Below, you will find the responses to the most popular questions in regard to our recruitment processes. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send us an email to applications@cafod.org.uk.
Working and volunteering in the international development sector
I want to work with international development - what do I need to know?
First of all, it needs to be something you really want to do, as well as match your interests and professional/educational background. There are numerous ways into the world of NGOs - but there is not one that is more recommended than the other. If you are considering entering the charity sector and need more general information, we recommend that you have a look at the careers advice page on http://www.charityjob.co.uk which goes through most aspects of the nature of working in an NGO. If you are looking for general recommendations and tips on job searching, this job searching advice page might be useful.
Is there a possibility to volunteer for CAFOD?
Yes. We are an organisation with origins in volunteering and we value highly the inspiring individuals who volunteer with us. You can find out more about volunteering with CAFOD in our Volunteering section. We have a living database of potential volunteers which is made available to all units in our organisation. Please contact the Volunteering team (volunteering@cafod.org.uk) for further information on how to be added to this database or contact your local CAFOD Volunteer Centre directly.
Can I volunteer overseas with CAFOD?
Unfortunately, we don’t provide opportunities for volunteering outside the UK. We work largely through local partner agencies and local staff, and the staff that we recruit internationally to work with them are professionals with very specific skills. One of the best sources of information on volunteering abroad in relief or development is the 'Guide to volunteering for development' produced by the World Service Enquiry, which is available from their website together with a lot of relevant information and links.
Working in CAFOD
I don't have the right to work in the UK – will CAFOD sponsor me?
Unless a job advert specifically states that CAFOD welcomes applications from those without a right to work in the UK and will sponsor their work permit application, all applicants for UK-based jobs must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK (or country of posting).
Do I need to be Catholic to work for CAFOD?
No. We recruit individuals of all religions and none. We ensure that candidates have the required competencies for the position and that your values are aligned with the Vision, Mission and Values of the organisation. There are, however, some specific positions where your experience in the Catholic community might be more relevant (this will be indicated in the Job Description).
Our application process
Why doesn’t CAFOD accept CVs?
For ease of comparison, we use a standardised application form, resulting in a more transparent and fair way to evaluate applicants.
Is it possible to view a copy of the application form before completing it?
We do encourage all our applicants to dedicate a fair amount of time answering the key components of our application process, such as our Key Competencies.
Below are two presentations which should guide you through our online application system.
Completing your CAFOD Online Application: part one
Completing Your CAFOD Online Application: part two
When do I have to submit my application?
The completed application needs to be submitted by latest midnight (UK time) of the closing day (unless otherwise stated).
Which parts of the application are the most important?
The combination of all parts of the application are important when assessing a candidate, as long as there is a clear link between your responses and the Job Description. The Person Specification is particularly relevant, as you will need to give examples in your application of how your experience matches important competencies and the required skills. It’s wise to focus on the competencies which are listed as the essential by sharing real life examples from your previous experience. Please be as brief and clear as possible.
Can I attach a general reference letter to my application?
No. We do expect you to provide us with referees in the Application Form.
Why do I need to provide information on my ethnic origins, gender and disabilities?
This is not a mandatory requirement; however, we are grateful to candidates for completing the Equal Opportunities Form since CAFOD strives to be an equal opportunities employer. In other words, the form is solely used for monitoring and statistical purposes in order to improve our recruitment processes. The form will not be used during the actual recruitment and will be kept separate from your application.
Completing the online application
How do I complete the online application?
The process is intuitive; Go to CAFOD jobs, click on current vacancies and search for the job of interest. Select the one you are interested in. Read about the job and register to apply (or sign in if you already have registered previously). Complete the application form and do not forget to click submit!
I need to make changes to my application - how do I do that?
The first time you registered, you should have created an account with your e-mail and password. Go to the login page and enter your details. Under the Applications tab, you will see Current Applications and a link to the unsubmitted application. Once you have submitted your application you will not be able edit it.
I get a message saying that I have been logged out. How do I get in again?
The best solution is usually to relaunch your browser. If this does not help, sometimes it helps to restart your computer. The reason is that the system wants to ensure that you are properly logged before letting you in again in order to protect your personal data.
The systems says that my email already is registered - why?
The first time you log into the system, you create a user account with your own unique username and password. Go to the login page, log in and continue your application. If you have forgotten your password or want to reset your password then go to the login page and click on the forgotten password link
After submitting my application
When can I expect to hear from you?
We aim to get back to applicants within two weeks after the closing date. If you, for some reason, have not heard from us within two weeks from the closing date of the vacancy, your application has most probably been unsuccessful.
Will I need to travel to your offices for the interviews?
Yes. We consider it crucial to meet all candidates face-to-face. Thus, if the post is based in the UK, you will need to travel to London for the interview. However, if there are two interview rounds scheduled, and you are currently based in another country, the first round will likely be done over the phone. You will receive more detailed information if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Does CAFOD cover travel costs I might have in connection with an interview?
We treat such requests on a case-by-case basis and we will cover reasonable expenses upon proof of payment. If you have been shortlisted for an interview please liaise with us before you book your tickets.
CAFOD is proud to be a Living Wage Employer