95. From 21 to 24.7: What CERN's Diversity Initiative Teaches Us About Culture Change

The rules of international development are being rewritten in real time. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Stephan Klingebiel, head of the Department of Inter- and Transnational Cooperation at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), for a frank look at what's really happening beneath the funding cuts and headlines. We cover the collapse of US development spending, the quiet fight over the language of the SDGs, why no single power is stepping up to fill the void, and what a record number of autocracies worldwide means for global governance. Klingebiel also shares his honest take on what this all means for careers in the sector, and the "pockets of effectiveness" still worth watching for. A must-listen for anyone working in, or hoping to work in, international development. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

In this episode we meet Rudy Perecin Mareño, Global Program Lead for Talent Discovery at the World Bank Group. With over 20 years of experience advancing global talent, careers, and workforce development across mission-driven organizations, including the World Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank, and USAID-affiliated initiatives, Rudy shares practical insights into what it takes to build a meaningful international career. From flagship programs such as the WBG Young Professionals Program (YPP) and the WBG Pioneers Internship Program to broader trends shaping recruitment in global development, this conversation offers an inside look at how institutions identify, attract, and develop top talent worldwide. Discover how to navigate competitive recruitment processes, position yourself for impact-driven roles, and build a career that makes a difference. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

What does it take to move the needle on diversity in a large international organisation? In this episode, we meet with Louise Carvalho, Diversity & Inclusion Programme Leader at CERN, to talk about 25 by '25, a five-year, organisation-wide diversity drive with a clear deadline and measurable targets. We discuss what worked, what didn't, and why the hardest part may still lie ahead: ensuring that diverse talent doesn't just get hired, but stays and thrives. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

The Hidden Support System: How Governments Help You Land International Jobs Most international job seekers go it alone. But in many countries, government support for UN, EU, and multilateral careers exists, is free, and often completely unknown. In this episode, we meet with Anita Konijn, Dutch Ambassador and National Coordinator for International Positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about a resource that professionals worldwide consistently overlook: government support for international careers. From comprehensive coaching programs to insider intelligence on upcoming vacancies, many countries offer far more than most applicants realise. Anita explains why governments across the globe invest strategically in placing their nationals at multilateral organisations, what different levels of support can look like, and what you need to bring to the table to make the most of it. Whether you're from the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world, the first step is the same: find out what your government offers. You might be surprised. Music by Mikko Pettinen and Merlijn Angad Gaur - With the Flow - Sketches, Songs and Improvisations

How does the Danish Refugee Council recruit for operations across 30+ countries, many in protracted conflict zones? Iosif Emmanouil Sofios, Recruitment Specialist at DRC, explains how to balance speed with safeguarding standards, what really matters beyond your CV, and why transferable skills from other sectors count more than you might think. Whether you're considering humanitarian work or curious about how global organizations build teams in challenging contexts, this conversation offers practical insights into what it takes to connect the right people with meaningful work serving displaced populations. Learn more about emergency rosters and rapid deployment, what DRC looks for in candidates, the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, and AI in humanitarian recruitment. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

What does it really take to build a meaningful career in the UN system? Join us as Gerhard Tripp, Chief of Planning, Contracting and Reporting at UNOV, shares nearly three decades of experience spanning four continents. From breaking in through the Young Professionals Programme to navigating field assignments in challenging duty stations, Gerhard offers honest insights on career flexibility, strategic applications, and the changing realities of UN employment. He also discusses his work with UNGlobe on building inclusive workplaces across the UN system. Whether you're considering your first UN application or looking to advance your international career, this conversation delivers practical wisdom you won't find in job descriptions. Key Topics: • Getting into the UN through YPP and other pathways • The value of field experience vs. headquarters positions • Funding realities and contract modalities • Language skills and cross-functional experience • Building inclusive workplaces through UNGlobe • Strategic application advice from an HR perspective Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

Thinking about a career move? Before you accept that offer, there's one question you should be asking: What does onboarding look like here? In this episode, we meet with Meghan Parinussa, Director Customer Success at Appical about why onboarding isn't just something that happens TO you, it's a critical factor in YOUR success, job satisfaction, and decision to stay or leave. In this podcast you will learn: • Why those two months between accepting an offer and your first day are make-or-break • The "soft things" that create security (or anxiety) on day one, from dress codes to parking to laptop setup • What world-class onboarding actually looks like and what you should reasonably expect • How to evaluate onboarding during your interview process • The role your manager should play in your first 100 days • Why cultural integration matters more than information overload Whether you're actively job hunting or just curious about what separates great employers from mediocre ones, this conversation gives you the checklist to evaluate your next opportunity, and the confidence to expect better. Because when onboarding is done right, it's not just about helping the organization succeed. It's about your own success, your sense of belonging, and actually having fun in your new job. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

How does a year in an Ethiopian village at age 22 shape a career leading international climate finance? In this episode, Satu Santala, Managing Director of the Nordic Development Fund (NDF), shares her unplanned journey from NGO work through diplomacy and the World Bank Board to her current role. Discover what makes NDF unique in the climate finance landscape, how to build a meaningful career in development without having it all planned out, and what it's like to work at a small, impactful Nordic institution in Helsinki. Satu offers practical advice on embracing opportunities outside your job description, the importance of genuine partnerships, and why curiosity matters more than rigid career planning. Whether you're exploring opportunities in climate finance or looking for career inspiration in the impact sector, this conversation offers valuable insights into building purpose-driven work in international development. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

As the UN marks 80 years of service, Liliana Nieves shares what it really takes to build effective humanitarian teams. From recruiting during a cholera outbreak in South Sudan to achieving gender parity at UN headquarters, she reveals: ✅ Why emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills ✅ How to tackle unconscious bias in hiring ✅ The direct link between strategic recruitment and mental health ✅ Why diversity isn't just nice to have—it's essential for effectiveness ✅ Real advice for breaking into humanitarian work "We're not only hiring skills, but a team's culture and the capacity to manage pressure. Hiring the right person means selecting individuals who have the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to work effectively in high-stress environments." Whether you're considering humanitarian work or managing teams in challenging contexts, this conversation offers actionable insights on building teams that can handle the emotional demands of making a real difference. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

Join us for an insightful conversation with Yvonne Helle, former UNDP special representative and senior leader who climbed from entry-level P1 to D2 over 31 years in the UN system. In this candid interview, Yvonne shares her experiences navigating some of the world's most challenging contexts—Haiti, Sudan, Palestine, and Syria—while offering practical career advice for international development professionals. Key topics covered: - Breaking the field-headquarters divide and why it matters for career growth - Leadership lessons learned in crisis zones - Navigating the P4-P5 transition and beyond - Balancing senior leadership roles with family life as a woman - The changing landscape of international development - Essential networking strategies and career advancement tips Why listen: Whether you're starting your career or aiming for senior leadership, Yvonne's combination of hard-won wisdom, honest reflections, and actionable advice provides invaluable insights for anyone working in—or considering—international development. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes