Category: Freelancer

Elevating your Global Dev job search

The international development sector is a highly competitive and constantly evolving industry, and finding the right job, contract, or opportunity can be a daunting task for professionals and graduates alike. However, by understanding the key strategies and tactics for success, anyone can navigate the job market and secure a fulfilling and rewarding role in the international development sector.

One of the most important elements of success in the international development sector is building a strong personal brand. This means highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and achievements, and communicating them effectively to potential employers and networks. Your personal brand should be reflected not just in your resume and cover letter, but also in your online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile and portfolio. When networking, make sure to be able to communicate your value proposition, what you can bring to the table, and where you want to be in the future.

Networking is another essential element of success in the international development sector. Building relationships with professionals in your field can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable advice and support. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with individuals on LinkedIn. It’s important to remember that networking is not just about getting a job, but about building a professional support system that will help you throughout your career.

Online resources can also be a valuable tool for finding the right job, contract, or opportunity in the international development sector. There are many websites and platforms that specialize in international development job listings, such as Jonusta, Devex, ReliefWeb, 80,000 hours, Mission Talent, and DevelopmentAid. You can also find many international development organizations that have their career section and job listings on their website.

One of the most common misconceptions about finding a job in the international development sector is that you need a specific degree or certification to be considered. However, while education and experience are certainly important, they are not the only factors employers consider. Employers are often more interested in your skills and experiences, and how they can be applied to the specific job or opportunity. So, if you don’t have a specific degree or certification, don’t be discouraged, instead, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.

Another common misconception is that you need extensive international experience to be considered for a job in the international development sector. While it can be beneficial to have experience working in or with developing countries, it is not always a requirement. Employers are often more interested in your skills and experiences, and how they can be applied to the specific job or opportunity. So, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, and be open to considering opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Finally, many people believe that they need to have extensive professional experience to be considered for a job in the international development sector. However, this is not the case. Many entry-level jobs in the sector are designed for recent graduates and young professionals. Keep in mind that the international development sector is a diverse field, and you can find many opportunities for different levels of experience and skills.

In conclusion, finding the right job, contract, or opportunity in the international development sector takes time, effort, and strategic planning. By building a strong personal brand, networking effectively, and utilizing online resources, you can increase your chances of success. Remember that there are common misconceptions about finding a job in the international development sector, but by being aware of them, you can avoid them and increase your chances of success. The international development sector is a challenging but rewarding industry, and by following these key strategies and tactics, you can find the right job, contract, or opportunity that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

Maximising your impact as a freelancer

As a freelancer in the development sector, you’re undoubtedly passionate about making a positive impact globally. But let’s be real, it can be tough to make that impact when you constantly juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and clients. So, how do you maximize your impact as a freelancer while keeping your sanity? The answer lies in smart project management.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: time management. As a freelancer, you’re likely used to wearing multiple hats – project manager, accountant, marketer, etc. But let’s face it, you didn’t become a freelancer to spend all your time on admin tasks. That’s where tools like Trello, Asana, Todoist, ClickUp and Monday come in. These project management tools allow you to create tasks, set deadlines, and assign tasks to team members (even if that team is just you).

Next up, is communication. Clear and consistent communication is key to successful project management. Whether working with a team of in-house staff or coordinating with multiple clients, ensure everyone is on the same page. Set up regular check-ins, whether that be through video calls, email updates, or a shared project management platform. And if you’re working with clients, ensure you have a clear contract outlining expectations, deadlines, and deliverables. That way, there are no surprises down the road.

But let’s not forget the most important aspect of project management – impact. As a freelancer, you’re uniquely positioned to make a real difference. So, choose projects that align with your values and goals. And once you’ve landed that dream project, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. After all, you’re the expert in your field.

In conclusion, being a freelancer in the development sector can be challenging, but with smart project management, clear communication, and a focus on impact, you’ll be able to make a real difference in the world. So, go forth and conquer, freelancers of the development sector! And remember, a little bit of organization and planning can go a long way in maximizing your impact!

Global dev in 2023

As we look ahead to 2023, the prospects for international development are both exciting and challenging. The world is facing a number of pressing issues, including poverty, inequality, and the effects of climate change, and there is a growing need for innovative solutions to address these problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key trends and opportunities in international development that are likely to shape the sector in 2023 and beyond.

One of the most promising areas of international development is the increasing use of technology and digital solutions to drive social impact. From mobile banking for the unbanked to remote healthcare delivery, technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. This is especially important in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in various sectors. For example, the use of telemedicine and virtual consultations has made healthcare more accessible and efficient in many countries. Similarly, the use of online education platforms has enabled students to continue their education despite school closures. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, and with many organizations facing budget constraints, the use of technology and digital solutions will play an increasingly important role in delivering services and solutions at scale and in an efficient way.

Another growth area in international development is the increasing emphasis on partnerships and collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. By working together, we can leverage the strengths of different sectors to create sustainable and effective solutions to global problems. This collaboration is crucial in addressing the interrelated nature of poverty, inequality, and climate change. For instance, public-private partnerships can bring together the resources and expertise of businesses with the reach and impact of governments to deliver services and solutions at scale. Furthermore, impact investing is gaining momentum as more private sector entities are looking to invest in solutions that not only generate financial returns but also have a positive social and environmental impact. This presents an opportunity for international development professionals to work with impact investors and support the development of sustainable and impactful projects.

Another trend shaping international development is the increasing focus on local ownership and empowerment. There is a growing recognition that sustainable and effective solutions to global problems must be owned, led, and implemented by local communities and organizations. This shift in approach is leading to a growing demand for professionals with skills in community engagement, local capacity building, and inclusive development.

As the world continues to grapple with these issues, there is a growing need for talented professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise. This is where Jonusta comes in. Our platform connects international development and sustainability freelancers with top organizations looking for their skills. This is especially important as many organizations and projects require a flexible workforce that can adapt to changing needs and priorities. By signing up to Jonusta, freelancers can access many opportunities to advance their careers and make a real impact. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional, our platform can help you find the perfect opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a difference in the world.

ChatGPT in development

The international development and social impact sector is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and innovations constantly emerging. One of the latest breakthroughs in this space is the advent of ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI, which could revolutionize how we work in this field.

ChatGPT is an AI or machine learning model that has the ability to understand natural language and generate human-like text. It can assist development professionals in various tasks, from finding information and translating documents to creating reports. This can greatly improve communication and collaboration within the development sector, making it easier for organizations to share information and work together more effectively.

But the implications of ChatGPT go beyond just improved communication. Its ability to extract insights from data can have a huge impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of development projects. For example, ChatGPT can be used to analyze project monitoring and evaluation reports, providing organizations with a better understanding of the impact of their work. It can also be used to analyze social media data, providing organizations with valuable information on what people say about their projects and how they can improve.

Furthermore, ChatGPT can also play a critical role in knowledge management, which is essential for international development and social impact work. The model can be used to create automated tools for document summarization, which can help development professionals quickly find relevant information and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. This can greatly improve the ability of organizations to share and disseminate information, helping them to learn from each other and continuously improve their work.

While ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the development sector, it is important to consider the ethical implications of this technology. Organizations need to ensure that the model’s output is unbiased and does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and to continuously monitor for any bias. Furthermore, technology should be used to augment the work of development professionals, not to replace their jobs or undermine their roles.

In conclusion, ChatGPT represents a breakthrough in international development and social impact work. Its ability to understand natural language and generate human-like text has the potential to greatly improve communication, collaboration, and knowledge management in the sector. However, it is important to use this technology responsibly, by addressing its potential biases and ethical implications and continuously monitoring its output. With the right approach, ChatGPT has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the communities that the development sector serves.

Networking in global development

One of the most important aspects of working in the international development community is networking. By building relationships with others who are working in the field, you can gain valuable insights, resources, and connections. Here are a few tips for networking and building relationships within the international development community:

👉 Get involved in professional associations and organizations. There are many professional organizations and associations that serve the international development community. Getting involved in these groups can help you meet others who are working in the field and learn about new opportunities.

👉 Attend conferences and workshops. Conferences and workshops are great opportunities to network with others in the international development community. Attend events that are relevant to your work and make sure to introduce yourself to as many people as possible.

👉 Use social media. Social media is a great way to connect with others who are working in the international development community. Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to find and connect with potential contacts.

👉 Seek out mentors. Mentors can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career in the international development community. If possible, try to find a mentor who works in a similar field or who has similar experience to you.

By following these tips, you can start to build valuable relationships within the international development community. These connections can help you further your career and make a positive impact in the world. Looking to make a real difference in the world? Jonusta is your one-stop shop for finding and connecting with international development projects that need your help. Sign-up today!

Keep your skills sharp

When you’re a freelancer, you’re always working to stay relevant in your work. The market never stays still, so it’s important that you make sure that your skills are up to date.

Look for a MOOC or other online class that can help you improve.

MOOCs, or massive open online courses, are online classes offered by universities to the public. The cost varies by institution, but they’re typically free or very low cost. One great place for MOOCs is Coursera, which offers more than 2,000 different classes from many universities, including Stanford University and Yale University. Another (more pricier) option is GetSmarter – which has hundreds of courses from top universities. Lastly, there is Udemy which has more than 50,000 courses available for purchase or free with coupons within its marketplace. There are tons of open source platforms for development practitioners to learn new skills such as the World Bank Open Learning campus or the USAID ‘Links’ family of websites.

Try to build on areas for development when working on projects.

When you’re working on a project, try to pick an aspect of the work that you need to strengthen. Maybe it’s a specific thematic area or task that you don’t know too well.

Once you have identified an area in which to improve, make a list of what skill sets you need to develop further—both for this particular project and for your future freelancing career. Do some research online and ask friends who might have relevant experience for suggestions on where to start learning more about these skills.

Once you’ve made your list and started learning from books, websites or tutorials (YouTube is a fantastically underrated resource!), review the work that you have done so far and see if there are any changes that can be made based on feedback from others (e.g., “I should have included more details about X.”). It’s important not only as part of improving your own performance as a freelancer but also because it will help build trust among potential clients by showing them how attentive and thoughtful of their needs/interests you are as well!

Take advantage of opportunities to teach others.

Teaching is a fantastic way to keep your skills sharp as a freelancer. It gives you an opportunity to master the material, experiment with different ways of explaining it, and share knowledge with others in your field. In addition, teaching offers access to a whole new network of people who can be helpful when you’re looking for work or proposing new projects. It’s important that you find students who are willing and able to learn from your expertise—and that can be hard sometimes! But if you’re patient and persistent, it’s totally worth it.

Conclusion

It’s important to keep your skills sharp. As we’ve shown, you can learn new things at any time of day and from a variety of sources. We’re sure you’ll be able to find a few that appeal to you, and if not, there are always more resources out there. Have fun with it, and remember that the important thing is just to keep learning all the time. You never know what new ideas or insights might catch your attention or change the way you work for the better!

Hire Freelancers!

When you hire freelancers, you get the best of the best

When you hire international development freelancers on Jonusta, you get the best of the best: from proposal writers to economists, to M&E and education specialists. You choose who you want to work with based on their skillset and reputation.

You only pay for work needed

As a business hiring freelancers, you pay for the work you need. This is particularly useful if you’re starting out and want to put together a team without breaking your budget. Or if you need someone for a one-off project but don’t want to commit long term. You can also hire freelancers as temporary staff when your business grows and you need extra capacity to deliver for clients.

Hire freelancers from all around the world

Jonusta gives you easy access to global international development freelancer talent. Jonusta freelancers can work from anywhere, meaning you can find the exact talent you need, anywhere in the world! By using Jonusta when hiring freelancers, you can meet your business goals faster than ever before—and at a lower cost!

Hiring freelancers is good for your business

Hiring freelancers is a great way to save money for your business. Freelancers can also bring flexibility, experience, and increased productivity to your business. They can help you meet your business goals by providing the following benefits: no upfront costs, quick turnaround times, and diverse experience and skills.

Jonusta is quickly becoming the place to find and hire international development freelancers. Connect with our talented and vetted international development freelancers today at https://www.jonusta.com/search-talent & explore the possibilities!

Freelancing & Spring

Spring is the time when nature revives after the colder winter months. As a freelancer, spring is a fantastic chance to reorganize and refresh your workspace and workflow. Here are our tips to spring clean your way to work greatness!

Get Rid of Unnecessary Computer Files

Your computer is likely filled with unnecessary files: old versions of things you’ve already updated, photos and videos that can be backed up online, and documents created for your last project (ahem) three years ago. We know—it’s terrifying to see what’s lurking deep inside your computer!

Before doing anything else, ensure your important files are backed onto an external hard drive or by using an online service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.com (which has free storage options). Then clean house: sort through files by file type to find the large items that are safe to delete, then get rid of any unused programs while you’re at it via the “add/remove” option in your control panel.

Use Apps To Organize Your Finances

One of the best things you can do to boost your freelance business’s financial health is to set up a system that tracks your income, expenses, and savings. When you’re clear on exactly how much money is flowing in and out of your business, it’s much easier to make good decisions around where and how to spend.

Apps like Mint can help you create a budget. Quickbooks can help you track your income, expenses, mileage, and estimated taxes. Wave is both an accounting software and invoicing platform that helps you keep track of finances. Toggl makes time tracking easy and accessible so you know just how long it takes for you to complete certain tasks or projects. You can use any number of apps or services for this–just find the one that works for you!

Revamp Your Portfolio

Update your Jonusta profile and portfolio to reflect your most recent work. You should showcase your best professional efforts and top-quality work. While it’s important to include whatever previous work you have that is still relevant, make sure that the most recent (and relevant) projects take center stage. If you’re currently working on a project for a client, wait until it’s finished before adding it to your portfolio, as some clients prefer to not have their work shown publicly. As soon as the project is complete, add it!

Revamp Your Workspace

Revamping your workspace can help you feel inspired and motivated to get down to business. While some freelancers have the luxury of working in a professional office space or a home office, many work remotely or at home while juggling family life. So making sure that you’re as comfortable as possible while also maintaining an environment that’s conducive to productivity is crucial. Take stock of what’s working for you and what could be improved upon: Is your chair too stiff? Does the paint color create a calming atmosphere? Are you breathing more deeply with all the leafy plants surrounding you? Addressing these small details will ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success without spending a ton of money.

Assess your long term goals

Think about the skills and experience you already have. Are there skills that would help you get a better handle on your work and life that you could learn over the next few months? If so, what are they, and how can you learn them in an efficient way? What don’t you enjoy doing? What do you want to do more of?

Be more mindful

When you’re a freelancer, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and put off taking breaks, but it’s important that you unplug and spend time with family and friends. It’s also important to have time to yourself and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. That way, when you are working, you can give it 100% because you have the energy to burn. Practicing mindfulness does help and our simple tips include taking regular breaks, unplugging from your devices at night, spending time with family and friends, and making sure you get enough sleep.

Benefits of Freelancing

Flexible schedule 📝

One feature that draws many people to freelancing is its flexibility in your schedule. You no longer have to be at a desk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can set your hours, work when you want, and take breaks whenever you feel like it. Need time off for a dental appointment? Do it! It’s much easier to plan your workday around personal appointments and activities when deciding your schedule rather than relying on an employer’s schedule availability or annual leave limit.

Live worldwide 🌍

The freedom of freelancing lets you live your dream life. Many freelancers work remotely, so it’s very common for freelancers to travel and see the world in addition to great pay. You can live anywhere in the world and still be a freelancer. As long as you have access to an internet connection and computer, you can be a full-time freelance writer from anywhere! Ever wanted to spend a year in Australia or Thailand, or France? If so, then being a full-time freelance writer could allow this dream to become a reality!

More income potential💰

When you freelance, you can charge for the amount of time you spend on a project. If you want to earn more income, you need to work more hours. Of course, there are only so many hours in any given day, and your physical ability to work is limited by the number of hours of sleep your body needs and other factors. You can also generate more income by working on multiple projects at once.

Interesting projects 💻

One of the most rewarding benefits of freelancing is that you can work on various projects. Each project is different, which means that you are always introduced to new ideas and ways of working. You may even get the chance to work on a project that you are excited about or be given a chance to try something new, like working on a new set of issues within your technical area. Freelancing also allows you to explore your interests and find what motivates you in your day-to-day life. Have you always wanted to work for a non-profit? Now is your chance! The opportunities are endless for freelance work!

Different clients 🤝

One of the main benefits of freelancing is the diversity of clients and projects you’ll have access to. Different clients will have different needs, and you’ll constantly challenge yourself to adapt to those variances. The opportunity for improvement that this provides is invaluable, as is the chance to work on new and exciting projects. Freelance work won’t ever get boring when so many facets of it are at your fingertips!

Freedom to choose projects 😀

One of the most overlooked benefits of freelancing is that you can choose the projects you take on. There’s something liberating about saying “yes” to work that interests you and passing on jobs that don’t. You can decide whether a project is a good fit for your skills, schedule, and budget. Of course, not every project will be perfect. But if there are more cons than pros, feel free to turn it down! You also have more freedom to choose projects that align with your values and personal interests.

Freelancing comes with benefits and disadvantages, but it can be a good way to work. 👍

There are advantages and disadvantages to freelancing, but you can make it work. One of the benefits of freelancing is that you have more freedom over your time and schedule. You can set your hours and work from home if you want to. You may also be able to set your prices when it comes to your work. This is because most clients will pay a flat fee for each project they need to be done, so there’s no hourly wage. However, there are still some drawbacks to working as a freelancer:

➡️you’re not guaranteed a steady income or consistent workload

➡️you’re on your own when it comes to health insurance, retirement plans, etc., so if those things matter a lot, then this might not be ideal

➡️when developing things from scratch, sometimes the client won’t like what you’ve created (this isn’t often, but it does happen!)

Start your freelancing journey by signing up to Jonusta today!

The Great Resignation & Freelancing

The ‘Great Resignation’ is transforming the Gig Economy

The “Great Resignation” refers to people leaving their employers and starting businesses. Many economies worldwide are increasingly seeing people move away from traditional work and into freelance jobs. This trend will likely accelerate over the next several years as we adjust to the post-pandemic world.

What is Freelancing?

Like everything done in the gig economy, Freelancing happens through an online platform. The biggest generalist freelancing platform around is Upwork, and Jonusta is a platform specifically for International Development professionals. Organizations post jobs they need to be completed on these platforms, and freelancers bid on them. Freelancers are rated on work completed on these platforms and build their reputations by delivering good quality outputs. The gig economy is growing fast, especially in industries like International Development.

Freelancing offers flexibility, variety & opportunity

Freelancing offers many advantages over traditional employment. With freelancing, you can:

✔️Work on a wide range of projects. If you’re tired of doing the same old thing, freelance work can provide the variety you seek.

✔️Build your portfolio and network. Freelance work is a great way to expand your portfolio and network with people in your industry. This is especially true if you’re just starting as an entry-level employee and haven’t had much opportunity to build your professional body of work.

✔️You can work on projects that interest you or offer a more significant challenge than what’s available at your regular job.

✔️You can work flexibly from home or under more hybrid work arrangements.

With freelancing, professionals from the global south can work on projects worldwide. This opportunity provides people who otherwise would not be able to travel abroad or take advantage of international development projects. Freelancing allows international development professionals to build their skills portfolio and contribute meaningfully toward building communities worldwide. Visit Jonusta.com to get started today.