📻 In this podcast:

Judith talks about her work as a policy analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.  The interview also shed light on what inspired Judith to pursue a career in tech policy; the skills needed to excel as a policy analyst; and her insights on the importance of tech policy in relation to international development. Judith gave some of her best advice on how to venture into tech as a social science graduate as well as her best career advice to her younger self.

☁️About Judith:

Judith Gideon Mwaya is a policy analyst within the Tech for Development Unit at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Her work revolves around the intersection of technology and public policy. Prior to joining TBI, she worked as a policy and practice coordinator at Innovation for Poverty Action. She holds an MSc from the London School of Economics. Judith is originally from Tanzania and currently working in Accra, Ghana. She is fluent in Kiswahili and English.  In her Spare time, Judith enjoys travelling and learning about new cultures.

Here is a skip time for you:

[00:48] Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?

[01:46] Can you tell us a bit more about your current role as a Policy Analyst at the TBI? What do you do on a daily basis?

[04:45] What are some key skills needed for a policy analyst? (hard skills/ soft skills/ knowledge?)

[09:28]  What exciting projects are you working on right now?

[12:54]  As an African tech policy expert, what opportunities does tech present for the developmental progress of the Continent? What policy-related advice would you give African tech startups?

[15:55] What inspired you to pursue a career in the intersection between tech/public policy/and international development?

[19:53] Given the lack of tech focus in the University, what advice would you give young professionals who are interested in kick start their careers in similar roles?

[23:41] What is the best piece of career advice you would give your younger self?

[28:38] Any final thoughts?

🎙 Our guest mentor is Tahreem Shah, Architect | Yunus&Youth Fellow, Social Entrepreneur |Co-Founder of Bhorosha.

📻 In this podcast:

Tahreem shares her journey of becoming a Social Entrepreneur by making the career pivot from an Architect to founding her own venture while finding synergy between the two fields.

She speaks passionately about how she was able to seize some of the amazing opportunities  such as becoming a Yunus & Youth Fellow and finding internship opportunities abroad, through curiosity, determination, and hard work. Tahreem also talks about how she was inspired to solve developmental challenges among informal settlements in her home country Bangladesh with socially responsive architecture.

Tahreem offers her best advice for fellow over-achievers like her to navigate the school to real-world transition.

Listen to the full podcast for an inspiring conversation that will broaden your perspective on how to create/size opportunities and explore your own career path.

☁️About Tahreem:

Tahreem Shah is an Architect and a Yunus & Youth Fellow. She was selected by the Bard College in the US to attend the OSUN Summer Credit Course on ‘Women and Covid-19: Activism, Leadership, and Global Engagement'.

Following an architectural internship in Norway, she started to get involved in local/global initiatives that focus on urban disaster preparedness –particularly those the focus on architectural design and financial inclusion of low-income communities. Furthermore, she received Certificate of Professional Development on Global Leadership and Sustainable Urbanisation.   Tahreem is the co-founder of the social business initiative 'Bhorosha' which is currently under Unleash PLUS 2022 programme. Overall, she has dedicated her work in contributing to socially responsive architecture and finding solutions for informal settlements.

Here is a skip time for you:

[00:59] Would you first give us a brief introduction about who you are and what you do?

[02:18] Tell us more about exciting initiatives you have been working on throughout your career ?

[06:20] Your background is in architecture, what made you decide to make the career transition to the field of social entrepreneurship? How did you find the move? Were you able to find a lot of synergy between the two fields?

[12:08] You are someone who is constantly creating your own opportunities. What’s your secret - how do you spot opportunities when they come?

[18:03] What advice would you give anyone who is interested in working in the Social Enterprise space in developing countries? Any tips on how to break into the industry?

[28:54] What is the best piece of career advice you would give your younger self?

[30:32] Any final thoughts?

Check out the below resources Tahreem mentioned in the podcast.

1. https://www.childrenvironment.org/blog/youth-pov-right-to-healthy-environment

2. https://yunusandyouth.com/project/tahreem-shah/

3. https://www.unite2030.com/youth-delegate-info/tahreem-shah

4. https://www.showcase.com.bd/student-thesis/borendro-folklore-complex/

📻 In this podcast:

Mahek shares how she found passions in environmentalism and community building through

her studies. She speaks candidly about her positive experience working in the government, from the changes she has seen in working conditions to the unique path she took to her current role.

Mahek offers her best advice on how to navigate career uncertainty and continue building

“identity capital” when you feel stuck. Listen to the full podcast for a heartening conversation that will help you foster resilience and reflect on your potential to make the greatest impact.

☁️About Mahek:

Mahek has worked across the Civil Service in three government departments, and completed the Summer Diversity Internship Scheme (SDIP). She previously worked at HM Treasury on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and currently acts as the Head of Clean Energy and Advanced Economies in BEIS. Mahek has a BA in History and International Relations from Loughborough University, including an ERASMUS at Maastricht University, and a MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from UCL. In her free time she enjoys reading, growing vegetables and learning about the built environment.

🎙 Our guest mentor is Localised Humanitarian Assistance Expert Katharina Ahrens, Programs Quality Director at Violet Organization for Relief and Development.

📻 In this podcast:

Katharina shares the most candid advice on finding filed work opportunities, getting started in the ID industry, maintaining motivation during challenging times. She also spoke on skills and character traits she look for when she hires new team members. Tune in to listen to her truth bomb for students and young professionals who wish to build a career in the international Development industry.

☁️About Katharina:

Originally from Germany with a Master’s in Humanitarian Action, Katharina has worked with local and international organisations in the Middle East and North Africa region for over 5 years, focusing on locally led humanitarian assistance and quality programming. She is currently the Programs Quality Director for the Violet Organisation for Relief and Development.

Here is a skip time for you:

[00:47] Would you first give us a brief introduction about who you are and what you do?

[01:18] As a localization expert, where do you think foreign EXPATs can best add value in a localized development model/humanitarian response?

[02:47] Now that more and more international organizations are starting to localize, there are less and less opportunities available for foreign students to work in the field. What advice would you give people who would like to gain some hands on field experience? Where can they find such opportunities?

[05:07] And what are some things they need to especially be aware of when working in the field?

[06:49] Could you speak more on the cultural sock many Western students/young professionals may face when first starting the field work? Ie. especially on how to appropriately engaged with the locals.

[08:34] We all know that the ID and humanitarian sectors face criticism for unpaid internships. It for sure is a barrier that prevents those who don't have financial means to gain the experience they need to break into the industry. What do you think one can do to gain that experience without an unpaid internship?

[11:29] As someone who leads a big team, what are some key skills (soft & hard) you look for when you hire someone to be on your team?

[13:39] "follow up question" What are some highly valued hard skills for a career in ID and humanitarian work?

[15:04] As a WIAN mentor what’s the most common question you get from your mentee? Do you mind sharing your answer to their questions?

[17:05] Katharina's Advise on CV/Cover letter writing

[20:24] What is the best piece of career advice you would give your younger self?

[22:43] Any final thoughts?

Hi Everyone! We are excited to launch a special podcast.

🎙 Our guest mentor is M&E expert Katherine Liakos, senior consultant at IMC worldwide.

📻 In this podcast:

Katherine shares fascinating stories of how she was able to work and live in 8 countries across 4 countaints over the past 10 years. Tune in to listen to her expercience  on how she set foot in the international development industry; how she became an expert in M&E; her tips on professional skill development, as well as her best career advice for students and young professionals.

☁️About Katherine :

Katherine is a senior consultant at IMC worldwide. She has over 10 years of  experience in M&E/project management in the International development sector. Katherine has lived/worked in Belgium, France, Peru, Ethiopia, Pakistan and the U.K., with shorter country missions to Burkina Faso, Kosovo, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Here is a skip time for you:

[00:35] Would you first give us a brief introduction about who you are and what you do?

[01:21] You have a very diverse professional path, you have been in many different fields in different countries, how has such a journey came about?

[03:13] Since you have extensive fieldwork experience in places Peru, Pakistan, Mozambique, what advice would you give students who wish to work in the field? Where is a good starting point/how do they find such an opportunity?

[07:52] Freelance consultancy projects is usually a great way to set foot in the industry and build connections, can you share with us more about your experiences working freelance work? How did you first start? Where is a good place to find project openings?

[15:26] You are an expert in monitor and evaluation, which is a key “hard” skillset need for the international development/ humanitarian sector. What advice would you give students and graduates who wish to build their careers in a similar direction?

[22:50] What is the best piece of career advice you would give your younger self?

[24:18] Any final thoughts?

Hi Everyone! We are excited to launch a special podcast. 

 🎙 Our guest mentor is Pavitra Raja, Program Lead at The World Economic Forum, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. 

 📻 In this podcast, Pavitra shares her inspiring professional journey transitioning from a career in law to working on social innovation at a large international organization. Tune in to listen to her interesting work in social innovation, her tips on language learnings & skill development as well as her best career advice for students and young professionals.    

☁️About Pavitra : Originally from the South of Australia, Pavitra speaks six languages and had an amazing .  Pavitra also leads the program work on social innovation, having launched programmes, initiatives, announcements, and reports at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Sustainable Development Impact Summit in New York, and leads the global launch of the Social Innovators of the Year Awards at the World Economic Forum.  

Pavitra has previously consulted with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on legal affairs, public policy, and communications at the UN HQ in Geneva, Switzerland. She managed several policy advocacy campaigns to promote the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Pavitra also worked in the private legal sector on cases involving individuals as well as firms in corporate affairs, defamation, intellectual property, and technology law. Pavitra managed legal, policy advocacy, and communications at Music Rights Australia (which works jointly with the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA)) designing and implementing national campaigns to preserve copyright laws in Australia to protect the rights of musicians. Pavitra has also worked in digital marketing, media, and fashion industries.  

Pavitra holds a Juris Doctor (specialising in Intellectual Property Law and International Law) along with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Political Sciences, and Marketing & Communications from the University of Melbourne. In addition, Pavitra has undertaken study abroad programmes at the University of Oxford, Maastricht University, and the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg.

Here is a skip time for you:   

[00:45] Pavitra's introduction

[02:40] Can you tell us about your career translation from legal professions to this international affairs/development/social innovation space? What triggered the transition?  

[08:05] Transitioning from two completely different fields is difficult, how do you leverage those difference to your advantage?  

[12:19]What kind of work do you do  in facilitating social innovation at the World Economic Forum?  

[14:28]what advice would you give someone who is interested in this space?  

[19:08] How do you managed to speak 6 languages?   

[22:00] You help social enterprises in developing countries to build capacity, what would you say is the recipe for success for a social enterprise?   [24:56] What is the best piece of career advice you would give your younger self?  

[26:05]Any final thoughts?

The RE: Project is excited to highlight the experiences of the #LGBTQIA+ community in International Development through a special series of podcasts featuring strong mentors who advocate for LGBTQ+ issues.

Our second speaker is Juan Miguel Sánchez Marin, Head of Programmes at The Kaleidoscope Trust, a UK-based, registered charity that works to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people globally.

In this podcast, Juan shares his journey and struggles working in the international development field as a gay man and his experience working around the world with his identity, the changes of perspective towards the LGBT+ community in the global development sector, and ways we can support the LGBT community.

With 15 years of international experience operating at the intersection of advocacy, policy and programming to create positive change for those most vulnerable, Juan is a law-based human rights and development specialist, holding a B.A in Law, a Master in Development Studies, a Diploma in Human Rights Law. Originally from the South of Spain, Juan spent most part of the last decade working with - and amplifying the voice of - human rights defenders, youth activists and civil society champions in different countries of South-East Asia and Central America. Currently, he serves as the Head of Programmes for the Kaleidoscope Trust, the UK’s leading LGBT+ international charity fighting for the human rights of LGBT+ people across the Commonwealth.

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜Learn more about: The Kaleidoscope Trust

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜Donate to support💜💙 💚💛🧡❤️     

In honor of #PrideMonth, The RE: Project is excited to highlight the experiences of the #LGBTQIA+ community in International Development through a special series of podcasts featuring strong mentors who advocate for LGBTQ+ issues.

Learn more about the initiatives/organization in the links below:

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 Policy Please , Press 

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 Dream Tree Thailand 

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜Rainbow Migrants

Learn more about Zaak: LinkedIn

The RE: Project has partnered with the WIAN | The Women in International Affairs Network for a special podcast interview with the founders of WIAN, Amandla Uzoka-Jarrett and Demiladé Falola-Apooyin.

Learn about the process and the purpose behind the creation of The Women in International Affairs Network, and listen in on some insights about their upcoming virtual conference event on July 3rd, 2021 (3pm-6.30pm BST) , 'Women, Tech and the Global Good', featuring inspirational and phenomenal speakers from IBM, Deloitte, United Nations Telecommunity Agency, and SEIDEA.

Check out their website: https://www.wianetwork.com/

Sign Up for the event: https://www.wianetwork.com/event-details/women-tech-and-the-global-good

About Amandla:

Amandla Uzoka-Jarrett is the Co-Founder of The Women in International Affairs Network. Balancing a career as a Freelance Consultant and Social Entrepreneur, she is passionate about harnessing private sector development and social enterprise for women’s economic empowerment, and helping clients to unlock new ideas and innovations that address global issues. PRINCE2 Practitioner Certified, with an MSc in Public Policy and Administration from The London School of Economics and a PPE BA degree from The University of Birmingham, she has professional experience in business plan writing, pitch deck development, project management (R&D and innovation) and impact reporting.

About Demiladé:

Demiladé Falola-Apooyin is the co-founder and CEO of the international career network and social enterprise, The Women in International Affairs Network (WIAN), tackling gender and youth inequality in international recruitment and workplaces. As an international trade and development specialist with a background in law, diplomacy and human rights, her areas of expertise are sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethical business, social rights and inclusion, with a keen interest in modern slavery and sustainable supply chains. She is passionate about empowering young women and making the international affairs industry fairer and more equitable through innovation.

About The Women in International Affairs Network (WIAN):

The Women in International Affairs Network (WIAN) is a digital membership platform that renovates the mainstream narratives about gender, youth equality and career development in the international industry. Access one-on-one mentorship and industry experts, join forums for answers on critical career questions, and build lasting connections using WIAN. As the number one destination for women in international affairs, they have built a powerful community that spans the globe and connects women of all backgrounds, orientations and experiences.

The RE: Project has partnered with the WIAN | The Women in International Affairs Network to create a podcast interview series about the career experience of remarkable women from the international development and humanitarian sector. They will be sharing their experience about the obstacles they faced, how they overcame them, and advice for other women embarking on a similar path.

Our sixth #podcast features Catherine (Kate) Kiama, Director of Programs at She's the First, a global community of ambitious students, dedicated teachers, inspiring artists, hardworking policymakers, community organizers and business leaders who are fighting for a world where girls have the right to choose their own futures and be empowered and educated in their communities.

In this podcast, Kate shares about the creation and meaning behind her organization, She's the First, the #challenges of gender norms and communal norms as a female in Kenya, and the fight against prejudiced #identity and #perspective.

Kate is a born feminist and is passionate about the law and in addressing social injustices that affect women and adolescent girls globally. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Kate is currently the Director of Program at She's the First (https://shesthefirst.org/). Kate previously worked as a Lawyer and Program Associate at the Aids Law Project and undertook her articles at Tripleoklaw Advocates LLP. She also served as a grant manager at the Nike Foundation supporting the Girl Effect Movement.