JOA’s Programme Associate internship scheme, which launched in 2018, has given 11 islanders to date their first opportunity to embark on a career in International Development, a hugely rewarding but notoriously difficult sector to get into.
Each JOA Programme Associate spends 18-months learning and contributing to International Development and Humanitarian projects, with an initial six-month placement in the JOA office in Jersey. This is followed by 12 months spent with one of JOA’s partners, which have included internationally recognised charities and Non-Governmental Organisations such as HelpAge International, Street Child, Ripple Effect and the British Red Cross.
Starting in May 2025, this placement will be with HelpAge International, with the final six months spent overseas in a HelpAge country office.
The paid role will give the successful candidate the skills and experience necessary to enable them to take frontline roles with international relief and development organisations in the future.
"At JOA, our mission extends beyond awarding grants to assist the world’s most marginalised communities—we are also dedicated to giving local people the opportunities to actively contribute to tackling global challenges. This commitment is evident in our support for Jersey charities operating overseas, our international volunteer programmes, and our encouragement of islanders pursuing careers in International Development. It is truly inspiring to witness passionate and hardworking individuals advance through the programme and secure positions with international NGOs or the United Nations,” said Deputy Carolyn Labey, Chair of the JOA Commission and Jersey’s Minister for International Development.
All of JOA’s Programme Associates have gone on to secure employment in the International Development sector.
Luke Tumelty has just completed his placement in Ethiopia with HelpAge International and is embarking on his first permanent role in the sector. “The 18-months I spent as a Programme Associate at JOA were some of the most exciting times of my career and have been so invaluable for my own development. Through my time at JOA and HelpAge International in London and in the Country Office in Ethiopia I have gained a much clearer understanding of the kind of global issues we read about in the news every day. I got to work with incredible people who taught me so much and gave me the right kind of encouragement whenever I needed it. Now I've found myself an amazing role doing what I love working on, climate resilience, and have only JOA to thank.”
Richard Crane, JOA’s 10th Programme Associate, is currently based at Streetchild UK and will soon be joining the Streetchild Nepal Country Office, while Athene Jackson is soon to complete her six months in the JOA office before embarking on her twelve months with the British Red Cross.
Programme Associates are paid an entry-level salary. No age limit applies, and career-changers are welcome. JOA looks to recruit individuals who are serious about embarking on a fulfilling but demanding new path, including being prepared to spend significant time in challenging places. Details about the scheme, including blogs from current and past Programme Associates, can be found on the website.
Jersey Overseas Aid is deemed a ‘World-Class’ employer having been awarded three stars in the 2024 Be-Heard employee survey, an anonymous survey that measures exactly how employees feel about their organisation. Last month Jersey Overseas Aid was recognised as Team of Year at the Government of Jersey Non-Ministerial Department Stars of the Year Awards.
Islanders are invited to apply online at www.joa.je/get-involved/jobs/ or to email enquiries@joa.je for more information. The deadline for applications is 10th March 2025.
