For professionals in international development, the changing funding landscape presents a unique set of challenges:
- Job Market Uncertainty: Funding volatility translates directly into hiring freezes, project closures, and layoffs, leaving many professionals questioning their next steps.
- Increased Competition for Roles: As organizations restructure, fewer positions are available, while a growing pool of qualified candidates enters the market.
- Shifting Skill Demands: The sector is evolving rapidly, with increasing emphasis on locally led development, new financing models, and digital transformation—requiring professionals to adapt and expand their skill sets.
While these challenges are real, so, too, is the opportunity to build a career strategy that prioritizes adaptability, network strength, and long-term impact.
Strategic Career Responses
Navigating career uncertainty requires more than just a strong CV—it demands a proactive approach to professional resilience. Here are three key strategies:
1. Develop an Adaptive Career Mindset
The most successful professionals in this moment will be those who embrace flexibility and continuous learning. Consider:
- Expanding your sectoral reach by exploring opportunities in adjacent spaces like philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or impact investing.
- Enhancing key competencies in areas such as program sustainability, localization strategies, and innovative financing models.
- Embracing interim and consulting roles to maintain sector engagement and diversify experience.
2. Strengthen Your Professional Network
In a competitive job market, relationships matter more than ever. Proactively engage with:
- Peer networks, mentorship programs, and professional associations.
- Former colleagues and partners who can provide insights into emerging opportunities.
- Recruiters and executive search firms that specialize in mission-driven leadership placements.
3. Rethink Leadership and Career Growth
With organizations reassessing their leadership needs, now is the time to position yourself as a strategic asset. Steps to take include:
- Seeking out leadership development programs that align with the sector’s evolving priorities.
- Gaining exposure to governance, fundraising, or advocacy roles to broaden your impact potential.
- Staying attuned to trends in global development to anticipate where new opportunities may emerge.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout
Before diving into the job search, it’s essential to acknowledge the emotional and mental toll of career uncertainty. The stress of layoffs, funding instability, and professional transitions can be overwhelming. Taking care of yourself is not just important—it’s necessary for making thoughtful career decisions.
- Give yourself time to process any setbacks and regain confidence before jumping into applications.
- Set boundaries around job searching to prevent it from becoming an all-consuming stressor.
- Engage in activities that recharge you—whether through exercise, time with loved ones, or mindfulness practices.
- Seek support from peers, mentors, or professional career coaches to maintain perspective and motivation.
How Oxford HR Can Support You
At Oxford HR, we understand that career transitions—especially in times of uncertainty—require more than just job search tactics. We support international development professionals by:
- Identifying and matching mission-driven candidates with resilient organizations.
- Providing executive coaching and leadership development insights to help candidates navigate change effectively.
- Advising on career pivots that align with both sector trends and individual aspirations.
If you are navigating career uncertainty, we are here to help. Reach out to discuss how we can support your professional journey and ensure that your next step is one of both impact and fulfillment.
Dr Karna Cohen
Dr. Karna Cohen’s two decades of experience working innovatively on how the private, public, nonprofit, security, and technology sectors can work both independently, and in concert, to promote growth and stability in emerging markets has earned her a spot as a trusted advisor to the C-suite. Dr. Cohen specializes in driving and executing strategy, international business development, public policy, strategic initiatives, and ESG/human rights adherence, across numerous industries, often in sensitive contexts. She has led organizations (including her own consulting firm) focused on ESG/CSR, public policy, trade & investment, and conflict mitigation leading to multi-country Presidential Resolutions in support of ESG practices and policies, successful Congressional Resolutions on corporate accountability, US-Africa trade policy endorsed by the Secretary of State, U.S. Presidential acknowledgements in support of global stability efforts, and the successful growth of numerous Fortune 100/500 clients while adhering to explicit ESG and accountability targets.
Dr. Cohen has lived and worked in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and across the Americas, and speaks French, Hebrew, and Danish in addition to her native English. She holds a doctorate in International Development and Technology Studies with a concentration on fragile states.
