General Tips & Advice:
 The
economy of The Gambia, in West Africa, has expanded significantly
since 2000. There is a need to find qualified workers in some
sectors where there may be a lack of experience or expertise among
the general working population. This is particularly true for
specialist engineering positions, top hotel management jobs, overseas
school teaching jobs in Banjul. You may also just be looking for
a working holiday abroad or for a more extended period such as
a gap year, or as an intern.
• If you are a would-be US or UK expatriate
looking to find jobs abroad or a Gambian citizen wanting to come
back home to work then consider looking through the job
vacancies sections of the several online newspapers
in the Greater Banjul area. Some will provide an online application
form while other companies will want you to post your CV along
with any relevant work experience. See also the classifieds section
professional journals and magazines to keep your self informed
of the latest openings.
• There are various types of NGOs who have work programs for foreign
volunteers
looking for overseas employment opportunities without having to
commit long-term, so it maybe worthwhile contacting them
directly along with scans of your relevant documents such as your
resume, certificates, diplomas, degrees and work experience etc.
• If you are looking for work in the Civil Service then you need
to contact the Public Service Commission
of The Gambia. They handle all recruitment for working in the
Government except for ambassadors and local government personnel.
• Many jobs are not advertised so you need to take the initiative.
Even if you are not hired an employer may decide to keep your
details and contact you at a later date.
• Whenever possible, try to secure overseas employment
before you relocate. This can prevent logistical problems and
help you obtain work permits and residency papers in advance of
your arrival in Gambia.
• Networking locally with Banjul based professionals in your field
of interest can lead to overseas work opportunities, either long-term
or short-term or if you are lucky you might get to hear about
vacancies before they are advertised. Sometimes a firm might create
a specific post so it can use the experience and skills you offer.
• Make sure your employment application stands out. Write an application
that will set itself apart from the other interview candidates.
Look at the demand for skills you have in the particular market
and the best means to make yourself appear preferable to a potential
recruiter.
• If you are a professional then use the online networking site
called LinkedIn to get to know other people in your field of work
from around the world.
Useful Websites:
Various international organizations operating in Gambia that occasionally
have openings such as the IMF, European Commission, United
Nations, UNHCR The World Bank.
Eurograduate.com, based in the UK, lists vacancies worldwide
and provides a career guide.
JobsAbroad.com provides a database of employment vacancies
around the world arranged by country as well as internships. International
Jobs Online, from the London based TheCareerGroup.co.uk,
has vacancies and careers information mainly aimed at international
students and those looking to work overseas after graduation.
The
British Council advertises jobs in TEFL and education generally,
as well as a choice of consultancy posts in health, finance, and
the environment. They also work on arts events in over 100 countries
and have contacts for those in the creative field wanting to work
abroad. There are also a few opportunities to staff British Council
offices overseas, although these are usually for staff with extensive
work experience.
For a wide range of international jobs listings,
overseasjobs.com, based in the USA, offers a keyword
search facility and country pull down menu of international vacancies
or you can browse their listings.
CareerXchange.com, also based in the USA, maintains
an overseas employment database of career opportunities.
Hospitality Jobs:
There is a need for well qualified personnel to fill in various
hotel management vacancies in The Gambia. The tourism industry
continues to flourish, and new tour operators and hotels are being
set up on a continued basis. Whether you are an expat looking
to find a job as a hotel manager, tour rep, travel agent, professional
head chef, hotel receptionist, restaurant manager etc., there
are lots of prospects of overseas jobs in the hospitality
industry.
Get your resume together along with any relevant work experience,
scan all the documents and email them directly to the hotel or
other hospitality establishment along with a brief introductory
of what kind of work you are looking for. You can also post or
take your documents personally to the company and address it to
the personnel manager.
Look for companies which already have overseas branches or subsidiaries
in The Gambia. For example the Coral Beach Hotel is already operating
a 5 star hotel in Brufut. Often they will want you to work for
them in your own country for a while before making a transfer
overseas. Sometimes it is more immediate.
Banking & Finance Jobs:
Since the early 2000s there has been a rapid expansion in the
number of banks and branch networks in The Gambia. So if you have
studied finance, there are various employment
vacancies for branch managers, accountants and auditors, bank
tellers, and financial consultants.
The best way to look for employment in banking is to go directly
to the financial institutions websites and look for their page
on advertised career opportunities or similarly named page. If
it is not immediately visible then see the site map, if they have
any. The other route would be to use their contact page and introduce
yourself directly along with your CV. Keep your email short and
courteous.
Education Jobs:
Teaching jobs in Gambia are a socially responsible wary to contribute
to community development and help youths to better their lives,
improve their career opportunities and have a chance of a better
livelihood. There are many nursery and primary school education
schemes in the Western Region as well as in the lower, and upper
river regions. There are also many colleges and higher level education
institutions, such as universities, who may have vacancies for
qualified specialist teachers.
Working as a volunteer
teacher in Gambia's schools can often be achieved by contacting
a charity based in the country which runs a primary or nursery
school. Colleges tend to be privately run so you will need to
contact them directly.
Real Estate Jobs:
The realty sector is a fast growing area. Many new residential
houses, hotels, holiday apartments and office properties are being
constructed around the country with an emphasis in the Greater
Banjul area and Serrekunda Town. There is a strong demand for
construction professionals such as building surveyors, engineers,
architects and turnkey contractors.
Finally:
Aside from the above list, there are also a broad range of employment
opportunities in other fields. To find a selection of jobs in
The Gambia, you can contact companies listed on our site which
includes phone numbers, many emails, websites and some faxes. |
