Application Guide

How to Apply for HR Apprentice

at Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

🏢 About Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for development research, teaching, and learning, focused on reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development. Working at IDS offers the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful global change while developing HR skills within an academic environment that values social justice and international collaboration.

About This Role

As an HR Apprentice at IDS, you'll gain hands-on experience across the full HR lifecycle while studying for a Level 5 People Professional qualification. This role directly supports IDS's mission by ensuring smooth HR operations that enable researchers and staff to focus on development work, making you an integral part of an organization tackling global challenges.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve processing new hire documentation for international researchers, updating HR records in the organization's systems, assisting with recruitment coordination for specialized research positions, and participating in apprenticeship learning sessions. You'd balance routine administrative tasks with opportunities to support HR projects that directly impact IDS's ability to conduct development research.

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🎯 Who Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Is Looking For

  • Someone who can articulate specific reasons why they're drawn to HR within an international development context, not just general interest in HR
  • A detail-oriented organizer who can provide concrete examples of managing multiple administrative tasks with precision
  • A proactive communicator who demonstrates how they've taken initiative in previous roles or academic settings
  • Someone who shows genuine curiosity about IDS's work and can connect HR functions to organizational impact

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

1

Highlight any experience with compliance processes or documentation management, as this role involves significant compliance work

2

Mention specific HR systems you've used (even basic ones like HR databases or applicant tracking systems) rather than just saying 'HR systems experience'

3

Research IDS's current projects and mention one that particularly interests you to show genuine engagement with their mission

4

Explain why you want the apprenticeship specifically at IDS rather than just any HR apprenticeship

5

Provide examples of how you've supported team operations in past roles, even if not HR-specific

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of how effective HR administration enables IDS's development research mission", 'Specific examples demonstrating your attention to detail in administrative or organizational tasks', 'Your motivation for pursuing HR as a career within an international development context', 'How your communication skills would support both internal HR operations and employee interactions']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IDS's current strategic priorities and how HR might support them
  • → The organization's work on specific development issues (like climate justice or gender equality)
  • → IDS's partnerships with international organizations and universities
  • → The structure of IDS's workforce (researchers, professional staff, casual workers mentioned in the job description)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle confidential HR information in an academic research environment?
2 Describe a time you had to manage multiple administrative tasks with competing deadlines
3 What interests you about working in HR specifically within an international development organization?
4 How would you approach onboarding a researcher who has just arrived from another country?
5 What do you think are the biggest HR challenges for an organization like IDS that employs both academic and professional staff?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic statements about wanting to 'work with people' without connecting to HR's strategic function
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of IDS's development focus beyond surface-level knowledge
  • Overlooking the apprenticeship aspect by not showing enthusiasm for the structured learning component

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Institute of Development Studies (IDS)!

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