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. Today, we're in a global development jobs shift When 100+ recruiters were asked where they expected most jobs to be around the world, the findings tell of a powerful shift. 56% of recruiters see most new jobs in Africa This is part of the trend to localize positions in country offices, government ministries and communities themselves. Oxfam, for instance, recently moved … [Read more...] about The Global Development Jobs Shift
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3 Essential Interview Strategies in 4-mins
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. Want personalized coaching? Go here to see our packages. … [Read more...] about 3 Essential Interview Strategies in 4-mins
Ultimate Guide to United Nations Internships
Introduction The UN internship. That coveted breakthrough. International job exposure at last. The passageway to work (finally, paid) after school. And to a never-ending carousel of success in life. There may be no other internship experience in the world on which so much hangs. But is it all these things? If all UN interns go on to become UN Secretariat staff, at most 11% of staff would have UN-specific internship experience early in their careers. This means: A clear majority of staff cut their teeth elsewhere, and despite the lack of UN internship, clawed their way up the career ladder. But of course, not all UN interns become staff, so the share of UN staff that went through a career path of UN internship to paid position is … [Read more...] about Ultimate Guide to United Nations Internships
The Real Reasons Your Job Applications Are Failing (And What You Can Do to Change That)
Ok, so you’ve signed up to job alerts that pop up in your email everyday. You've gone ahead and created a LinkedIn account, maybe a profile on Devex or some other job sites, and made sure everyone in your personal network knows you're ready to be hired. You’ve checked and double checked your profile has strong keywords (you're detail-oriented and passionate about human rights!), and your photo is professional. You've signed up to LinkedIn groups, read more than a lifetime's worth of articles on job-hunting and resume writing, and joined that Facebook group where nobody seems to find an international development job. You’ve even made your Facebook profile private, carefully curated your social media presence, and done all … [Read more...] about The Real Reasons Your Job Applications Are Failing (And What You Can Do to Change That)
4 Proven International Development Job Interview Techniques
I got a call one day while at a part-time job from my mother. A woman from the United Nations had left a message. "The United Nations?" I asked, stunned. I was looking for work but hadn't considered applying to the UN. "She said she wanted to interview you." My mouth dropped wide open. I eventually pulled myself together and spoke with this UN lady. She had gotten a hold of my CV from someone and thought to check if I were interested in coming in for an interview for a job at UNDP. After more mouth-gaping, and JUMPING at the chance to secure the UN interview -- I started preparing. I read everything relevant to the potential team. I gathered interview advice from anyone who had gotten a job - ever. I primped my suit and tie. On my … [Read more...] about 4 Proven International Development Job Interview Techniques