3 reasons to attend Devex's Addis Adaba Career Forum

After successful Devex Career Forums in Nairobi, Washington, D.C. and Manila, Devex, along with executive partner RTI International, is taking the forum to yet another dynamic development city: Addis Ababa.

Often referred to as the capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is home to the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and hundreds of international development organizations and professionals.

According to Global Humanitarian Assistance, Ethiopia received $3.6 billion in aid in 2011, making the country the fifth largest recipient of official humanitarian assistance. A priority country for donors and implementers alike, Ethiopia has a wealth of deeply experienced local organizations and experts working in areas like education, health, food security, climate change and governance.

Over the course of two days, October 21-22, the Devex Forum will convene more than 20 international organizations with hundreds of local Ethiopian and East African development implementers and professionals to foster dialogue, build connections and forge partnerships.

Since space is limited, participation is by invite only. Participants selected to attend will be able to maximize this opportunity to meet and network with a highly experienced group of development practitioners and employers, allowing for more intimate discussions and collaboration.

If you are a development professional located in Addis Ababa or East Africa, here are three reasons you should apply now to attend, even if you are not active job seeking.

1. Build connections to dozens of major international development players

Major international development organizations like RTI International, Catholic Relief Services, Engility, Oxfam and UNICEF will send recruiters and senior representatives from their local and global offices to attend this event with the express purpose of meeting experienced professionals who can help their aid efforts in Ethiopia and East Africa.

This is a unique opportunity to meet face to face with these individuals and build your relationships with these important institutions that can help advance your career either today or in the future.

See the growing list of exhibitors attending here.

2. Learn about industry insights and trends that could impact your career

The agenda includes panels and breakout sessions to explore the current trends in international development and how they impact you as a professional. We will discuss how localization, private sector engagement and monitoring and evaluation is changing who organizations look to recruit and the skills you need to stay relevant.

3. Network with colleagues from across the region

The Devex Career Forum is not only a great opportunity to network with employers, but also like-minded professionals in Addis Ababa and the surrounding area. Since attendance is selective, you will be in the company of some of the most accomplished development workers in the region. The closing networking reception is an opportunity to meet and forge relationships with this select group — and you might meet your next mentor or project partner or find your next business opportunity or job lead.

If you are a development professional based in Addis Ababa or the East Africa region with at least seven years of relevant experience, make sure you apply now.

For more information on the Devex Forum in Addis Ababa, including our sponsors, exhibitors and developing agenda, check out the event website here.

If you have a questions about managing your career in global development, please tweet me @DevexCareers. Subscribe to our weekly Doing Good newsletter to receive top international development career and recruitment news.