Help get me out of corporate software development, and into Making A Difference!
October 28, 2010 9:30 AM Subscribe
I'm a mid-career software professional (architect level, 10 years experience), US citizen, and contemplating a change. I would like to know the feasibility of working for an NGO, doing technological infrastructure in the third-world.
First off, I have no idea how to even approach searching for such a position. Where to start? The UN? What tangible things would I have to know, learn, or understand to even consider such a change? I'm in a crisis of confidence at my current position, and really want to "Make A Difference" as it were. Does anyone have any experience changing from corporate to NGO technology? Any and all ideas are welcome.
First off, I have no idea how to even approach searching for such a position. Where to start? The UN? What tangible things would I have to know, learn, or understand to even consider such a change? I'm in a crisis of confidence at my current position, and really want to "Make A Difference" as it were. Does anyone have any experience changing from corporate to NGO technology? Any and all ideas are welcome.
Best answer: Here's Cambodia's longest running blog, by an artist/publisher/IT dude named John Weeks. Have a look at his about section, the Tech Saturday section, check out his archives, and maybe consider getting in touch. He's very plugged in to any number of local scenes, and friends have told me he's been very helpful in the past.
posted by Ahab at 10:14 AM on October 28, 2010
posted by Ahab at 10:14 AM on October 28, 2010
I used to work for a Ecology and environment relatad research NGO in India. I remember that there was this guy who came there from NZ, solely dedicated to running the computer systems and basically managing the IT stuff. He was incredibly helpful to the organization. Of course, now this NGO is huge, and probably employs its own IT people, but at that time, this guy was very much needed. So I suggest that organizations that are new/just starting out will value you services more.
posted by dhruva at 11:22 AM on October 28, 2010
posted by dhruva at 11:22 AM on October 28, 2010
Response by poster: dhruva - any ideas about organizations that are just starting out or new? Is there a resource online that has anything like that, other than Idealist? I don't know specific NGOs, only ones that I read about in the back pages of The Economist, but I'm not sure that's the best place to start my search.
Thanks for all of your assistance everyone, it is greatly appreciated.
posted by jivadravya at 12:49 PM on October 28, 2010
Thanks for all of your assistance everyone, it is greatly appreciated.
posted by jivadravya at 12:49 PM on October 28, 2010
Best answer: Sure, possibly-hiring tech companies that work in the third world
posted by tmcw at 3:42 PM on October 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
- (elections) NDI
- (crowdsourcing) Ushahidi / Swift River
- (sms/crowdsourcing) FrontlineSMS
- (?) InSTEDD
- (children) UNICEF (develops RapidSMS, which needs engineers)
posted by tmcw at 3:42 PM on October 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Unfortunately, it's been a while since I lived in India, so my knowledge is no longer current. I'll ask a few friends and see if they can turn up anything.
posted by dhruva at 7:15 PM on October 28, 2010
posted by dhruva at 7:15 PM on October 28, 2010
Best answer: Volunteering via the internet with UN Volunteers Online Volunteering could get your foot in the door with an organization or at least give you a way to start Making A Difference.
Devex and Monday Developments are good resources for jobs, news, advice, and just getting a feel for what's going on.
If you want to start reading blogs on development, I can send you a list of the ones I like.
posted by ramenopres at 8:26 PM on October 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Devex and Monday Developments are good resources for jobs, news, advice, and just getting a feel for what's going on.
If you want to start reading blogs on development, I can send you a list of the ones I like.
posted by ramenopres at 8:26 PM on October 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Just some more general ideas. It sounds like you've got highly marketable skills, and if you're flexible in how you can apply those (eg can you train others as well as do what you do), your biggest problem mightn't be convincing particular organizations to let you aboard. Rather, your main issues may be deciding where you want to work, what exactly you want to do, and job matching.
You can get lists of intergovernmental organizations, international NGOs, church aid organizations, and governmental aid bodies from Wikipedia or google. Find out what each does, whether they're likely to have projects or admin sections that need your skills, then google for contact details.
But there's also always a ton of local NGOs (and the local branches of international NGOs) working in any country that's got problems. They often hire locally. Or accept local volunteers if you're willing to go that route.
Apart from that last link, if you have specific countries in mind, it's often possible to just google "[country name] NGO council/committee" or "[country name] NGO directory". Somewhere on the first page you'll usually find a link to either a directory or a peak NGO coordinating body for that country. Sometimes there'll be more than one. The linked site will often have a list of organization names, organization goals and activities, contact people, and addresses and phone numbers. Sometimes the info is free, sometimes you have to buy the directory.
There are worldwide lists and directories of NGOs out there (I've linked to the SE Asia section of that one). I can't really vouch for their value because I've never used them.
Then, once again, it's a case of finding organizations that look like they run projects or have administrative arms that need your skill set, and contacting people. Lots of emails, lots of phone calls. Ultimately, you also want to be able to attend overseas interviews if necessary.
posted by Ahab at 2:01 AM on October 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
You can get lists of intergovernmental organizations, international NGOs, church aid organizations, and governmental aid bodies from Wikipedia or google. Find out what each does, whether they're likely to have projects or admin sections that need your skills, then google for contact details.
But there's also always a ton of local NGOs (and the local branches of international NGOs) working in any country that's got problems. They often hire locally. Or accept local volunteers if you're willing to go that route.
Apart from that last link, if you have specific countries in mind, it's often possible to just google "[country name] NGO council/committee" or "[country name] NGO directory". Somewhere on the first page you'll usually find a link to either a directory or a peak NGO coordinating body for that country. Sometimes there'll be more than one. The linked site will often have a list of organization names, organization goals and activities, contact people, and addresses and phone numbers. Sometimes the info is free, sometimes you have to buy the directory.
There are worldwide lists and directories of NGOs out there (I've linked to the SE Asia section of that one). I can't really vouch for their value because I've never used them.
Then, once again, it's a case of finding organizations that look like they run projects or have administrative arms that need your skill set, and contacting people. Lots of emails, lots of phone calls. Ultimately, you also want to be able to attend overseas interviews if necessary.
posted by Ahab at 2:01 AM on October 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks so much everyone - I really appreciate all the links and information. It is a lot to digest, but this gives me a great starting place. Thanks again!
posted by jivadravya at 6:29 AM on October 29, 2010
posted by jivadravya at 6:29 AM on October 29, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rmd1023 at 9:54 AM on October 28, 2010