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

Join Satomi Ogata, founder of Beyond Bias and late-diagnosed neurodivergent HR professional, as she shares 15 years of insights from international organizations. Discover why traditional DEI approaches often fail neurodivergent talent, learn practical strategies for creating truly inclusive workplaces, and get game-changing interview questions to evaluate potential employers. From Singapore to UN agencies in Denmark, Satomi reveals the gap between inclusion theory and practice—and offers universal design solutions that benefit everyone. Essential listening for neurodivergent professionals, HR practitioners, and anyone building careers in international development. Key takeaways: How to navigate disclosure decisions, spot genuinely inclusive employers, and why small workplace adjustments create massive impact. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

When WHO economist Tania Cernuschi couldn't sleep through her children's coughing in January 2025, she had an audacious idea: what if one billion people each donated just one dollar to support global health? Within days of launching the One World Movement, it was raising $10,000 daily and has now generated over $500,000 from 10,000+ supporters. In this episode, Tania and WHO Foundation's Sandra Sorial reveal how individual donations democratize global health funding, why multilateral cooperation benefits everyone (including your local pharmacy visits), and how this grassroots movement is creating unexpected pathways into global health careers. From midnight musings to a movement that's raised over $5 million, discover how small actions create big change in global health solidarity. Ready to make your voice heard? Every dollar counts at oneworldhealthforall.org Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

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. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

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. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

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. Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes 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.

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! Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes