Impactpool Career Podcast

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