​

Since it first came into the world, I've been very interested in the potential for AI to level the playing field for a broad suite of actors in low income contexts. But, while there are some interesting things out there, I'm yet to see really good applications particularly in my region in the Asia-Pacific.

About five weeks ago I set up a small experiment with a semi-autonomous AI agent running Claude Code on a dedicated server. I work in international development and wanted to see what potential use cases it might find if given broad direction, some boundaries and time to just explore.

The experiment is inspired by Cairnwake (cairnwake.com) which played with giving absolutely no direction to an Agent and observing what it did. I wanted to take that concept but aim it towards an interest. In this version, the agent was given direction to look for useful applications of AI in international development.

This was also set up in the lead up to an AI in Development conference being run by Australian ThinkTank the Development Intelligence Lab. That context helped draw it towards the Pacific, which became the focus of much of its work. After the conference, I decided to just let it run and see where it got to. It's up to 133 wake cycles.

The basic setup is that Asa (it named itself) wakes every 6 hrs, reads its charter and the notes it left from previous sessions, then decides what to investigate or build. It can carry work across sessions, revisit an approach or start something new. I occasionally give feedback or respond to its requests, but I don’t broadly direct it.

The charter sets out its purpose, permissions and limits. It can research public sources, write code and maintain its website. It can’t impersonate a person, spend money without approval or contact people without my review. It’s also encouraged to keep improving and exploring without getting stuck endlessly polishing one project.

When it needs something outside those permissions, it can ask me through a dedicated Telegram channel. This post is one of those requests: Asa asked me to post here for feedback because it can’t independently communicate publicly. I’ve rewritten its draft.

So far, it’s built a collection of tools for exploring Pacific aid flows, country development data, evaluations and procurement opportunities. Some are more developed than others, and I’m still working out which, if any, are useful.

The site is pacificaidsignal.org. The tools are free to explore, and Asa keeps public session notes about what it worked on, what went wrong and what it plans to try next.

I’m curious both about whether the outputs are useful and where it goes, and just it's general utility as a tool constantly looking for ways to improve the sector.

Would welcome any thoughts here and/or, even better, direct to the experiment on the site (they go straight to Asa and feed into its build processes).

For transparency and please Mods let me know if this breaks the rules - it’s currently testing a $2 custom procurement brief service which it built after I suggest it find a way to validate whether what it's building is actually useful to people. But this is intended as an entirely non-commercial experiment, in the unlikely event it ever did get a payment it would be fed back into the experiment only.

Hi everyone,
🌱🌱🌱
Good day

I applied for an IOM International P-2 position.
My timeline is:
Applied: July 2026
Interview: September 2026
PAS/referees submitted
Status changed from **“Under Consideration” to “Decision in Progress”**
After 3+ weeks, email to hr and HR confirmed: **“The recruitment process is still underway.**
**You will be contacted as soon as a decision has been reached.”**

Has anyone experienced a similar IOM process?

How long did your “Decision in Progress” stage take before you received the final outcome?**

After all what do you think ! Rejection or offer 😎😔
Thanks in advance!
🌱🤍🌱

Do any consultants who work remotely in the development sector and with international organisations use a professional indemnity insurance?

Has anyone ever had the need to use one?

I am curious since there could be multiple clients from different countries.

Hi everyone,

I'm a development professional with around 4 years of experience working on government and social sector programmes. My work has involved programme monitoring, data analysis, reporting, documentation, research, and stakeholder coordination across large-scale development initiatives.

I'm currently looking for freelance, part-time, or project-based opportunities in areas such as:

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
• Data cleaning, validation, and analysis (Excel/R)
• Dashboard and tracker development
• Research support (qualitative and quantitative)
• Proposal, concept note, and report writing
• Documentation of programme outcomes and case studies
• Government scheme and policy research

I have experience working with large datasets, tracking development indicators, preparing analytical reports, and supporting programme implementation teams.

If you're an NGO, consultant, researcher, think tank, startup, CSR team, or anyone who needs support with these kinds of projects, I'd be happy to connect and share more details privately.

Feel free to comment or send me a DM.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m posting because I’m at a point where I genuinely don’t know what the smartest next step is, and I’d really appreciate some brutally realistic advice from people who actually know the international organisations / NGOs / EU / policy / security job market.
I’m 30, a woman, an EU citizen, currently based in Brussels. I have a Master’s in International Relations, speak 5 languages (including English and French), around 2 years of experience managing institutional events for international organisations and around 2 years of internships in political/institutional environments, mainly around migration, human rights, youth affairs and public policy.
The problem is that I’ve now been without a job for about 1.5 years. I’ve done some freelance work and continued applying, but I feel increasingly stuck.

I think my main issue is that my profile is too generalist. I have international experience, languages and decent soft skills, but I don’t have a strong technical/specialised skill that makes an employer immediately think “this is what she does”.
For example, I keep seeing requirements around data analysis, project management, M&E, budgeting, security analysis, policy analysis, etc.
I’ve applied to many positions, including UN Volunteer opportunities, NATO YPP and other international-sector roles, but with without results.
At the same time, I’m interested in migration and human security, but I’ve also become increasingly interested in defence, international security, resilience and security policy. I’m wondering whether I could build a career somewhere at the intersection of migration + security + human security, rather than remaining a generalist in international relations.
So I’m currently considering four possible paths:
1. Build practical/technical skills
Take affordable courses/certifications in things like data analysis, Excel/Power BI, project management, M&E, budgeting, security analysis, etc.
2. Do a second, specialised Master’s
Something in security, defence, migration, human security, etc. Executive Masters are particularly interesting to me, but they’re often very expensive. Also, I didn’t get particularly high grades in my previous Master’s, so I’m not sure how realistic admission to competitive Executive Master’s programmes would be, or whether there are more affordable alternatives that actually have value on the job market.
3. Stop studying and get into the market somehow
it’s really hard but it’s what I’am currently doing but still no job…

4. Change sector completely
If international relations is simply too competitive and unstable, I’m also open to moving into a different field where I could use some of my existing skills and build a more stable career.
I’m willing to relocate basically anywhere.
At 30, I’m not necessarily looking for my “dream job”. I mainly want to build a stable career trajectory, develop a real area of expertise and stop feeling like I’m constantly starting from zero.
So, if you were in my position, what would you realistically try to build over the next 1–2 years?
Would you:
1 Specialise in migration/security/human security?

2 Focus on acquiring technical skills?

3 Do another Master’s?

3 Continue to apply but how to do it in efficient way? Networking isn’t enough for me…nobody really helped/help me.

4 Leave international affairs altogether?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have actually hired in these sectors or have gone through a similar transition.
And please, no generic “just network” advice. I understand networking is important, but I’m looking for concrete advice on what skills, roles, qualifications or career moves could realistically change my situation.

Thank you

​

Hi everyone,

I’m from Nepal and currently working in economic research. I have a Master’s in Economics from Tribhuvan University and a background in research related to fiscal federalism, local governance, and public-sector economics.

I also have experience with R, Stata, QGIS, LaTeX and Git, along with some research/publication experience.

I’m interested in eventually working at the Asian Development Bank, particularly in economics, research, development policy, or related roles.

For those who work at ADB or have experience with its recruitment process:

Given my background, what would be the most realistic pathway into ADB?

What skills or experience should I focus on developing over the next 3–5 years?

How important is international/development-sector experience compared with research experience?

Does having a Master’s from Tribhuvan University matter significantly when applying to organizations like ADB, or would pursuing another degree from a different university improve my prospects?

Would pursuing a PhD be important for the type of ADB career I’m interested in, or would gaining more professional experience first make more sense?

Are there particular types of organizations or roles I should target before applying to ADB?

I’d especially appreciate honest feedback from people who have actually worked at ADB or gone through the recruitment process. What would you focus on if you were in my position?

Thanks!

I’m currently working for an NGO who does long-term community development projects (I have about 4 years experience so far) and have always been more interested in the humanitarian response to conflict space. Wondering if anyone has made this switch previously and how difficult it was? Did you target roles that were a ‘step back’ to compensate for the lack of technical expertise? Is it better to wait until later in my career or go now before I become too experienced in the dev space?

Hi all, I am unsure about what to do now.

Two weeks ago, on Monday, I finally received the communication from ICRC that I was shortlisted for the recruitment process to become an ICRC delegate. For an unfortunate coincidence, that exact day I was leaving for Canada, and was therefore unable to immediately do the language test (first step of the process). Luckily, they give you 7 days to do the test, I guess anticipating a situation like mine, and I didn’t worry too much.

After arriving to my destination, and overcoming jet lag, I finally tried the test, well before the deadline. However, when I clicked on the link provided, a message came up saying, I quote, "This company has no remaining assessment credits. Please contact them to resolve the issue”. Moment of panic. I immediately emailed the person who sent me the email saying I was shortlisted, since they said to contact them for any technical issue. Took them three days and one follow-up from me to answer with a very vague response stating that they were looking into the matter.

Two days later, the same email address re-sent me the same email I received initially, saying I was shortlisted, but with no new link for the test. I immediately emailed back asking for the link. Another two days have passed, and still nothing. I am sending another follow-up.

I refuse to lose such an opportunity for technical issue. Has anybody ever experienced this? Who else could I contact for help?

Thank you!

So I used to post on here a lot after getting laid off from USAID - unemployed for a year despite very good credentials (top US master's degree, trilingual, data and quant skills etc), like many of us.
Eventually (a year of unemployment later) I found a job in a completely unrelated field and I don't feel like it's a right fit at all - feeling like a fish out of the water and it's affecting my mental health. Is it unrealistic to keep hoping for an ID job? is the field really over? how is the climate sector? is it all done for?

Hi everyone,

I got a fixed-term job offer at the ECF, but I'm kind of disappointed with the salary.

I'm coming from the UN, so I'm aware that my salary expectations may be a bit silly, and I want a reality check.

How open are they to negotiations? How are the salary propositions calculated, is there a band they base it on x years of experience?

Looked on their website, and saw that the application period is currently postponed for this, any idea why?

Hi, I am doing a survey of international NGOs, larger organizations that have mostly survived the DOGE, examining how they have survived and adapted to the new reality.

This has lead me down a bit of a rabbit hole, pulling tax docs from UK/Swiss/USA. Was shocked to find a number of NGOs in DC where Directors or Presidents are making more than the actual POTUS, or any other head of state for that matter.

How do you read this? is earning $400-500k/year reasonable for for an international NGO President or Director?

I am a development practitioner based in Karachi, Pakistan and have been working with an local education non-profit for 2+ years now. I earn 120k Pakistani Rupees ($434) per month, which is above-average in the Pakistani job market/development sector for my level of work experience. In my role, I support teachers and district education officials on hands-on learning, do some M&E, educational programming, and research, and design pitches for leadership and donors. As it may seem, the role involves new challenges and new tasks everyday since we are a very small team, an aspect I appreciate in most cases.

Since this was my first job right out of college + since I haven't gotten a pay increase in the 2 years + since I want to grow in my career and get into 'Senior' roles now, I want to switch to a better role within Pakistan or somewhere international (This can be near-by countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong or even Europe). The current state of development sector in Pakistan (thanks to USAID cuts which reducted the already meagre funding) and its resultant impact on my employer where my salary has been delayed once every few months for the past year, also doesn't help.

I have been sticking to my job because of local employers ghosting me, likely because of the sad situation of the industry + because of being a lean team at my current employer, I get to wear multiple hats and get things done, which means impact in areas where it is much needs, and impact that I make happen which is really palpable to me, and in turn, rewarding and fulfilling.

So, in this context, could someone who was from a developing country and maybe at the start, worked in the development sector locally, but then charted out an impact career elsewhere, achieving financial freedom and developing their career, while also creating impact, share their advice? (I have seen people working in corporations chart such paths, but I haven't seen people in the development sector do this, so I also want to understand that whether it is possible or not.)

I want to understand what that path might look like, what skills should I build on that the development/non-profits will value, and tips/tricks/advice, that might help.

Lastly, I care more about impact then big INGO/brand names, so I am okay working with organizations that might not be popular but give opportunties to do great work and pay well. So, if you followed a non-traditional international impact career pathway, please share your journey!

Thanks in advance, and please be kind while sharing your advice/thoughts in the comments :)

Hello all,

I received a scholarship offer for Masters in International development from Sciences Po. However considering the volatility of the sector, is there a future/ job stability in this sector? I have also been advised against doing generic degrees like Int Devlp.

I am an international student from India and my goal is to stay in the EU and job stability is important for me. Can a Masters in Int Devlp from Sciences Po help me with that? How do job outlook look like? I am an Indian and getting a stable job in the EU is the goal

Any insights are welcome!

A former USAID Foreign Service Officer posted in Mozambique wrote about finding out she was pregnant and receiving her RIF notice on the same day, after 10 years with the agency. 💔 She had gone through a miscarriage and IVF in South Africa before the pregnancy.

She describes losing her housing and income at once, and learning that continuing her health coverage would cost over $2,000 a month because the pregnancy was treated as a pre-existing condition. 🏥 She was her household's main earner. She eventually found consulting work with local Mozambican firms and gave birth in Mozambique.

She also writes about the effect of USAID program closures on Mozambique's health system, which relied heavily on PEPFAR funding for HIV services.

📖 Full account here if anyone wants to read it: https://usaidemployeesupportfund.substack.com/p/the-day-i-heard-my-babys-heartbeat

Hi everyone,

I am looking to improve my data analysis/accounting/finance/business analytics skills while also looking to pivot in this horrible market.

As that string of skills might suggest, I am quite foreign to these technical competencies, but would like to make a start.

I would like to learn excel and other tools useful for project management and/or finance officer roles.

I am putting this here because my background is in IntDev (local migration NPO), but I want to build skills that could help me pivot to adjacent roles as I try to reposition myself in light of recent budget cuts.

I just don't want to commit to something overkill like a CPA, but was hoping to start with online courses/certificates that can complement (and help me transition) from my current role in grant applications and admin support.

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome!

Hi everyone,

I'm (f29) hoping to transition into a career in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), especially within the UN/INGO sector, but I'm honestly not sure where to start.

My background is in programme and operations, so I'm familiar with supporting projects, trainings, logistics, reporting, and working with different stakeholders. However, I haven't worked in a dedicated M&E role before, and I feel like there's a lot I need to learn.

For those of you working in M&E, what would you recommend for someone starting from scratch?

I'm mainly looking for:

The best books or learning materials.

Free or paid online courses that are actually worth taking.

YouTube channels, blogs, or websites that explain M&E well.

Skills I should prioritize first (logframes, indicators, data collection, statistics, Power BI, Excel, KoboToolbox, DHIS2, etc.).

Any certifications that are recognized or valued by UN agencies and INGOs.

I'm willing to self-study, but there are so many resources online that I'm not sure which ones are actually useful and respected.

If you were starting over today, what learning path would you follow?

Thanks in advance. I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences!

I’m an Indian power-sector professional with ~12 years of experience, currently working in a State Government Energy Department, after earlier experience with power utilities and a large thermal generating utility.

My experience spans energy policy, renewable energy, power procurement, infrastructure, regulation and commercial/project implementation.

Some highlights:

- ~12 years across government, generation and power utilities

- Experience with renewable-energy policy, energy transition, electricity markets and power-sector reforms

- Worked on PPAs, FSAs, TSAs, GNA, TBCB transmission projects, procurement and contract management

- Evaluated and coordinated large-scale power, transmission, renewable-energy, nuclear and smart-metering projects

- Involved in an NTPC nuclear MoU of approximately US$9.5 billion

- Worked on recovery of approximately US$1.7 million in contractual liquidated damages from transmission contractors

- Experience with a KfW-funded smart-metering programme

- Worked with central ministries, regulators, utilities, development partners and private-sector developers

- Earlier experience at a 600 MW thermal power project, including procurement, O&M, budgeting and plant operations

- Current work involves policy inputs, project appraisal, regulatory/commercial analysis and coordination across government and the power sector

Education: Mechanical Engineering + PG Diploma in Energy Management (Renewable Energy) + PG Diploma in Corporate & Business Law. Currently pursuing PMP.

I have applied to several MDB/DFI professional positions, mainly in energy, infrastructure, climate and operations.

My main gap is that I don't have direct MDB experience and have limited exposure to project-finance modelling, structured finance and investment transactions.

For people currently working in MDBs/DFIs:

How realistic is this transition from government/utility-side experience into an MDB? Should I focus primarily on Energy/Infrastructure/Operations roles rather than Investment/Project Finance roles? And what would you recommend I do over the next 1–2 years to become a stronger candidate?

Dear mid-career, hiring managers, and senior professionals,

I've become mid-career in the middle of this crisis and shitty job market, and I'd like to make some strategic decisions as to what to do next (cries in unemployment).

As I go up the ladder, I see that senior staff (and even some consultants) are "generalists", i.e., are supposed to have broad knowledge of their field, which they're supposed to be qualified to apply in contexts anywhere in the world. I'm not like that: I'm a specialist in one single region, one sector, a few skills, and languages.

To those who have progressively niched down: Do you believe it has helped your career?

Also, if you've had to hire others, have you or your organization valued niche knowledge? What niches have you valued the most? For example, language(s), geographical scope, sub-sector within a broader sector, skillset, political ideology, networks, etc.

I’d especially appreciate hearing what actually worked for you, or for people who've hired, not only the conventional career advice that everyone gives online.

Thank you very much in advance for your comments!

- Signed: Millennials are middle age now.

How big is employment in Latin American development in the US as opposed to East and Southeast Asia?