Articles

COVID-19 and international development jobs

March 31, 2020 By Chris 1 Comment

My the world has changed since I last posted.

We’ve all learned the name of the novel coronavirus. We have been asked to follow new social distancing measures and travel restrictions for ourselves, our families and our communities. And those of us who can work from home are doing so, often for the first time, and many of us unable to, have lost their jobs.

Given all that is going on, how will COVID-19 change the international development sector?

It’s definitely too early to know all the implications.

But here is what we know a few weeks in. [Read more…] about COVID-19 and international development jobs

I just reviewed 60 applications. Here’s what I learned.

March 8, 2020 By Chris Leave a Comment

At my birthday dinner last month with my family, I received a buzz on my phone.

This was rare for a Saturday evening, so I took a break from dinner to check my phone to see what it was.

Turns out…

I was offered a consultancy for a UN agency.

That was a nice way to cap off my birthday celebrations.

As part of my work for this new consultancy, I reviewed 60 applications received for 6-8 open opportunities last week.

Here’s what I learned.

How to “network” in global development

February 15, 2020 By Chris Leave a Comment

A student in my flagship program, Break Into Development, recently completed the full program.

In Break Into Development, I don’t talk about “networking”.

That’s always felt like a foreign concept to me.

I’m definitely among the introverts in the sector – and always found it hard to fulfill what everyone describes as “networking”: like there is a magic sequence of words that will land you a dream job in global development.

Now, knowing people is IMMENSELY useful in growing you global development impact career.

It can lead to opportunities, new insights, and fresh ideas.

But make no mistake, even if I have received a few assignments because I know people…

If I wasn’t the most qualified person applying – I would NOT get hired.

In fact, the times in my experience that I most relied on contacts for a job – I was out-competed by others. When I focused on “networking” too much, I missed something important about the job, the ToR, and in demonstrating to the hiring managers what I could bring to the work.

The true value of “networking” in global development becomes easier to see when you shift those terms and reframe your approach.

“Authentic relationship building”—that is key.

UN, NGO and global development funding and jobs trends you should know

December 17, 2019 By Chris Leave a Comment

There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.

We often “feel” like certain trends happen to us.

But when we look at the hard data – do they actually play out?

Let’s find out. [Read more…] about UN, NGO and global development funding and jobs trends you should know

The Global Development Jobs Shift

October 2, 2019 By Chris 1 Comment

When I started in international development, it was common for people from the so-called “Global North” to win most of the mid- to senior-level positions.

There are many good and less-good explanations for this.

Often, education was stronger. Countries funding positions played a role in which nationals won jobs. Blatant discrimination existed.

But things are changing. [Read more…] about The Global Development Jobs Shift

3 Essential Interview Strategies in 4-mins

September 12, 2019 By Chris 1 Comment

Getting called for an interview is exciting.

Finally, your hard work pays off—and you get the chance to take your shot.

But there are a million questions…

What is a competency-based interview?

How do you record yourself? (UNDP is asking candidates to record themselves answering questions now to pre-screen reaching the interview panel stage. Are you ready?)

What do you research because they only gave you 2 days to prepare?!

Don’t get lost or waste time.

Watch this video where I breakdown the 3 key strategies to prepare for your time in the spotlight with that dream international organization interview.

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