in Germany with which you might find vacancies in English:

These are some of Germany’s other NGOS:

  • Brot für die Welt
  • Cadus - Redefine Global Solidarity e.V.
  • Care
  • Christliche Initiative Romero e.V. (CIR)
  • Christoffel-Blindenmission Deutschland e.V. (CBM)
  • Caritas International
  • Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung
  • EIRENE
  • FIAN
  • German Toilet Organization
  • Handicap International
  • INKOTA
  • WASH United
  • Islamic Relief
  • Malteser International
  • Misereor
  • Oxfam Deutschland
  • Plan International
  • Save the Children
  • SODI
  • Terre des Femmes
  • Viva con Agua
  • Welthungerhilfe
  • Weltfriedensdienst
  • World Vision