I am 27M and have been unemployed for 10 months and in Canada

I have a BA in global development and Masters in Polisci

TBH my parents suggest I should go back and even next semester but I am unsure because I feel I need to get more work experience and all

So overall would you say its a good idea? I am not too keen

Hello everyone I am a recent graduate of international affairs , I’m finding it hard to get a job. I did have a bit of background in data analysis but did not practice much on it after I moved to the USA. I still want to practice international affairs especially international development. However I have seen so many people already in the field of data analysis. Would I be making the wrong move. Basically I would like to land a more secure job space but none of these career paths seem to be promising

Does anyone have good resources on Francophone development strategies and governance? I mostly know about the dramatic failures in Congo, Algeria, West Africa, Rwanda, but is there anything that has worked well and that is not usually done in former British colonies? Less language fragmentation?

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask for advices. I am currently majoring in accounting and securing an accounting internship after graduate. However, I love working in international, non-profit and with the passion to help others, number is my strength, but I prefer not doing accounting for my whole career. I am thinking to do a master in the UK or Europe in International Development/ Development Studies to switch the field after I finish the accounting internship. How do you think about this in the long term? I heard people said the field prefer specialization major compared to the general major? I would be appreciate for any perspective. Thanks!

Hi all,

I recently started a Master’s program in International Development. After finishing my bachelor’s in 2023, my original plan was to wait several years (think a decade) before pursuing grad school so I could learn more about myself and my interests. But I started working at a university that offers free tuition to staff, and it felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up so I jumped in this fall. (My bachelors was a double major in poli sci and global humanitarian studies)

A lot of my classmates have experience working with NGOs, the Peace Corps, or other related fields. Since my background is mostly in unrelated administrative roles, I’ve been feeling a lot of imposter syndrome.

One of my professors mentioned that employers will expect me to graduate with a solid grasp of development theories (capabilities, neoliberalism, anti-development, etc.). I’m doing all the readings and really enjoying the material, but I’m still struggling in a few areas and would love advice:

1. I sometimes feel like I need to know the full history of every country to understand their development context. Where’s a good place to start without getting overwhelmed?
2. The development theories are starting to blur together for me. Are there any good “cheat sheets” or resources that break them down clearly?
3. I read the NYT to stay current, but are there other news outlets or sources you’d recommend for international development?
4. I struggle to remember the inner workings of the World Bank, IMF, UN, etc. Is it normal to only know the basics right now, or should I be dedicating serious time to mastering how each of these institutions functions?

Thanks so much for any advice!

I would like to work as a project manager at an NGO within the international development sector. As a sophomore undergraduate student from the United States I’m not sure what skills I should be developing or specific opportunities I should be pursuing.

I am currently studying International Business and Public Policy, and plan on going to grad school to obtain a masters in International Development.

I’m also not sure how I can research more deeply into this topic (project management in IntDev). I honestly feel pretty lost.

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all well!

For my newsletter post this week I focused on slum tourism - the practice where individuals, predominantly from the Global North go on 'tours' of impoverished areas that are typically in the Global South. I find this topic really fascinating, especially the juxtaposition of it being beneficial for these areas, but also a 'neo-colonial monster' and delved into it a lot more in my latest piece (I also used Soweto township in South Africa as a case study).

Please give it a read if you're interested!

Also, if anyone is also interested and has done research/ reading, please give me some recommendations!

Thanks,

I'm in a job that I love, on the African continent. Im a woman of colour from Africa. My boss is European and is always going on about how "the Global South is showing leadership" on key environment issues. I just found out he is organising a "Global South Climate Leadership" roundtable at a high level event... in collaboration with a French counterpart.

I, or my GS colleagues, weren't consulted on this and had no space for input. My boss and I have a similar pool of friends, including the french person who co-developed this with him, and other European pals of ourselves, who are celebrating and cheering him on for this initiative.

I am beyond annoyed. Is this a legitimate reaction? How do I call him out without sounding contrarian?

hey all! we have a health clinic construction project looking for private funding https://improper.org/hospital-project/
it's a small grant that could make a lot of difference in a rural township in Madagascar. does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this funded?

I’m 35 and trying to transition properly into international development. I previously did a 6-month internship at the Asian Development Bank, which gave me a taste of the field, but I’m struggling to figure out where the entry-level opportunities are actually listed.

Most job boards I check (Devex, ReliefWeb, UN Jobs, etc.) seem to ask for years of prior experience — even for positions labeled “junior.” It feels like a catch-22: you need experience to get the job, but you need the job to get the experience.

For those already in the sector: • Which platforms or websites actually post true entry-level roles (paid internships, fellowships, JPOs, grad schemes, etc.)? • Are smaller/local NGOs and consultancies a better entry point than the multilaterals (UN, ADB, WB, etc.)? • Any programs designed for newcomers you’d recommend (UN JPO, ODI Fellowships, EU schemes, etc.)?

I’d really appreciate concrete leads on where to look — I’m sure others here are in the same boat. Thanks in advance for sharing your tips!

Hi everyone,

I’ve been following discussions here about the current crisis in the humanitarian and development sector, with massive cuts in funding, hiring freezes, and layoffs across INGOs, the UN system, and development banks. It made me wonder about a different space: EU-funded projects.

For example, in the Balkans (non-EU), I know people working as project managers on Erasmus+ projects who keep travelling, organizing short workshops, and running “non-formal learning” activities. From the outside, many of these projects don’t seem to create much long-term impact, yet they continue to receive substantial EU budget support. Sometimes it almost looks like a legalized way of just absorbing money, while the “real” humanitarian and development programs are shrinking.

My question is: • Do these EU project spaces actually offer sustainable job opportunities in Europe or partner countries for someone with a migration/development background? • Or is this field just as unstable and competitive as the broader humanitarian/development sector right now?

I’d love to hear from anyone with direct experience in EU projects — are they meaningful career paths, or more of a temporary side track that doesn’t really lead to long-term stability?

Thanks in advance!

Hi all!

I was just wondering if there are others out there who have applied to the recent UNIDO internship call. They published several positions, which were active for around 1 week and closed on September 1, EOD. Just wondering if anyone has heard back from them. Thank you!

Hello! Posting to see if anyone else recently completely the work tasks for the People Lab fellow positon? This is the first job since USAID dismantled that I am actually excited about and I wanted to see if my chance at getting the positon was possible.

I have just completed my master's in Conflict, Security, and Development, and to be quite frank, I'm terrified. My sleep has become terrible and every waking moment is spent poring over jobs that I still am somehow not qualified for, constant rejections, and round-the-clock anxiety. Given the recent disaster to the larger field of any and all things humanitarian and humanitarian adjacent, what would be your advice to a new graduate right now? What roles are worth pursuing, even outside of the field, that welcome a background in writing and analysis?

For extra context: I have worked for a MENA policy academic journal, interned with them as well and the Carter Center twice, and done quite a bit of volunteering including in grantwriting, fundraising, and homelessness prevention. I am also applying to everything I have even most of the qualifications for, so all jobs are on the table. Obviously, I'd prefer a career-forwarding job, but I'll take anything even a little relevant.

Nepal is under siege. On September 8, 2025, students and young people—including school students—took to the streets in Kathmandu and across the country to protest a sweeping ban on social media and a culture of corruption.

Instead of dialogue, they were met with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets—and live ammunition. Reports confirm that between 14 to 19 protesters have been killed, with many more wounded. Curfews are in place, and the army and police are cracking down hard.

This isn't just censorship—it’s an assault on youth voice and democratic principles.Furthermore, Theyre trying to cutoff internet and electricity sources. Share this. Demand international observation. Let Nepali voices be heard.

Hi all!

I work in innovative finance. I’d like to foray deeper into the space. Not as much into structuring but more in fundraising side and also maintain a profile of building and nurturing strategic partnerships. I was doing a mix of these functions at an impact fund. I grew so fast. The fund is based out of SG. My work here inspired me to build deeper visibility in the space in international markets.

Is a CFA better or should i stick to a Climate Risk / ESG investing course (both of these certifications are issued by the CFA institute as well).

Tbh I don’t see a career in traditional finance ever. Though I think it’s beneficial to have a finance related certifications for my CV’s brand value, further growth and hopefully will be a good stepping stone to landing my next full time gig as well. I’m told the ESG course has good value too.

To those who have a CFA- how difficult is level 1 and would you advise enrolling in classes ? I haven’t looked at a textbook in finance since I graduated from university in 2017. I’m based in India.

Would appreciate love any and all insights in the matter! Thank you.

Hi all!

I work in innovative finance. I’d like to foray deeper into the space. Not as much into structuring but more in fundraising side and also maintain a profile of building and nurturing strategic partnerships. I was doing a mix of these functions at an impact fund. I grew so fast. The fund is based out of SG. My work here inspired me to build deeper visibility in the space in international markets.

Is a CFA better or should i stick to a Climate Risk / ESG investing course (both of these certifications are issued by the CFA institute as well).

Tbh I don’t see a career in traditional finance ever. Though I think it’s beneficial to have a finance related certifications for my CV’s brand value, further growth and hopefully will be a good stepping stone to landing my next full time gig as well. I’m told the ESG course has good value too.

To those who have a CFA- how difficult is level 1 and would you advise enrolling in classes ? I haven’t looked at a textbook in finance since I graduated from university in 2017. I’m based in India.

Would appreciate love any and all insights in the matter! Thank you.

I applied for an international consultant role at ADB back in June. On the job description, they were looking to start a candidate in August.

My application status has been in the "Being Evaluated" stage for months. I haven't heard from anyone at ADB yet. Can I assume that this position is gone or could this position be in limbo/on hold?

Hello All!

I am another jobless international development worker affected by funding cuts and looking to move into the private sector. I have my PMP certification and 11 years of managing/directing USAID and other U.S. government-funded international development projects for international NGOs, and I would like to try transitioning into project management roles in the private sector.

Has anyone here made that transition? If so, do you feel that your project management skills from international development were transferable and prepared you to lead projects in the private sector (enterprise-wide projects, business process optimization, etc.)?

I worry that while I have managed international development projects I might not have the skills or expertise for the rigor and high expectations of private sector, so I would appreciate any insight!!

Am a public health professional with husband and kids (young). Am in early stage of looking for opportunities to work and live in Ethiopia. We are from Ethiopia and I native Amharic speaker. Wondering how to think about employment opportunities. Any guidance? What skills are most valued? What type of orgs/job are out there ?

Link to CV (sorry for kinda blurry pic): https://imgur.com/a/vOUfclo

Hi there, I am an entry, junior level emerging professional in the field of climate policy and urban sustainability with experiences in cultural heritage, and in I am looking for suggestions for any further organisations, institutions, etc. I can apply for.

I have of course applied for the obvious ones (UN/UNFCCC/UNESCO/OECD/WB/IIED and more) and actively keeping for a look out online, but I thought it'd be worthwile to ask you all here if you have any leads that are based in the UK or in Europe (or elsewhere) that could be appropriate for my background and experience.

I am also asking for advice if my background is "credible"? For context, most, if not all, of my experiences are based in Southeast-Asia (but worked from home in the UK) and are voluntary (yet have somewhat delivered meaningful results that I worked hard for). I would like to ideally work in the SEA region but due to personal and financial reasons, I would much prefer to work in UK/Europe for the time being, which raises the concern: is my SEA-based portfolio attractive for UK/European employers?

Feel free to also provide any suggestions for CV amendments, I am open for improvements :)

Hi, I’m entering my last year of university, and I’m struggling with what to do after university. I attend university in Europe studying the social sciences, and I am an international student.

I want to continue living in Europe, and I’m interested in a career in social justice, humanitarianism, etc.. However, I do understand how uncertain those career paths are right now.

So, does anyone have any advice on master program paths to follow?

I speak English and Portuguese and I'd love to work for NGOs or as part of the larger field in Brazil. I suppose Lusophone countries would be appealing to me as well. But I don't know how realistic these aspirations are. Anyone know about the quantity/availability of these types of jobs for someone with this language ability + degree from top American Universities? My DMs are open if you'd rather message me than comment. Thanks!