Presented by Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs
If you’re like me, you might be someone who has never been able to truly specialize in a single, well-defined role. You may also feel like there’s something wrong with this.
“What would the world be like if we were all just superspecialized? I mean, we probably
couldn't talk to each other, because we we're all going to get hunkered down in our own vernacular, our own jargon, and we're not going to be able to communicate,” said Kathryn Harper, a development writing expert, during a recent Devex careers event.
These are just some of what Harper had to say during a recent digital event to make us generalists feel better, including some really useful tips on how to turn this into a strength on our CVs. I’m sharing these insights in this edition of Career Hub, along with an update on what recruiters working on the Ukranian response are looking for. Plus, you can explore the latest job opportunities at the United Nations Office for Project Services, Relief International, and much more.
+ 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
1. HSSE Senior Analyst
UNOPS
Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Auditor(a) General
Corporacion Andina de Fomento (Development Bank of Latin America)
Panama
3. Grant Finance Officer
Amnesty International
Dakar, Senegal
4. Deputy Director of Global Procurement
Relief International
United Kingdom | United States
Tipsheet: CV advice for generalists
As a job seeker, being a generalist doesn’t have to be a drag on your job prospects. Instead, you can strategically construct your CV and resume to take advantage of the many virtues generalists have to offer. Here are three things to keep in mind, according to development writing expert Kathryn Harper.
✅ Own it, and sell it. You’re a generalist, and that’s OK. If you can frame your varied skills and experiences in a way that highlights your problem-solving abilities, you’ll be working from a position of strength.
✅ Focus on the summary. “The job of your CV at this point is to have a reader go, ‘I just can't file this person away as a program officer or as an advocacy person or as a policy person,’” Harper said, who suggests using broad adjectives to describe your strengths.
✅Showcase your adaptability. It’s important that your CV’s “chronology shows your different adaptability under different circumstances and different dynamics, both political and geographic, and cultural,” Harper said.
Read: 3 CV and resume tips for global development generalists
Watch: How to get your CV in recruiter-ready shape
Watch: Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile is much more than just an online CV, Simone Anzböck, international coach and development expert, explained during the first segment of a three-part digital event series on how to master the art of LinkedIn. Learn how to revamp your profile to reach your career goals.
Watch: How to optimize your LinkedIn profile
+ A Devex Career Account gives you access to all of our digital events, including the next part of our series: Mastering the art of LinkedIn and virtual networking, which takes place next Monday. If you’re not yet a member, you can get 50% off when you register for the event!
Members-only jobs this week
1. Programme Analyst, Leadership and Governance
U.N. agency
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. Senior Manager, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme
International development organization
Dhaka, Bangladesh
3. Market Intelligence Consultant
U.N. agency
Worldwide
Update: Who’s hiring to help Ukraine
We’re continuing to track the groups that are actively hiring in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and some of the roles that need to be filled.
New opportunities:
People In Need: Kyiv, Ukraine — Head of MEAL
American Red Cross: Hungary — Field representative, Ukraine
GOAL Global: Lviv, Ukraine — Protection officer
More new roles: The globaldev organizations hiring in response to Ukraine crisis
What we’re reading
What to do before ending your workday. Tips for having a productive workday, and enjoying a healthy work-life balance. [TheTalko]
Are you being too nice in your workplace? How to achieve a balance between showing your hard and soft sides, even when it's not perceived as nice. [Inc.]
Why equity is ‘not an HR function.' Indira Ahluwalia, founder of CREED, says development organizations must put structures in place if they want to achieve progress on diversity and equity — just as they would for any other system. [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.
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.
