Comms 4 Devt Jobs Board #49
It's been a tough week. But there's 49 new comms roles just waiting for you.
Hey friend,
What a week. The USAID freeze on foreign aid contracts, future and present, has put an absolute spin on global development.
I know you must be reeling. I get it.
First up, I want to say that I do not and have never worked for USAID [and sadly, that ship may now have sailed], nor for a solely US-funded organisation. My opinions on this blog are my own.
The US foreign aid freeze is devastating for millions of people around the world, from employees in aid organisations, to local partners, and most importantly, project recipients. So much incredibly valued and essential aid work now in jeopardy.
And that’s just an immediate reaction.
And I know you’re probably thinking, how is this going to affect jobs and work?
Simply put, people may lose their jobs. Some already have.
Without regular funding coming into a program or organisation, many, especially smaller ones, will grind to a halt, unable to deliver services or pay staff. It really depends on individual organisational financial situations; if relatively healthy, they may be able to hold on awhile.
I think everyone’s hoping that most programs and smaller organisations can hang on for the 90-day period. The freeze is anticipated to remain in effect until late April 2025 but IMO, it could be up to a year before this situation is fully resolved.
And we don’t know what the outcome will be, and which organisations will still be standing. Not to mention the long-term implications of this sudden “pause”.
I really feel for friends working at US-funded programs. And for staff at USAID and in embassies around the world. They are in a holding pattern, trying to maintain calm while being unable to say anything due to the communications gag order. Straining years of diplomatic goodwill with partners and government contacts.
It’s hugely stressful all round.
So, what can YOU do as a jobseeker or contractor in this situation?
I’d start following and applying to non-US-funded programs and organisations. There are a lot of those - EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Scandinavians, to name a few.
Religious or privately funded agencies are another solid bet.
As are the Banks and UN agencies.
And private sector companies working in the development or social impact space, including managing contractors.
Basically, places with funding from multiple sources or other donor governments.
And those organisations may very well expand to try to fill the USAID gap. That means potentially more jobs, particularly consulting or contract roles.
Speaking of opportunities, let’s get to this week’s jobs board. I’ve got 49 beautiful roles for you.
The Comms 4 Development Jobs Board is a carefully curated weekly jobs list, specifically for communications professionals in the global development sector, and in developing countries only.
And delivered straight to your inbox bright and early every Tuesday morning (AEST). Paid subscribers get the full deal, while free subscribers can see 10 roles picked at random.
I do the hard yards finding these gigs so you don’t have to! You’re welcome.
Not a paid subscriber yet? You’re missing out, my friend. Click below and get instant access to this week’s 49 new comms roles for just $6/month. Plus next week, and the one after that…
