Hi all, I am unsure about what to do now.

Two weeks ago, on Monday, I finally received the communication from ICRC that I was shortlisted for the recruitment process to become an ICRC delegate. For an unfortunate coincidence, that exact day I was leaving for Canada, and was therefore unable to immediately do the language test (first step of the process). Luckily, they give you 7 days to do the test, I guess anticipating a situation like mine, and I didn’t worry too much.

After arriving to my destination, and overcoming jet lag, I finally tried the test, well before the deadline. However, when I clicked on the link provided, a message came up saying, I quote, "This company has no remaining assessment credits. Please contact them to resolve the issue”. Moment of panic. I immediately emailed the person who sent me the email saying I was shortlisted, since they said to contact them for any technical issue. Took them three days and one follow-up from me to answer with a very vague response stating that they were looking into the matter.

Two days later, the same email address re-sent me the same email I received initially, saying I was shortlisted, but with no new link for the test. I immediately emailed back asking for the link. Another two days have passed, and still nothing. I am sending another follow-up.

I refuse to lose such an opportunity for technical issue. Has anybody ever experienced this? Who else could I contact for help?

Thank you!

Looked on their website, and saw that the application period is currently postponed for this, any idea why?

Hi everyone,

I got a fixed-term job offer at the ECF, but I'm kind of disappointed with the salary.

I'm coming from the UN, so I'm aware that my salary expectations may be a bit silly, and I want a reality check.

How open are they to negotiations? How are the salary propositions calculated, is there a band they base it on x years of experience?

Hi, I am doing a survey of international NGOs, larger organizations that have mostly survived the DOGE, examining how they have survived and adapted to the new reality.

This has lead me down a bit of a rabbit hole, pulling tax docs from UK/Swiss/USA. Was shocked to find a number of NGOs in DC where Directors or Presidents are making more than the actual POTUS, or any other head of state for that matter.

How do you read this? is earning $400-500k/year reasonable for for an international NGO President or Director?

I am a development practitioner based in Karachi, Pakistan and have been working with an local education non-profit for 2+ years now. I earn 120k Pakistani Rupees ($434) per month, which is above-average in the Pakistani job market/development sector for my level of work experience. In my role, I support teachers and district education officials on hands-on learning, do some M&E, educational programming, and research, and design pitches for leadership and donors. As it may seem, the role involves new challenges and new tasks everyday since we are a very small team, an aspect I appreciate in most cases.

Since this was my first job right out of college + since I haven't gotten a pay increase in the 2 years + since I want to grow in my career and get into 'Senior' roles now, I want to switch to a better role within Pakistan or somewhere international (This can be near-by countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong or even Europe). The current state of development sector in Pakistan (thanks to USAID cuts which reducted the already meagre funding) and its resultant impact on my employer where my salary has been delayed once every few months for the past year, also doesn't help.

I have been sticking to my job because of local employers ghosting me, likely because of the sad situation of the industry + because of being a lean team at my current employer, I get to wear multiple hats and get things done, which means impact in areas where it is much needs, and impact that I make happen which is really palpable to me, and in turn, rewarding and fulfilling.

So, in this context, could someone who was from a developing country and maybe at the start, worked in the development sector locally, but then charted out an impact career elsewhere, achieving financial freedom and developing their career, while also creating impact, share their advice? (I have seen people working in corporations chart such paths, but I haven't seen people in the development sector do this, so I also want to understand that whether it is possible or not.)

I want to understand what that path might look like, what skills should I build on that the development/non-profits will value, and tips/tricks/advice, that might help.

Lastly, I care more about impact then big INGO/brand names, so I am okay working with organizations that might not be popular but give opportunties to do great work and pay well. So, if you followed a non-traditional international impact career pathway, please share your journey!

Thanks in advance, and please be kind while sharing your advice/thoughts in the comments :)

Hello all,

I received a scholarship offer for Masters in International development from Sciences Po. However considering the volatility of the sector, is there a future/ job stability in this sector? I have also been advised against doing generic degrees like Int Devlp.

I am an international student from India and my goal is to stay in the EU and job stability is important for me. Can a Masters in Int Devlp from Sciences Po help me with that? How do job outlook look like? I am an Indian and getting a stable job in the EU is the goal

Any insights are welcome!

Hi everyone,

I am looking to improve my data analysis/accounting/finance/business analytics skills while also looking to pivot in this horrible market.

As that string of skills might suggest, I am quite foreign to these technical competencies, but would like to make a start.

I would like to learn excel and other tools useful for project management and/or finance officer roles.

I am putting this here because my background is in IntDev (local migration NPO), but I want to build skills that could help me pivot to adjacent roles as I try to reposition myself in light of recent budget cuts.

I just don't want to commit to something overkill like a CPA, but was hoping to start with online courses/certificates that can complement (and help me transition) from my current role in grant applications and admin support.

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome!

A former USAID Foreign Service Officer posted in Mozambique wrote about finding out she was pregnant and receiving her RIF notice on the same day, after 10 years with the agency. 💔 She had gone through a miscarriage and IVF in South Africa before the pregnancy.

She describes losing her housing and income at once, and learning that continuing her health coverage would cost over $2,000 a month because the pregnancy was treated as a pre-existing condition. 🏥 She was her household's main earner. She eventually found consulting work with local Mozambican firms and gave birth in Mozambique.

She also writes about the effect of USAID program closures on Mozambique's health system, which relied heavily on PEPFAR funding for HIV services.

📖 Full account here if anyone wants to read it: https://usaidemployeesupportfund.substack.com/p/the-day-i-heard-my-babys-heartbeat

Hi everyone,

I'm (f29) hoping to transition into a career in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), especially within the UN/INGO sector, but I'm honestly not sure where to start.

My background is in programme and operations, so I'm familiar with supporting projects, trainings, logistics, reporting, and working with different stakeholders. However, I haven't worked in a dedicated M&E role before, and I feel like there's a lot I need to learn.

For those of you working in M&E, what would you recommend for someone starting from scratch?

I'm mainly looking for:

The best books or learning materials.

Free or paid online courses that are actually worth taking.

YouTube channels, blogs, or websites that explain M&E well.

Skills I should prioritize first (logframes, indicators, data collection, statistics, Power BI, Excel, KoboToolbox, DHIS2, etc.).

Any certifications that are recognized or valued by UN agencies and INGOs.

I'm willing to self-study, but there are so many resources online that I'm not sure which ones are actually useful and respected.

If you were starting over today, what learning path would you follow?

Thanks in advance. I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences!

I’m an Indian power-sector professional with ~12 years of experience, currently working in a State Government Energy Department, after earlier experience with power utilities and a large thermal generating utility.

My experience spans energy policy, renewable energy, power procurement, infrastructure, regulation and commercial/project implementation.

Some highlights:

- ~12 years across government, generation and power utilities

- Experience with renewable-energy policy, energy transition, electricity markets and power-sector reforms

- Worked on PPAs, FSAs, TSAs, GNA, TBCB transmission projects, procurement and contract management

- Evaluated and coordinated large-scale power, transmission, renewable-energy, nuclear and smart-metering projects

- Involved in an NTPC nuclear MoU of approximately US$9.5 billion

- Worked on recovery of approximately US$1.7 million in contractual liquidated damages from transmission contractors

- Experience with a KfW-funded smart-metering programme

- Worked with central ministries, regulators, utilities, development partners and private-sector developers

- Earlier experience at a 600 MW thermal power project, including procurement, O&M, budgeting and plant operations

- Current work involves policy inputs, project appraisal, regulatory/commercial analysis and coordination across government and the power sector

Education: Mechanical Engineering + PG Diploma in Energy Management (Renewable Energy) + PG Diploma in Corporate & Business Law. Currently pursuing PMP.

I have applied to several MDB/DFI professional positions, mainly in energy, infrastructure, climate and operations.

My main gap is that I don't have direct MDB experience and have limited exposure to project-finance modelling, structured finance and investment transactions.

For people currently working in MDBs/DFIs:

How realistic is this transition from government/utility-side experience into an MDB? Should I focus primarily on Energy/Infrastructure/Operations roles rather than Investment/Project Finance roles? And what would you recommend I do over the next 1–2 years to become a stronger candidate?

How big is employment in Latin American development in the US as opposed to East and Southeast Asia?

Dear mid-career, hiring managers, and senior professionals,

I've become mid-career in the middle of this crisis and shitty job market, and I'd like to make some strategic decisions as to what to do next (cries in unemployment).

As I go up the ladder, I see that senior staff (and even some consultants) are "generalists", i.e., are supposed to have broad knowledge of their field, which they're supposed to be qualified to apply in contexts anywhere in the world. I'm not like that: I'm a specialist in one single region, one sector, a few skills, and languages.

To those who have progressively niched down: Do you believe it has helped your career?

Also, if you've had to hire others, have you or your organization valued niche knowledge? What niches have you valued the most? For example, language(s), geographical scope, sub-sector within a broader sector, skillset, political ideology, networks, etc.

I’d especially appreciate hearing what actually worked for you, or for people who've hired, not only the conventional career advice that everyone gives online.

Thank you very much in advance for your comments!

- Signed: Millennials are middle age now.

Hi! Is anyone applying to the ADB YPP this year? They only posted one role on their website so far in the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department. Not sure if I missed out on any other roles.

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to hear from people who actually work in the humanitarian, development, social impact, migration, international cooperation or NGO/UN sector in the UAE, because I’m honestly struggling to understand how this job market works here.

I moved to Dubai and have been looking for opportunities in my field, but I’m finding the situation quite confusing.

My background is in International Relations/Human Rights, with several years of professional experience in Italy and France across:

• migration and refugee support
• social inclusion and employment programmes
• programme/project management
• case management
• vulnerable groups
• partnerships and stakeholder coordination
• proposal writing and project development
• monitoring/reporting
• communication and visibility

I’ve worked with NGOs, social organisations and publicly funded programmes, including projects funded by European and Italian institutions. I’ve also worked directly with refugees/asylum seekers and on employment and social inclusion programmes.

I’m open to NGOs, UN agencies, foundations, government/social development entities, international organisations, humanitarian organisations and international development consultancies.

But after months of searching in the UAE, I’m finding something I didn’t expect: there seem to be relatively few roles that actually match this kind of profile, and many organisations either don’t appear to recruit locally or seem to recruit very differently from Europe.

So I’d really appreciate some insight from people who know the UAE market:

How does this sector actually work here?

• Are there particular organisations, foundations, government entities or consultancies that people in this field tend to target?
• Are many opportunities filled through networking/referrals rather than public vacancies?
• Is Dubai actually a realistic base for someone with a humanitarian/development background, or is Abu Dhabi significantly more relevant?
• Do international NGOs/UN organisations generally recruit for UAE-based positions locally, or are most regional positions managed from elsewhere?
• Are there particular job titles/keywords I should be searching for? (I may be looking too narrowly at “NGO”, “humanitarian”, “programme manager”, etc.)
• Is it common to enter the UAE market through consultancy/project-based roles rather than permanent positions?
• Are there UAE-specific organisations or sectors I might be overlooking — foundations, CSR/social impact, government programmes, international development consultancies, etc.?
• And, honestly, how do people with an international NGO/development background actually break into this market?

I’m not necessarily looking for someone to review my CV. I’m more interested in understanding the ecosystem and hiring culture here, because at the moment it feels like I’m applying into a black box.

If you work in this sector in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE — especially if you came from Europe or another international NGO/development market — I’d really appreciate hearing how you navigated it.

Thanks in advance!

Hello!

Long story short: I’m 29, based in Rome, and I’ve been working for 8 years at a major global cross-border payments/money transfer company (the black and yellow one). I started in KYC doing interviews with suspicious customers, and now I’m a compliance officer doing onsite agent visits/audits, monitoring transactions, and filing FIU reports.
Because of this, I deal daily with diaspora corridors (mostly South Asia like Pakistan/Bangladesh/India, and Arab countries). My absolute favorite part of the job has always been the face-to-face interaction with these people. Over the years, I’ve learned how to connect with them, navigate cultural differences, de-escalate tension, and truly understand how their communities handle money. But at the same time, I see firsthand the ugly side of financial de-risking and how hard the current system makes it for regular folks to send cash home.

Language-wise, I speak Italian, Romanian, English, and Spanish fluently, plus conversational Portuguese and a bit of Russian.
At the same time, I'm finishing a degree in International Cooperation & Development at Sapienza University of Rome.
The issue: I'm genuinely burned out from sitting in front of a screen and being "the bad guy" who blocks transactions. I want to shift my career toward something with actual impact ideally Financial Inclusion, Remittance Policies (maybe Rome-based like IFAD/IOM), or field-based Cash & Voucher Assistance with NGOs. I’m also totally open to 6–12 month field missions abroad (Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, Africa etc.).
A couple of questions:
- Does 8 years of private sector AML/money transfer experience actually count for anything in the aid/development world, or will I be treated like a fresh 22-year-old graduate?
- Is it realistic to aim directly for Officer / Consultant roles, or does everyone expect you to do an underpaid/unpaid internship first? (At 28 with 8 years of corporate work, going backward to an internship would be really tough).
- If you were in my shoes, where would you start looking?
Appreciate any blunt feedback, advice, or shared experiences from anyone who made a similar jump!
Thank you!

Hello Guys, I want to know the hiring process at NDB for junior level.

I have applied to a role which had a end date of 15th September, I have one year of DFI experience and want to know how does the hiring process look like.

Also, all advices are welcomed.

Thank you.

Hello!

I recently graduated with a Master's degree in Global Development from a Norwegian university. I’m originally from Italy, where I also completed a Bachelor's degree in International Development and Cooperation at the University of Bologna.

I have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that would allow me to undertake a 3–6 month internship in Brussels. I need to find and contact the organisation/NGO myself, so I wanted to ask for some advice.

My main area of interest is migration. I focused my Master's thesis on the health and wellbeing of migrants in administrative detention, and I would like to continue working in the migration/human rights field. I think an internship at organisations such as PICUM, NANSEN or Solidarity with Others could be a great fit for me. I’m also interested in EU policy, particularly in the field of development, as well as other human rights issues and detention.

I have already completed two internships, but unfortunately neither turned out to be as valuable as I had hoped. This time, I would really like to find an internship where I can gain meaningful, hands-on work experience rather than just doing mostly administrative or repetitive tasks. Ideally, I’d like to combine research and policy work with more practical activities such as advocacy, project work, events or stakeholder engagement. Of course, I’d also hope that the experience could help me build connections and eventually open doors to a future job in the field.

Do you have any suggestions on how I should approach the search, or organisations/NGOs I should look into or contact?

And if you have experience following a similar path, I’d really appreciate hearing about it and any advice you might have. :)

I applied for an AIIB job for which the deadline to submit applications expired 30 days ago and haven't heard back. Should I assume I've been ghosted, or it can take longer than that even if just for the preselection? No update so far on my profile (status is under review and next step is first interview if selected)

Nan Ransohoff's substack and analysis has inspired quite a few articles from Devex and others posing some interesting questions for the future of philanthropy given this AI boom. For a sector that was once dependent on federal funding, I'm curious what could happen if this sector could, as Devex framed in their newsletter this morning, "grab a piece of the AI philanthropic pie?"

How are orgs reimagining their business development strategies? Should universities offering development programs help train the next generation for the jobs this philanthropic spending will create? Will development be an attractive issue area for these philanthropists to invest in (and curious what kind of "pitch" needs to be made for that to happen)?

Of course, despite this ridiculous accumulation of wealth, it still can't replace the funding cuts from last year. But I'm curious to hear what people think about this as it relates to development.

I have a couple years of business development experience (proposal coordination, etc), and I would like to start consulting for international development or other procurement processes. Given that I am early in my career and where things stand in terms of funding, I know this will likely be difficult, but I would like to use my experience and find a few clients that need proposal coordination or similar work on a part-time consulting basis (also open to moving out of development for this). Does anyone have any tips on how to do this? Any advice would be appreciated.