Devex Career Hub: Exploring the SDG talent gap

Presented by Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs

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A talent gap occurs when there’s a lack of skilled professionals available to achieve a given set of objectives. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the talent doesn’t exist, but there are blockers in connecting this talent to the right organizations.

In this edition of Career Hub, I’m sharing what we’ve learned about a potential talent gap in our sector’s efforts to address the Sustainable Development Goals. Plus, learn how to get attention from recruiters if you’re a climate expert, explore job opportunities at USAID, Global Health Action, Inc., and many more top development organizations.

+ Our new weekly job alert newsletter via LinkedIn features the latest and best job opportunities from our board. See the latest version of Career Hub #JobFairy and subscribe so you don’t miss the next batch!

Top jobs this week

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Officer
Global Health Action, Inc.
United States

Adviser Science Systems and Services
UNAIDS
Nigeria

Finance and Administrative Officer
African Union Commission
Africa

Lead Equal Employment Specialist
United States Agency for International Development
United States

+ See the full list.

By the numbers: the SDG talent gap

Part of the problem with the SDGs is the financing gap, which is a staggering $4 trillion a year. But few seem to be talking about a potential SDG talent gap, and closing the divide on one may help trim the breach on the other.

We’ve started asking our community about this, and so far, four out of 5 do believe there's an SDG talent gap. Here’s what else we’ve learned:

• 71% say they have a talent gap at their own organization.
86% cited expanding the size of the talent pool it recruits from as important to its recruitment success.
70% of U.S.-based employees said their sense of purpose is defined by their work.

We’re just beginning to explore this issue and what it means for both job seekers and recruiters. You can help us by adding your thoughts to our ongoing SDG Talent Gap survey, and stay tuned in the coming months for more.

Read: Does global development have an SDG talent gap?

In demand: Climate change experts

Our in-house recruitment specialists are currently compiling talent pools based on specific global development skill sets. These lists are exclusive to our top recruiting organizations. We’re currently looking for these mid-to-senior-level candidates:

♻️ Climate change experts. Responsibilities may include: evaluating climate change risks and opportunities, advising on climate-related targets and goal setting, recommending policies and practices, and designing or developing climate change programs.

+ These curated candidate lists are exclusive to our top recruiting organizations. Candidates can update their Devex profiles to be considered, and employers can learn more here.

Members-only jobs this week

Head of Planning & Field Operations Unit
International tribunal
Worldwide

Deputy Director and Head of Social Action Humanitarian HUB
Humanitarian nonprofit
Belgium

Programme Officer (HIV/AIDS)
Inter-governmental organization
Botswana

National or Regional Senior Expert in Circular Economy
Multidisciplinary development consultancy
Colombia

+ See the full list

ICYMI: How to network on LinkedIn

In the second of a three-part Devex Career event series on mastering the art of LinkedIn, international coach Simone Anzböck reveals how to engage with users on the platform to build a successful networking strategy.

Watch: The do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn networking

+ A Devex Career Account gives you access to all of our digital events, including the recording of last week’s: How to optimize your LinkedIn profile. If you’re not yet a member, you can get 50% off when you sign up today.

What we’re reading

Is it in your best interest to work from home? When it comes to remote work, what you need and what you want may be two entirely separate things. [Entrepreneur]

How to manage if you’re not good at delegating. Delegating authority can be the perfect opportunity to showcase that the talent on your team is ready for new roles and responsibilities. [Fast Company]

A push to improve monitoring and evaluation. What constitutes strong M&E and how can it be effectively implemented across an organization? Devex asked the experts. [Devex Pro]

To keep up to date with all the must-read global development coverage, be sure to sign up to the daily Devex Newswire.

Sign up to Devex Career Hub for global development’s top jobs, expert career advice, and practical tips to help you do more good for more people.