Presented by Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” or some variation of it. Is this the case for global development professionals?
Well, when it comes to finding development jobs, you aren’t going to get very far without the proper skills. But without an effective networking strategy, how will anyone know that you know what you know, ya know?
“It's very difficult to demonstrate interest in a position [or] anything that we have a passion for or a professional interest [in] without being connected,” says former World Bank recruiter and career coach Roberto Amorosino, one of our go-to experts when it comes to development consulting.
In this edition of Career Hub, I’m exploring networking from a few different angles, including tips for consultants straight out of our latest downloadable career guide. Plus, featured job postings from the likes of UNHCR, Global Communities, and more.
+ Sign up for the Devex Jobs Alert on LinkedIn: For many more of the top job opportunities in the social impact space from global development's largest job board, check out the weekly Devex Jobs Alert newsletter on LinkedIn.
Top jobs this week
1. Safeguarding Expert Consultant
American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative
Worldwide
2. HR Associate
UNHCR Kenya
Kenya
3. Sustainable Finance Technical Director
DT Global
United States
4. Humanitarian Program Development Officer
Global Communities
Guatemala
Consulting? It’s who you know
“The best time to network is when you don't really need to network.
— Roberto Amorosino, career coachWhile there are plenty of job opportunities for consultants posted publicly, many roles are not advertised externally. This is why networking is crucial to finding consulting work. Here are three networking tips from our recently published guide to development consulting.
Connect as a professional, not a candidate. One key to networking as a consultant is to be “visible, not as a candidate, but as a professional … That's the best way to demonstrate that I can be a resource,” Amorisono says, which is ultimately what you want to get across.
Find other consultants. “I think there's actually a lot that you can gain by talking to someone who has a very similar profile to you,” says KeyLime International’s CEO Susanne Barsoum. These conversions can be invaluable, especially if you are new to consulting.
Stay in the know. Being on top of the latest sector happenings will help you feel more confident and prepared during your conversations. “[Know] what's happening in the development world as a whole, on top of trends,” says Hillary Jenkins, a senior talent acquisition partner at Compassion International.
+ Networking is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a successful consulting career. Career Account members can download our new consulting guide for insights on CVs, negotiating rates, work-life balance, and more. Not yet a member? You can try it out with a free 15-day trial to access all events, articles, and job postings.
Fantastic contacts, and where to find them
As Devex contributor Helen Lock writes, approaching networking events is a fine balance between planning ahead and going with the flow. You may have an agenda, and preparation is important, but if you’re not open to new ideas and speaking to new people, you’re kind of missing the point.
“Networking should just be networking. You’re not going to go and make a marriage proposal,” says international coach and veteran consultant Simone Anzböck.
Read: How to approach networking at 2024's top global development events (Career)
Members-only jobs this week
1. Senior Energy Specialist, Hydropower
International financial institution
United States
2. Team Coordinator
British NGO
United Kingdom (Remote)
3. Individual Consultant: Project Coordinator
United Nations agency
Switzerland
4. Individual Consultant: Climate Change and Health
United Nations agency
Laos
Ask an expert
You have questions, and Career Hub has answers, thanks to Devex’s network of expert job coaches and other experts. The following question and response occurred during a Devex digital event and have been edited for length and clarity.
What are some best practices for making real and valuable connections on LinkedIn?
As the person you’re trying to connect with could be swamped with many messages and connection requests, it's always nice if there is some actual existing connection to reference. Maybe it’s someone that you know through your alumni network, or another friend or colleague, or someone you know in the community [who could make an introduction for you].
I will always, always respond to somebody who comes from someone in my network who is making that introduction. Another way to set up some context for having something in common with someone is to do a little research on them. Read their LinkedIn posts, and because you can go to their page and look at their activity and kind of see what they talk about, and see what they've been saying, and then, when you reach out to them, reference that. Make it about them, not about you.
Watch: Ask a career coach (Career) | Find Caroline on LinkedIn
Have a career development question? You can email Devex’s careers editor directly at justin.sablich@devex.com.
Around the watercooler
News and views from around global development worth knowing about.
• US DFC revives union. The once-inactive union has opened its labor contract for renegotiation this week to address staff concerns about career advancement, workplace fairness, consultation, and benefits.
A better World Bank? The bank’s president, Ajay Banga, is eager to streamline the time it takes to approve projects and reduce the number of people involved, as part of his push to build a “better bank before a bigger bank.”
• Philanthropy's DEI efforts in limbo. The outcome of a legal complaint against race-based grantmaking that is making its way through the U.S. court system could have major implications for global DEI efforts.
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About the author
Justin Sablich
Justin is a contributing writer and editor who previously led Devex’s careers content strategy. Before joining Devex, Justin served as the managing editor of Springwise, covering sustainable and climate-tech innovation across all business sectors. He also spent over 13 years as an editor and writer for the New York Times, specializing in digital content production and strategy while producing written and multimedia content on a range of topics, including travel, sports, and technology.
