In this 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.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

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61. Catty Bennet Sattler - Director of HR at UNHCR

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!

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

63. Ndunge Evelyn Pavao - Associate HR Director, Talent Acquisition at CHAI

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.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

69. Sophie Rwegera Khadhraoui - Head of Staffing Division at the ICRC

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

71. Daiga Barone - Talent Acquisition Team Lead at the ICC

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.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

72. Impactpool Podcast - An internship with the Green Climate Fund

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

73. Micheal Conneely - Director, Human Resources Management at UNIDO - Reimagining Careers and HR

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!

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

74. From Cultural Exchange to Global Impact: A Conversation with UNDP's Jean-Luc Marcelin

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.

75. From Service Industry to UNICEF: How Eugenia Olliaro's early work shaped her Humanitarian Path

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!

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

76. International Relocation and Driving Impact: A Look Inside AIIB with Scott Fitzgerald

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

77. Sarah Clapham, OPCW: Neurodivergent woman breaking barriers in science and diplomacy

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.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

78. IDB's Ines Olano Shares Insights on Cross-Cultural Leadership and Women's Development

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

79. Christel Adamou, OPEC Fund: Shaping International Development with a People-Centered Approach

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.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

80. How Amar Bokhari Transformed His Family Business into a Social Enterprise Powerhouse

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

81. How One WHO Staff Member Sparked a Global Movement

Join Fiona Brazil, Head of HR at the European Southern Observatory, for insights into careers building the world's most powerful telescopes. From 8-day shifts in Chile's Atacama Desert to engineering the "Extremely Large Telescope," discover what it's really like working for an organization that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge.

Fiona shares practical advice on breaking into international scientific organizations and essential tips for authentic applications in the age of AI. Perfect for engineers seeking purpose-driven work or anyone curious about careers among the stars.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

82. Building Highways of Knowledge: Exploring Careers at the European Southern Observatory

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

83. Breaking Barriers: How Neurodivergent Professionals can Thrive in International Organizations

Ready to make a real impact? Join Mohini Ghai-Kramer, Head of Learning and Development at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as she reveals what it really takes to break into humanitarian work.

Discover the two distinct career pathways at ICRC - the specialist route for experts and the unique generalist path developed in-house. Learn about essential skills like intercultural competence and negotiation, plus get practical advice on transitioning into the sector.

Mohini dispels common myths about humanitarian work (it's not just about good intentions!) and shares insights on ICRC's comprehensive learning ecosystem spanning 90 countries. Whether you're considering a career change or just starting out, this episode offers honest guidance on building a meaningful career that makes a genuine difference.

Perfect for: Career changers, recent graduates, and anyone passionate about humanitarian impact.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

84. Pursuing a Career in Humanitarian Work: Pathways to Joining the ICRC

Introduction episode for the Impactpool (former UNjobfinder) Career Podcast by INTALMA. This podcast is for all of you who are interested in a career within the United Nations, European Union, Development Banks, intergovernmental or non-governmental organisations. By following this podcast you are going to hear interviews with people who are having a remarkable careers within this field; to hear their stories about how they once entered into this type of career, choices that they have made, challenges that they have faced and not least hear what advice they can share with you. In this introduction episode we are talking about the background of INTALMA and Impactpool, why we started this service and what we want to achieve.

EP#1 Introduction episode for the Impactpool (former UNjobfinder) Career Podcast

Michael Emery is the Director of Human Resources at UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. He started his career as a teacher in Australia and has since then had a remarkable career with different UN organizations. In this interview you will hear Michael share some of his experiences and valuable advice. Hear what Michel believes are essential skills and qualities if you you want to work with UNFPA and much more.


EP#2 | Meet Michael Emery - Director of Human Resources at UNFPA

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Amsterdam-based philosopher Karim Benammar, who's challenging the very foundations of how we recruit and think about talent. 

In this episode, Karim shares his radical ideas about hiring – from why you should consider candidates who 'hate' your company to why university degrees might be completely irrelevant. Drawing on his international background, which spans England, America, Japan, and the Netherlands, as well as his experience working with the UN, Karim offers a fresh philosophical perspective on age-old HR problems.

What you'll discover:
- Why traditional CVs, interviews, and experience requirements are failing us
- The "dating analogy" that reveals what's wrong with job interviews  
- How to shift from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking in recruitment
- Why hiring people who disagree with you might be your best strategy
- Practical experiments you can try in your next hiring process

Whether you're an HR professional frustrated with traditional methods, a leader looking to build more diverse teams, or simply someone curious about questioning established systems, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and offer new ways of thinking about human potential.

Karim Benammar, PhD, is an independent philosopher specializing in transformative thinking. Author of "Abundance" and "Reframing – The Art of Thinking Differently," he helps organizations question their fundamental assumptions through workshops and lectures across Europe.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

85. Karim Benammar: Why This Amsterdam Philosopher Is Revolutionizing How We Think About Hiring

Ever wondered what it takes to reach the top at the OECD—the organization shaping global economic policy for 38 countries?

Meet Daniel Fuster, Head of Human Resources at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, who transformed from a questioning young lawyer in Costa Rica to leading talent strategy at one of the world's most influential international bodies. Discover how the OECD's unique culture embraces non-linear career paths and why "pura vida" leadership is revolutionizing diversity in global policymaking.
You'll learn:

- How the OECD's "building better policies for better lives" mission attracts top talent
- Inside access: The OECD runs 800+ internships annually (vs. typical 3-month programs elsewhere)
- Why Costa Rica's recent OECD membership brings fresh perspective to global policy
- The OECD's diversity revolution under Daniel's leadership
- Your pathway into the organization that shapes economic policy worldwide

Ready to unlock the doors to one of the world's most prestigious international organizations? Take a listen.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

86. From Intern to Executive: A Costa Rican Lawyer's Journey to Leading HR at the OECD

Think INTERPOL is just for cops chasing international criminals? Think again! Join us as we sit down with Danielle Garcia (Head of Talent Acquisition) and Magda Vigoureux (Assistant Director in Corporate Services) to reveal the surprising truth about careers at the world's largest international police organization.

Discover how professionals from 138 nationalities contribute to global safety through roles in IT, finance, HR, project management, and more – no badge required! From Lyon's exceptional quality of life to career paths spanning three continents, learn what really attracts top talent and how you can stand out in your application.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking for meaningful work with global impact, this episode demystifies INTERPOL and shows why your next career move could help make the world safer.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

87. Breaking the Myth: Your Guide to Working at INTERPOL

Join us for an insightful conversation with Yvonne Helle, former UNDP special representative and senior leader who climbed from entry-level P1 to D2 over 31 years in the UN system.

In this candid interview, Yvonne shares her experiences navigating some of the world's most challenging contexts—Haiti, Sudan, Palestine, and Syria—while offering practical career advice for international development professionals.

Key topics covered:

- Breaking the field-headquarters divide and why it matters for career growth
- Leadership lessons learned in crisis zones
- Navigating the P4-P5 transition and beyond
- Balancing senior leadership roles with family life as a woman
- The changing landscape of international development
- Essential networking strategies and career advancement tips

Why listen: Whether you're starting your career or aiming for senior leadership, Yvonne's combination of hard-won wisdom, honest reflections, and actionable advice provides invaluable insights for anyone working in—or considering—international development.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

88. From P1 to D2: A UN Veteran's Journey Through Crisis and Change

As the UN marks 80 years of service, Liliana Nieves shares what it really takes to build effective humanitarian teams. From recruiting during a cholera outbreak in South Sudan to achieving gender parity at UN headquarters, she reveals:

✅ Why emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills
✅ How to tackle unconscious bias in hiring
✅ The direct link between strategic recruitment and mental health
✅ Why diversity isn't just nice to have—it's essential for effectiveness
✅ Real advice for breaking into humanitarian work

"We're not only hiring skills, but a team's culture and the capacity to manage pressure. Hiring the right person means selecting individuals who have the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to work effectively in high-stress environments."

Whether you're considering humanitarian work or managing teams in challenging contexts, this conversation offers actionable insights on building teams that can handle the emotional demands of making a real difference.

Music by Merlijn Angad Gaur / Musical Minutes

89. Inside Humanitarian Recruitment at the UN with Liliana Nieves Paez

Sajid Ali has over 15 years of experience from IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which is the oldest environmental organization in the world. 

In this episode you will learn more about:
- IUCN and their recruitment needs 
- What are the challenges and rewards from a career within a global organization
- Important lessons –It’s not all about your expertise!
- What are the personal traits that IUCN are looking for? 
- How you can make an impression with your CV and interviewing skills. 


EP#5 | Meet Sajid Ali from IUCN

After her first job after university, resettling Vietnamese refugees in Finland, she’s done four different UN entities, nine field duty stations, and three headquarters including the UN Secretariat in New York. Laura Londén just hit her 25th anniversary in the UN system and has worked in every single aspect of operational support. 
“That makes me a UN veteran and it also makes me a UN gypsy. I’m also what they call a UN brat, which basically makes me a second generation UN”, says Laura Londén, Director of Human Resources at UNWRA.

Listen to her many great stories, like how she contributed to the building of a new country in East Timor and worked with the transition from peace keeping to peace building in Sierra Leone. It might be one of the lesser-known UN-agencies but UNRWA has 32,000 staff in areas where many other organizations no longer operate.

Here are some of the other highlights from this episode with Laura Londén:

·      The essence of a UN career and how it makes a difference
·      Her favorite UN-accomplishments that she’s been part of
·      The challenges of operating in conflicts or high-risk zones like Syria
·      What UNRWA does and why people should come and join
·      Why UNRWA have some of the best jobs you can have in the UN system
·      The most important skills needed for an international career
·      Career advice on the recruitment process and how to prepare as a candidate

EP#7 | Meet Laura Londén, HR Director at UNRWA

Meet Jens Behrendt, the Deputy HR Director at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE. In this episode he shares excellent career advice and personal stories from working in various organizations and places around the world, such as being taken hostage in Ghana. 

“Sometimes you’re walking a thin line. But it did not change my commitment or determination to work for international organizations”, Jens says.

Listen to an interview packed with food for thought for your career and get personal insight on what international organizations do and deliver.

What’s it like to work for OSCE – the largest regional security organization in the world?
On risks and security aspects working in areas that are high risk and hostile
How you establish your brand as a professional
The need to find a balance between work and personal life
The most common mistakes people make during interview (Tip: be prepared to give a two minute selling pitch of what you are as a professional!)
Entry points for a successful career, like UN’s JPO and Volunteer Program

EP#9 | Meet Jens Behrendt from OSCE

In this episode you will meet Becky Bakr Abdulla, Media Coordinator in Iraq at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Listening to this episode will really give you an understanding of the importance of communications and what it means to be working in a conflict situation for an international organization such as the NRC. 

Becky Bakr Abdulla, a 27-year old from Oslo, Norway, is in the beginning of her career with the Norwegian Refugee Council, the NRC. In a short while she has gone from graduating university, via an internship, to being sent right into a field role as a Media Coordinator, where she’s dealing directly with the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. Becky is also a child of refugee parents from Kurdistan, which is located in the northern part of Iraq, where she is currently based.
 
–      Obviously that sort of background has always given me an interest in more than just in a region border. I’ve always had an interest in travelling, in learning more about other cultures and other nationalities. So when it was time for me to study and decide on something to study, I started off in Rome, in Italy, and I did some courses there in philosophy. And then, I did some courses in sociology before I decided that media communication sounded very interesting. So that’s my background. It’s within media and communication, and it’s given me a nice platform for the work I’m doing now with NRC, where I’m the Media Coordinator. And I’m also based abroad. So I find myself in a very satisfying position, Becky says.
 
Working with the humanitarian crisis in Iraq
Becky is stationed in Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan region in the northern part of Iraq where the majority of the population are Kurds. With 3.4 million people currently displaced inside their own country and, in addition, the Kurdistan region of Iraq have taken in approximately 250,000 Syrians. This means that Iraq is in an ongoing crisis currently now, escalating into becoming a humanitarian crisis on a very big level.

– We see that there’s a lot of attention on Syria, rightly so, but Iraq is definitely forgotten when it comes to the human stories, the human testimonies, the human suffering that we so desperately need more to focus on. And that’s also been extremely rewarding and something I’m very proud of myself and my team down here is that we’ve now managed with Fallujah to show the rest of the world through BBC, through Al Jazeera, through CNN, through New York Times, through dozens of different media outlets, that these are the people of Iraq, these are the civilian and innocent women, children, elderly that are taking the biggest fall for what’s going on here. And that’s been extremely rewarding, Becky says.

With her job also comes a lot of traveling. So for the last month, she has been based in Baghdad, covering the Fallujah crisis and response. But she also travel to other parts of the country, to a city called Kirkuk and also to Dohuk, which is a city in the northern part of Kurdistan where most of the Syrian refugees are currently located. According to Becky the Iraq crisis is a forgotten crisis in the sense that Iraq is all over the news almost on a daily basis, but the focus tends to be with the military and the political narrative.


Read the whole article about Becky here: https://unjobfinder.org/podcasts/making-the-world-know-what-is-going-on---becky-bakr-abdulla-at-the-nrc


EP#12 | Meet Becky Bakr Abdulla from the NRC

Michelle Walker is the People Business Partner for International at Leonard Cheshire in London. Michelle has a long-standing experience working in human resources. In this episode, Michelle explains the impact their organization has while working with people experiencing some form of disability, how they ensure that their workplace is inclusive, and how it all once began.
  - We are a pan-disability charity and in a nutshell we support individuals to live, learn and work independently as they choose whatever their ability and we do that globally, says Michelle Walker.

Helen Rasks album

Episode 20: Making an impact – how to make workplaces inclusive?

Learn directly from a Recruitment Manager’s voice at UN Secretariat how to succeed in your career at UN Secretariat? See to him explaining how he got there himself and what are they looking for in candidates.
He told us his best advice for a successful career at the United Nations and much more.

Our conversation answers some of the following questions:


-What career decision accelerated his career the most?

-How he started his UN career?

-Did his expectations match the reality?

-What are recruiters at UN headquarters looking for in candidates?

He told us his best advice for a successful career at the United Nations

Learn directly from a Recruitment Manager at UN Headquarters

Impactpool Career Podcast with Claudia Rodriguez - UN OCHA

Impactpool Career Podcast is for all of you who are interested in a career within the United Nations, European Union, Development Banks, intergovernmental or non-governmental organisations. By following this podcast you are going to hear interviews with people who are having a remarkable careers within this field; to hear their stories about how they once entered into this type of career, choices that they have made, challenges that they have faced and not least hear what advice they can share with you. Find jobs and more career resources at impactpool.org

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