Unjobfinder Career Podcast

After 20 years at the United Nations, Amar Bokhari took a leap of faith to revitalize his family's textile business in Pakistan. In this episode, discover how he transformed a traditional rug company into a thriving social enterprise that employs 450 people, provides free education to 1,000 children, and operates on 100% solar power. Amar shares his unique perspective as a Norwegian-Pakistani entrepreneur and offers invaluable insights on balancing purpose with profitability. Whether you're an aspiring social entrepreneur or interested in sustainable business practices, this conversation provides both practical wisdom and inspiration for making business a force for good in the 21st century.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Christel Adamou, HR Director at the OPEC Fund for International Development. Discover what makes this Vienna-based multilateral development bank unique, from its diverse workforce to its focus on impactful projects fighting poverty worldwide. Christel shares valuable career advice from her 20 years in international development, discusses entry pathways including internships and specialized programs, and reveals why Vienna offers an exceptional quality of life for international professionals. Whether you're considering a career in development or curious about multilateral institutions, this episode provides practical insights into making a global impact.

In this episode of the Impactpool podcast series, we meet with Ines Olano, Chief of Talent Management at the Inter-American Development Bank. With 30 years of global experience at companies like Unilever, Bayer, and Honeywell, Ines shares insights on cross-cultural leadership, women's development initiatives, and her transition from corporate to development sectors. Learn about practical strategies for building professional networks, enhancing organizational culture, and measuring talent development success. Discover how personal values and international experience shape effective leadership in today's interconnected world.

In this Impactpool podcast, we sit down with Sarah Clapham, Science Policy Officer at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Sarah shares her remarkable journey from chemistry researcher to international policy expert while offering valuable insights into navigating STEM fields as both a woman and a neurodivergent professional. Discover how Sarah's neurodivergent perspective brings unique strengths to her work translating complex scientific concepts for diplomats and policymakers. She discusses the challenges of gender bias in male-dominated environments, the progress she's witnessed throughout her career, and provides practical advice for aspiring women in STEM. This episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and creating more inclusive environments where diverse voices can drive innovation in science and global security.

In this episode we meet with Scott Fitzgerald, Head of Talent Acquisition at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. We speak about how this multilateral organization is powering sustainable infrastructure across Asia, from renewable energy in Kazakhstan to satellite connectivity in Indonesia. Scott shares insights from his journey from rural Canada to Beijing, offers practical advice on international relocation, and reveals what AIIB looks for in candidates during this period of rapid growth. Whether you're considering a career in development or curious about life abroad, this episode delivers valuable perspectives from a talent acquisition leader with truly global experience!

In this inspiring Impactpool Podcast, Eugenia Olliaro shares her remarkable career path from working in the service industry to becoming the Manager of Data Governance at UNICEF. Eugenia speaks about how her experiences across nearly ten countries shaped her perspective, from her early work with migrant communities to her roles as a UN Volunteer in Tajikistan and emergency response in Kenyan refugee camps. Throughout her journey, Eugenia highlights how connections with extraordinary people worldwide have been her greatest source of motivation. The episode offers valuable insights on personal growth in international development, with Eugenia open-heartedly discussing her decision to leave UNICEF to stay true to her values of the importance of continuous learning, self-reflection, and staying true to what drives you. A must-listen for anyone interested in humanitarian careers or seeking inspiration for their own personal development journey.

What does it take to build a career advancing sustainable development across cultures and continents? Hear Jean-Luc Marcelin, Talent Acquisition and Partnership Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) share his journey in international development and valuable insights for aspiring UN professionals!

From military service to managing global talent - in this episode, we meet with Micheal Conneely, Director of Human Resources Management at UNIDO. Micheal shares his fresh perspectives on how traditional career paths are evolving in international organizations; how to ensure promoting diversity and inclusion in a global workforce; the role of AI and automation in transforming HR practices and the current trends shaping the future of HR in international organizations. We speak about UNIDO's diverse work across more than 60 countries, from addressing world hunger through agribusiness initiatives to promoting sustainable industrial development and climate action, ensuring delivery of the mandate with a focus on mental health and employee wellbeing. Whether you're interested in international development or curious about the future of work, this episode offers unique insights into managing talent in a rapidly changing world!

In this episode, intern Emma Nijssen takes us behind the scenes at the Green Climate Fund (GCF), sharing insights from her roles in accreditation and investment operations. From navigating project partnerships to discovering unexpected career opportunities, Emma discusses what it really takes to join this unique climate finance institution and make the most of the experience.

In this Impactpool Podcast, we meet with the ICC's Talent Acquisition Team Lead, Daiga Barone. We look at the challenges and strategies of recruitment and human resources management; Daiga shares her own diverse career path, from the private sector to the public service of the ICC, and discusses the ICC's efforts to efficiently process a surge of job applications while ensuring diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Besides that, we speak about the potential use of AI in talent acquisition, the importance of employee well-being, and Daiga's approach to team management and personal development. Enjoy! Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

Impactpool meets with Michael Emery, Director, Division for Human Resources Management at IOM - UN Migration. Micheal has a long working history in HR and dare we say it, always interesting stories to share! In this podcast we speak about his broad experience as an HR director, his take on advancing an inclusive workplace; the positive impact the Covid pandemic may have had on staff wellbeing initiatives; and, the future of HR in international organizations. Of course, we take this opportunity to have Micheal advise on essentials when you are considering applying for the IOM. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

In this podcast, we meet with Sophie Rwegera Khadhraoui who is the Head of Staffing Division at the International Committee of the Red Cross. In our discussion we touch upon Sophie’s career path in the ICRC, the insights that data analytics bring in the decision-making process for workforce planning, and how the ICRC nurtures talent and facilitates staff mobility within the organization, upskilling their workforce, and fostering professional growth opportunities. And again we will not shy away from discussing what candidates should prepare for when they want to apply; in this case for the ICRC. Enjoy this episode with an organisation, whose presence in the world, truly makes a hard-needed difference.

In this Impactpool podcast episode, we meet with Liza Rubinstein - Co-Founder and Head of Impact at Carbon Equity. Carbon Equity focuses on investments in climate technology solutions with a vision of a carbon net-zero economy. Through different investment portfolios, it enables investors to contribute to a sustainable future - a true company with impact. As we meet at their office in Amsterdam we speak about what drove the co-founders to start this company; we discuss the challenges and opportunities and talk about interesting technologies that can help us tackle the climate issue. There are so many fantastic initiatives out there… how can we all make an impact? Well, one thing is where you invest your money and what you do with your time. As we work over 80,000 hours in our life, thinking about how you can make an impact can make a meaningful difference. Inspiring things to talk about. Listen to the podcast and get inspired too! Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

In this Impactpool podcast, we meet with global health expert Dr. Deepa Pindolia. Deepa has over a decade of experience in strategically leading malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) programs across Africa. Amongst others, she has worked for the Clinton Health Access Initiative and is now employed as a Consultant at the World Health Organisation.  In this episode we discuss, amongst others, her involvement and the importance of these programmes; her career path and how internships helped her shape her career choices; and her choice to be a full-time parent, taking a break from work, and how this ‘hardest decision of her life’ turned out the be on of the most important things she had ever done.

In this podcast Regional Director Asia Bushra Zulfiqar speaks about why girls get married early; what can be done, what is being done to address this issue and the challenges Terre des Hommes encounters to arrive at a child-marriage-free Asia. Globally, each year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18. This is 23 girls every minute and one girl every three seconds. These are staggering numbers... Listen to the efforts made to improve the lives of young girls. Besides that, we also speak about Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

In this podcast, we meet with Olufemi Elias, former Registrar (United Nations Assistant Secretary-General) of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). Today, he works as an independent Judge for ‘Administrative Tribunals’ and a visiting Professor in International Law at Queen Mary, University of London. Amongst others, we discuss his fascination with the international legal system; he shares his advice with those who want to work within the Legal frameworks of international organisations; and still being a musician himself, we discuss the importance of being who you are, and keeping doing the things that inspire you that are not part of your UN career. Music by Olufemi Elias

In this episode of our Impactpool podcast series, we meet with Paolo Bernasconi, the Director of Human Resources of the OSCE. We discuss quite a few topics that have to do with attitudes and behaviours in the workplace. In the discussion, Paolo speaks about the importance of vulnerability: we speak about HR being a safe space and the importance it plays in the individual growth of people. We also discuss how important it is to engage with those who are sceptical about embracing diversity, in order to make the workplace inclusive, and obviously, we do not want to miss the opportunity to ask Paolo about his view on a successful application and how to prepare for an interview, and the importance of carpooling when preparing for an interview :-)

In this episode, we meet with Ndunge Evelyn Pavao who works as the Associate HR Director, Talent Acquisition at Clinton Health Access Initiative and is also the founder of Kweli Noir, a review website created for anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. We speak about her role in CHAI, and what they are looking for when recruiting; we dive into what it means to successfully manage a diverse and inclusive workforce, we talk about her review website and what it means to her and how it helps others make an informed decision; and we speak about what it is that drives her - her values and motivators, and how that inspires others!

In this episode, we speak with David about his belief on how HR can make a strong impact on the well-being of staff in the public sector, and how the intelligence, skills, commitment, passion, and courage of the people who work for them make the difference. We touch upon the grading system of the UN; and how to make a real difference when it comes to Diversity and Inclusion in your hiring of staff. And of-course we learn more about what drives him as person doing the work he does, with so much passion

In this first new episode of our Impactpool podcast series we meet with Catty Bennet Sattler, the Director of Human Resources of the UNHCR. We touch upon her passion for HR and her care for personal wellbeing, how to prepare when you are interested to work in the humanitarian field, and, last but not least, what Catty believes has been critical as a personal trait throughout her career.