Financing sustainable development programs in more than 45 sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure is the primary purpose of the French Development Agency (AFD). This institution aims to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals and fight poverty in more than 145 countries worldwide by implementing policies defined by the French Government. AFD promotes diversity and expertise from various backgrounds and nationalities during recruitment, making the application process competitive but the positions very attractive. If you are interested in a position with the AFD, check out some valuable tips from current and former AFD employees.
Key Takeaways:
- AFD is a public institution dedicated to implementing French Government policies by financing and supporting projects for poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and improved living conditions across various regions.
- Through a network of 85 field offices, the AFD currently finances, monitors, and assists more than 2,500 development projects in 108 countries.
- Expertise in specific domains like energy, climate, and governance, along with strong project management, negotiation, and language proficiency, are the key skills to open the AFD’s doors.
- Challenges include career uncertainty and funding instability, while the benefits include a career in international development and diverse experiences.
DevelopmentAid: What majors skills and requirements are necessary to start a career at the AFD?
“AFD is a group that works in many sectors such as energy, climate, biodiversity, peace, education, urban development, health, governance, and others. It’s important to know in what domain you want to work and prepare yourself to meet the expectations. The most important requirements are a candidate’s education, language proficiency, experience, and personal abilities. AFD works with experts in all domains, and therefore it needs people who are confident, available and able to respect the agency’s values. Secondly, major skills in project management, procurement, negotiating, monitoring, and evaluation can help to make a difference.”
“Because AFD is a development agency that supports governments, organizations and civil society organizations, staff are expected to have extensive experience in international development. In my opinion, a minimum of 5 years of experience is an asset. Major skills include program design, implementation and evaluation, computer skills, communication and negotiation skills, data analysis may be an asset, grant management and business development could be needed, etc. Fluency in French and other major languages such as English and Spanish is another asset.”
DevelopmentAid: What are the challenges to be faced when applying for an AFD position?
“It is important to know that before applying for a position, it is a competition and AFD is looking for the best candidates. According to the number of applications received, the selection process can be long and difficult. Then, to get an opportunity to be selected, applicants have to submit a very good application by highlighting their skills that match the position’s requirements. Work experience with other development institutions is an advantage. In general, the process is always long, candidates must be patient and remain motivated and continue to prepare for a potential interview.”
“Limited experience, language barrier. Sometimes, the hiring process may take longer than expected, or the candidate may not meet the required skills.”
DevelopmentAid: How do you prepare for an AFD interview?
“As with all interviews, it’s very important to analyze the requirements of the position to understand the needs and make a connection with one’s relevant experiences. Then, it’s necessary to collect useful information about AFD such as the domains of intervention, the agency’s values, and the latest company news. Not least is the need to have a good rest before the interview, to free one’s mind, be confident and feel comfortable.”
“Read the job posting carefully, then read about AFD’s programs and presence in the country where you apply and, if possible, practice the interview with a friend or a family member.”
DevelopmentAid: What are some mistakes that young professionals make when applying for an AFD position?
“Some young professionals are just interested in the title of the position. When applying for an AFD position they don’t take time to read and understand correctly the job description and the main responsibilities. It’s important to notice that for the same title, the job description and responsibilities can be similar but different depending on the institution. In addition, some young professionals don’t take the time to do research on AFD to know what challenges to face in the position and if their profile really matches with the position. After all, it’s necessary to know the expectations, your own value, what you can bring to AFD, and what opportunities AFD can offer to you.”
“They lie about their experience and have limited understanding of the job position expectations. They do not learn enough about AFD (mission, vision, areas of work) and are not able to demonstrate the skills they hold and how they can be the right fit for the position.”
DevelopmentAid: What are the main challenges and benefits of working for AFD?
“Working for AFD requires a strong personality, good organization, the ability to manage many tasks and prioritize things, the ability to adjust and work independently in many contexts (multicultural, crisis…). The big challenge is to define aims. AFD offers a good environment to work in, opportunities to develop your skills depending on your career goal, and the possibility to work in many countries. In addition, you have the possibility to work with many institutions of development by learning their procedures and sharing your knowledge.”
“Challenges may include career uncertainty if you work for a project/program that may end due to lack of resources. Sometimes, you are unsure about professional development and funding instability as the AFD budget depends on politicians. The benefits of working for the AFD include a career in international development and the broader experience that brings, and impactful programs that give employees opportunities to innovate, learn and grow.”
See also: Working with the EBRD. Tips for junior development professionals | Experts’ Opinions
Like most international development agencies operating worldwide, securing a job at the French Development Agency can be a competitive and challenging process. A strong economic background, proficiency in several languages (including French), and strong technical skills such as analysis or project management are the key to open the doors of this organization. Additionally, applicants must be aware of all the open opportunities the institution provides. With DevelopmentAid’s Individual Professional Membership, you will not miss a single opportunity, as you will have full access to all AFD jobs, tenders, grants for individuals, and other useful information.
