Category: International Development

Must-Listen Podcasts in 🌍 Development

Must-Listen Podcasts in 🌍 Development

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available online? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve sifted through countless podcasts to bring you the best of the best in the field of international development. So grab your headphones and get ready to engage with these five thought-provoking podcasts that are sure to ignite your passion for making a positive change in the world!

  1. “Africa Health Ventures” with Rowena Luk: Get your dose of innovation with a side of inspiration as Rowena Luk dissects the latest in health breakthroughs straight from the heart of Africa. It’s the perfect blend of brains and band-aids, all tied up in a podcast bow.
  2. “Afrobility: Africa Tech & Business” by Olumide Ogunsanwo & Bankole Makanju Tech enthusiasts and business buffs, look no further! Olumide and Bankole serve up a sizzling platter of insights on everything from start-up culture to economic ecosystems that are making waves across the African continent. It’s like a masterclass in your ears.
  3. “Think BIG for Africa Podcast” with Ekene Banye Ready to challenge the status quo? Ekene Banye isn’t just thinking outside the box— he’s dismantled the box, set it on fire, and is building a new one. This podcast is a powerhouse of ideas that’ll have you reimagining the possibilities for Africa’s future.
  4. “Think: Sustainability” If you’re craving a cocktail of green goodness, sip on some “Think: Sustainability.” This podcast stirs up a concoction of environmental quandaries with a twist of social conscience, all shaken together for a sustainable worldview.
  5. “Let’s Talk Education Africa” with Stephen Senyo Tettegah Ring the bell, school’s in session! Stephen Senyo Tettegah is the headmaster of discussions that’ll take you to the top of the class in African education. Get schooled in transformative learning that’s reshaping the continent one lesson at a time.

Feel free to transform your daily commute into a mobile classroom or make your jogging routine a journey of discovery. Even your household chores can be an opportunity to change the world one episode at a time. If you’re eager to connect with like-minded individuals and make a positive impact, take a look at Jonusta, a community of people passionate about social impact and international development. They’re excited to team up with you on the next big project. Keep up the great work, change-makers!

Elevating your Global Dev job search

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.

 

Global dev in 2023

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.

Tech-savvy Development

Tech-savvy Development

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s hard to imagine a field that hasn’t been impacted by the advancements of the digital age. International development is no exception. From communication and collaboration tools connecting development professionals across the globe, to data-driven decision-making and monitoring and evaluation systems, technology is changing the way we approach global development.

But why is this so important? Because when it comes to development, success is all about impact. And technology can improve the impact of our development projects in several ways.

First and foremost, technology (when used as an information pipeline) can help us reach more people more effectively. Mobile apps and SMS systems, for example, can deliver vital information and services to communities in even the most remote areas. This can include everything from healthcare and education to financial services and government benefits.

Furthermore, technology allows us to collect and analyze data in real time, giving us valuable timely insights, enabling better responsiveness to the needs of communities, and adjusting our projects accordingly. By using data-driven decision-making, we can be more efficient and effective with our resources, delivering better value for money.

Technology also allows us to collaborate and share knowledge in previously unimaginable ways. Platforms such as Jonusta make it easy for development professionals to connect and work together, no matter where they are in the world. This can lead to more effective projects, as well as more efficient use of resources.

In short, leveraging technology in global development projects can mean better outcomes for communities, more efficient use of resources, and increased collaboration among development professionals. So, let’s embrace the power of technology, and use it to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

ChatGPT in development

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.

Sustainability skills for a stronger tomorrow

Sustainability skills for a stronger tomorrow

Businesses are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices as the world 🌍 becomes increasingly aware of the need to protect our environment.

Many top business schools now offer great courses on sustainability, allowing professionals and executives to strengthen their understanding and acquire the latest thinking in this area. We look at three specific courses below:

🌳Cambridge University Business Sustainability Management course comprehensively introduces the topic. The course covers a range of sustainability issues, from environmental management to social responsibility. It includes both theoretical and practical components, giving students the chance to put what they learn into practice.

🌳NYU Corporate Sustainability course is another option for those studying sustainability in depth. This course covers various topics, including environmental reporting, sustainable supply chain management, and green marketing. Like the Cambridge course, it includes both theoretical and practical components.

🌳The Frankfurt School Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance is a more specialized course, designed for those interested in working in the finance sector. The course covers topics such as sustainable investing, green banking, and climate-related financial risks. It is ideal for those looking to enter the sustainable finance sector or to develop a more sustainable approach to their current finance-related role.

With so many great courses to choose from, there is no excuse to start your journey to help secure a more sustainable future for our planet.

Networking in global development

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!

Review of UK IDS 2022

Review of UK IDS 2022

FCDO published its new International Development Strategy (IDS) on 16th May 2022. It’s a welcome update on the UK government’s position on development especially given recent upheavals on UKAID over the last 12-18 months. 

What did we like? 😀

👍 Emphasis on investment as a driver of growth and prosperity. We welcome the renewed focus on helping the global south to mobilize the investment required to build thriving and prosperous green economies. This will be critical to securing a sustainable planet for future generations. We also welcome the focus on trade (rather than aid) as a primary channel of growth.

👍 A renewed focus on unlocking the full potential of women and girls. The FCDO (and its predecessor, DFID) has been a long-term and steadfast supporter of women and girls’ development issues over the years including championing girls’ education, spotlighting the scourge of gender-based violence, reproductive health rights, and safeguarding. We 1000% welcome the renewed focus on continuing this fantastic support in an area critical to the long-term success of international development worldwide.

👍 Driving more effective approaches to humanitarian crises. We live in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. Life is likely to become more rather than less VUCA as the world continues to deal with the fallout of regional conflict, demographic transitions, technology disruption, political upheaval, and climate change. So it is great to see the focus on improving the tools that FCDO will use to help address and mitigate these challenges and help vulnerable people in need.

👍 Ambitions to bolster global efforts to tackle the climate change crisis. The UK has shown great and ongoing leadership on climate change and it’s great to see commitments to increase ICF funding, leveraging development finance investment to support climate resilience and adaptation, and ensuring UK ODA becomes nature positive.

👍 Reduction in bureaucracy. Having ambassadors being ultimately responsible for the decision-making of the ODA budget at the country level is a welcome step away from the bureaucracy that resulted from the previous regime. 

 What wasn’t so great? 🤨

👎 The rebalancing of funds from multilateral to bi-lateral channels.  We understand the underlying political reasons for this change. The FCDO is a different beast from DFID and we recognize (in the wake of the recent integrated review) that the current UK administration is determined to leverage the links between HMG’s development, diplomacy, and defense channels in support of the UK’s strategic interests. But the VUCA nature of the various challenges the world faces means that UK leadership in multilateral organizations is required now more than ever. The UN, World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral organizations need change and reform and the UK has always been a solid voice for driving these reforms. It’s a shame therefore to see “rebalancing” away from multilateral channels flagged as a priority for this IDS. It also risks Britain’s voice in the global fora, which may lead to a reduction in its soft power. 

👎 Active pursuit of ‘British first’: The IDS states that “global development challenges cannot be solved by money alone [we agree]” and then goes on to list the various areas where the global south should draw on UK expertise to develop innovative solutions. There’s no doubt the Brits are good at many things and in some areas (like finance) they are world-class. But there are other countries (in the global North and South) that are equally as good as the Brits and could teach them a thing or two. The IDS could have better recognized the complexity of today’s reality  – the global south isn’t a desert of ideas or expertise simply waiting for a deluge of UK expertise to water it.

👎 Unclear accountability: The IDS is light on how FCDO (and other ODA spending departments) will be held to account for resources spent and results achieved. Details on how FCDO will work with the International Development Parliamentary select committee, ICAI, and civil society organizations such as BOND would have been really welcome.

👎 Lack of clarity on the numbers: There wasn’t much on the budget (both in terms of macro ODA numbers, departmental allocations, thematic allocations, Intra FCDO allocations, etc.) underpinning the strategy. The only thing mentioned was the £3b allocation towards humanitarian purposes. The latest UK spending review (i.e. the UK government’s medium-term budgetary framework) was completed in October last year so it would have been great to see the budgetary breakdown and allocations for the IDS. It was also disappointing to see no further update on when (if ever) UKAID will be restored to 0.7% of UK GNI.

In sum, the IDS is a welcome update especially given ongoing uncertainties over the UK’s political landscape (i.e ramifications of “partygate” on UK government leadership, etc). The UK ID sector has been rocked by uncertainty in recent years and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the UK’s much-vaunted leadership (and reputation) in the sector has suffered as a result. Whilst more emphasis on multilateral channels and details on budget commitments would have been welcomed, we can’t argue with the emphasis on climate change, women and girls, and the role of green investment and trade in building the global south. We look forward to the implementation of the IDS with great interest. 

Hire Freelancers!

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!

Why hire Freelancers?

Why hire Freelancers?

Work is evolving. Organizations worldwide are increasingly moving away from traditional employment and hiring freelancers. In the international development and social impact space, skilled freelancers can help organizations unlock their potential by solving complex problems, getting more work done, and completing projects faster. On Jonusta, freelancers support organizations meet their potential. Here are some reasons why should you hire freelancers:  

Cost savings💰

Traditional full-time employees can be expensive. In addition to salary commitments, businesses are responsible for training costs, benefits, health insurance, paid time-off, and payroll taxes. In contrast, hiring a Jonusta freelancer allows your business to eliminate most of these overhead costs without sacrificing work output.

Access to specialized talent 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Talented freelancers offer expertise that businesses/organizations can access with ease. If your business requires a specific skill set for a project, you can identify a freelancer that meets this need. The more experienced a freelancer is, the more value they can bring to a project. 

High-quality work📝

Before hiring a freelancer, you can evaluate their past work portfolio, check out reviews from clients, and interview them to make sure they are the right fit. By successfully completing your project, freelancers build their reputation, expand their portfolio, and increase their chance of future employment or referrals.

Faster deliverables🏃

In addition to offering quality work, freelancers can often provide faster deliverables than full-time employees, and more quickly and accurately. Freelancers generally focus on one project at a time or work within shorter timeframes, which results in increased efficiency and faster project completion.

Access a large talent pool👩‍💼🧑‍💼

By opening your project opportunity to freelancers, companies can access a larger talent pool from around the world. With Jonusta, it’s easier than ever to find and hire talented freelancers.

Risk reduction⬇️

Working with a freelancer allows you to build a contract with specific deliverables before payment. 

No long-term commitment🤝

Freelancers can be hired for a short-term project, for a set amount of time, or to help with long-term projects with specific deliverables. This can give companies greater flexibility when hiring freelancers.

Ease of finding, hiring, and onboarding💻

To begin your search, you can browse through lots of freelancer profiles or create a freelancer job listing on Jonusta and receive personalized proposals from qualified freelancers.

Increased diversity🌍

Freelancers create an opportunity to expand the diversity of your company. A team of individuals from different geographic areas, educational backgrounds, cultures, and work disciplines can significantly increase your ability to handle various projects.

Schedule flexibility☺️

One great benefit of freelancers is that they’re available to be hired whenever you need them. Freelancers are excellent options to meet quickly approaching deadlines. They can step in if something comes up, if you need additional support on a project, or if you need to make up for an absence on your team. 

Fresh perspective🌳

Freelancers bring a new and fresh perspective to a project & can offer unique ideas to a project. This may be a solution to a problem or a different way of understanding your needs.