Working in governance abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in governance abroad like?

• Working in governance abroad is much more than just meetings with a view of palm trees. It's more often about policy, responsibility, and decisions that have an impact.
• From international organizations and NGOs to governments and administrative bodies: good governance is needed everywhere, and you can be part of that.
• Governance means involvement in the management, organization, and oversight of organizations, institutions, or programs with an international context.
• You can work at:
  • at international organizations.
  • at government or semi-government organizations.
  • at NGOs or foundations.
  • on executive or supervisory boards.
  • in policy and management positions.
• Your role revolves around decision-making, strategy, oversight, and accountability, often in an international or intercultural setting.
• Responsibilities: Depending on your position and organization, you could be involved in:
  • developing and assessing policy and strategy.
  • preparing and making governance decisions.
  • overseeing implementation and finances.
  • representing the organization externally.
  • coordinating with stakeholders, governments, and partners.
  • Risk management, governance, and compliance.
• Working conditions: Positions are often full-time, sometimes part-time, or project-based.
• Contract durations can vary from temporary to multi-year.
• Salaries depend heavily on the sector and organization. Sometimes board work is voluntary, sometimes you receive generous compensation.
• Reimbursements for housing, travel, and insurance are common.

What are the reasons for working in governance abroad?

• To develop a vision: you learn to steer organizations in complex, international contexts.
• To take responsibility: governance choices have direct consequences for people, resources, and policy.
• To work results-oriented: you work on long-term goals with social or organizational impact.
• To act confidently: you learn to be firm and professional in decision-making and consultations.
• To be meaningful: you contribute to good governance, stability, and sustainable development.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in governance abroad?

• Organizational awareness: understanding how organizations, governments, and international institutions function and where decision-making takes place. Judgment and nuance: being able to weigh interests, take positions, and still allow for context and culture.
• Communication skills: communicating clearly, carefully, and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaboration skills: collaborating effectively with administrators, civil servants, partners, and external parties, often with different backgrounds.
• Vision and a bird's-eye view: maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture and being able to consider the long-term consequences of decisions.
• Professionalism and integrity: careful handling of power, information, and public or societal interests.

What are the best countries and locations to work in governance abroad?

• Countries with international governance hubs: Belgium (Brussels), Switzerland (Geneva), the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
• Countries with a high level of NGO and development governance: Kenya, Nepal, Ghana, India, and South Africa.
• Countries where policy and governance converge: the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, Canada, and Australia.

What are the risks of working in governance abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in governance abroad?
  • Pressure and responsibility are often high: errors in governance or supervision can have a major impact.
  • Working in countries with limited infrastructure is common: increasing health and safety risks.
  • Legal liability is a frequent issue: management decisions can lead to claims or legal proceedings.
  • Healthcare costs or legal assistance are often expensive or limited: costs can quickly escalate.
• Are you insured while working in governance abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.