JOA’s talent development scheme gives people in Jersey their first opportunity to embark on a career in International Development, a hugely rewarding but notoriously difficult sector to enter.
This paid ‘Programme Associate’ role gives someone from Jersey the chance to spend eighteen months learning the ropes with the professionals, including six months on assignment in a developing country. Run in partnership with leading UK charities, the scheme will give someone the skills and experience necessary to enable them to take frontline roles with international relief and development organisations.
“One of JOA’s goals is not just to help the world’s poor, but to enable people from Jersey to help them. This is why we fund Jersey charities working overseas, it’s why we send volunteers abroad, and it’s why we support islanders to pursue a career in International Development. It’s been great to see passionate, hardworking islanders move through the programme and into roles with international charities or the United Nations,” said Chair of the JOA Commission, Deputy Carolyn Labey.
All of JOA’s Programme Associates have gone on to secure employment in the International Development sector. Two former Programme Associates are currently employed by the United Nations, while Harriet Hall, who was JOA’s Programme Associate in 2021-2022 joined JOA as Monitoring and Impact Officer, following six months in Jordan with HelpAge as part of her placement.
Meredith Richards is the latest Programme Associate to join the JOA team. She will soon be embarking on her year-long placement with charity, Street Child, one of the world’s fastest growing international children’s charities. “I’d recommend this role to anyone who values the challenge of variety, and the privilege of being a small part of meaningful donorship that makes a huge impact. If you’re not sure whether to apply or not – as long as you have a passion for people – do it; you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.”
Jersey Overseas Aid was awarded three stars, which is deemed ‘world class’, in the 2023 BeHeard employee survey, with a BCI score of 896.1 out of 1,000. The BCI score is a recognised standard for employee engagement.
Faye Coggins, JOA’s 2019 Programme Associate with HelpAge International is now based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh as a United Nations Junior Professional Officer. “I had a fantastic experience on the Jersey Overseas Aid Internship Scheme; it provided me with invaluable experience of development programming from the perspective of a UK NGO and in an overseas context and gave me the opportunity to build my professional skills in order to launch my career in the sector. I would highly recommend anyone considering a career in international development to apply.”
Starting in May 2024, JOA’s tenth Programme Associate will spend six months in JOA’s office in St Helier, before transferring to the HQ of a UK charity for six months. By the following May the successful applicant will be ready for their first field posting in Africa or Asia. There is also opportunity to study for professional qualifications.
Programme Associates are paid an entry-level salary, plus travel and accommodation expenses. 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 JOA’s Programme Associate scheme, including blogs from current and past Associates, can be found on the website
JOA is also looking for an enthusiastic Programme Officer to join its small professional team in St Helier. The postholder will primarily be responsible for the oversight of JOA International Development Grants, ensuring that projects are implemented as agreed and in accordance with the highest standards of aid effectiveness. They will be particularly responsible for JOA’s Conservation Livelihoods theme, managing and developing a coherent portfolio of projects in this field and developing Jersey’s growing reputation. The Programme Officer will play a role in evaluating and selecting new projects to be funded, including conducting appropriate checks on grantees and their partners.
Islanders are invited to apply online at 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 for both roles is Sunday 10th March 2024.
