What I learned working for a huge INGO: relationships matter. More than you think. On top of everything else, you have to have good people skills in this business. Which makes sense, since this job is – after all – about people.

What I learned working for a tiny little INGO that almost no one’s ever heard of: Acting and seeming and actually being professional matter. Probably more than you think. Also, you don’t have to be huge to make a big difference: you can do great, effective work with a budget in the tens of thousands of USD.

What I learned working in Asia*: Things take as long as they take. Yes, meet reporting deadlines, keep appointments, follow-through on time-bound commitments. But build enough time in to project, programs and strategies to do things right. Good aid does not happen overnight.

What I learned working in Africa*: Don’t judge people, places, or situations based on superficial appearances. Invest in understanding. It took me far too long to “get” this one.

What I learned doing long-term development work: We get far more from the people[...]

[Published in AidBlogs - Read the original article]