Global Impact

 

Sector Overview

The Ideal Candidate

Main Players

Application Tips

Recruitment Cycles

Further Resources

 

What is Global Impact?

 

The Global Impact Sector encompasses organizations working at the intersection of policy, purpose and innovation, and whose activity has an impact on society — as well as any position that is involved in creating social impact.

Global Impact organizations can be classified depending on their type and purpose:

 

🌍

Global Development

  • InterGovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Foundations
  • Development Consulting
  • Humanitarian & Relief organizations

🏛️

International Affairs

  • Public Sector & Government
  • Public Affairs, Lobby & Advocacy firms
  • Think tanks, Academia and Research Institutions
  • Bilateral public sector agencies

🌱

Social Impact

  • Certified B Corporations
  • ESG-forward enterprises
  • Mission-driven startups
  • Sustainable Finance ventures
 

Global Impact organizations can also be classified depending on their subject area of work:

 

🤝

Development & Relief

Development is a complex field involving governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental agencies.

🕊️

Conflict Resolution

The field of conflict resolution draws from anthropology, sociology, political science, law and other disciplines to analyze the causes of war and systemic oppression.

📚

Education & Skills

International education encompasses careers in teaching, curriculum development, technical assistance, interpersonal exchange, capacity-building, training, public diplomacy, tourism and the promotion of intercultural understanding.

♻️

Energy & Environmental Sustainability

The intersection of energy and environmental sustainability is a growing area of interest for the public, private and non-governmental sectors.

⚖️

Human Rights & International Law

The magnitude of human rights challenges today far exceeds the capacity of institutions to address them. Increasingly there is a link between international development initiatives and human rights, with aid being tied to issues of democracy and governance.

🛡️

Security & Intelligence

A career in intelligence involves collecting, analyzing and distributing information for strategic and tactical purposes.

📃

Trade Policy

As barriers to trade and capital movement decline (or increase) and foreign markets become increasingly interconnected, the impact of trade policies will continue to increase.

🥼

Science & Technology

There is an increasing awareness of the economic, political, and social consequences of scientific anc technological advancements, as well as an expanding role for science and technology experts in the fields of international security, development, and trade.

🔬

Research

The information explosion caused by big data collection, Artificial Intelligence and new technologies increases the demand for expert analysis; and academia and think tanks are broadening their work to respond to these changing situations.

🗳️

Public Relations, Lobby & Advocact

In an increasingly globalized world, communications professionals with knowledge of international affairs have a competitive advantage.

🚰

Health, Food & Sanitation

Health services, food and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) focus on providing health services, access to food, safe drinking water, proper human waste disposal, and hygiene education

♀️

Women & Gender Issues

1 in every 10 women in the world lives in extreme poverty. Discrimination against women affects everyone, impacting global security, development, economies, food security, health, and life-saving services.

 
💡

Remember! You can make an impact from any position and from any type of organization.

 

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The Ideal Candidate

 

Employers in Global Impact look for different skills depending on the role and vertical. But some skills are universal: analytical thinking, strong communication skills and commitment to the mission. Use the following as a guide to identify your strengths and areas for development.

Apart from the skills generally required in any professional environment, working in the Global Impact sector demands some specific competencies:

 

Desired Student Profile

 

🗣️

Languages

English and a second language are a must; a third or fourth is a significant advantage, especially a global/UN language (Spanish in LATAM, French in Francophone Africa; Russian and Chinese are also UN languages). Speaking the local language is a plus.

🌐

Cross-cultural awareness

Ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.

🏛️

Policy & regulatory literacy

Understanding how governments, institutions and international organizations work and make decisions.

🔎

Research & analysis

Capacity to gather, process and synthesize complex information from multiple sources.

✍️

Written communication

Ability to write clearly and concisely — reports, briefs, proposals and advocacy documents are core outputs in this sector.

🧭

Adaptability

Willingness to work in different environments, locations and sometimes under difficult conditions.

❤️

Commitment

Demonstrated engagement with a cause or field — not just stated in a cover letter but evidenced through experience.

🎓

Specialized knowledge

Some positions require knowledge not learned in your degree — for instance carbon tracking or ESG for sustainability roles.

 

How to Become a Better Candidate

 

To improve your eligibility in this sector, we recommend that during your master’s you focus on:

  • Gain early experience through internships, volunteering or capstone projects in the sector.
  • Engage in Global Impact-oriented courses and projects: Labs, themed final projects, relevant electives.
  • Join relevant IE Clubs: Sustainability Club, SDG Club, International Relations Society Club, Climate Tech Club, Corporate & Public Affairs Club, Governance of Change Club, International Policy Review, Net Impact Club.
  • Participate in networking events, internal and external: employer presentations, employer webinars (Global Impact Tuesdays), conferences, alumni panels.
  • Work with adjunct professors as a research assistant or on a specific project.
  • If interested in Multilateral Development Banks or Development Consulting Firms, prepare intensively for Case Practice Interviews.
 

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Main Players

 

There are 6 different verticals where you can work in the Global Impact sector:

  1. Multilateral or InterGovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
  2. Public Sector
  3. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Foundations
  4. Public Affairs
  5. Think Tanks, Academia and Media
  6. Social Impact Businesses, including Development Consulting Firms
📘

APSIA, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, offers an interesting Careers Guide for those who would like to explore this sector.

 
 

InterGovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

 
 

There are hundreds of IGOs, ranging from global generalist bodies like the United Nations to highly specialized agencies focused on trade, health, labor or intellectual property. Some operate globally, others regionally — covering Europe, Latin America, Asia or Africa. Working in an IGO means engaging in complex multilateral processes and contributing to policy and action at an international scale.

 
 

Public Sector & Government

 
 

The public sector includes a broad range of organizations: beyond government ministries, it includes regional and local administrations, regulatory bodies, public agencies (for trade, international development, etc.), state-owned enterprises and international representations such as embassies and permanent missions. Opportunities exist at every level — from a local city council to a national ministry or a permanent representation in Brussels or Geneva.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    • This sector covers national, regional and local policymakers.
    • They plan and implement public policies, funded by taxpayers, to serve the general interest.
    • Their work spans education, health, infrastructure, defense and security, foreign affairs, development, taxation, trade and social services.

  • There are two main ways to access the public sector, depending on the country: either via competitive public examination or through a standard recruitment process. Make sure you understand how it works in the country where you are applying.

    • Salaries tend to be lower than in the private sector, but job security and stability are generally higher.
    • Job access processes are well-structured, predictable and transparent, but quite lengthy.
    • Competitive public examinations are common, even if interview-based processes are growing.
    • Competition can be intense, especially in high-profile public bodies.
    • There is usually a wide range of internships/traineeships available, open to bachelor’s and master’s students and recent graduates. Calls for applications are periodically posted.
    • Education level is typically the main formal requirement; some experience is desirable but rarely required.
    • Usually you need to be a national of the country to apply; some exceptions are made for positions in missions in foreign countries, where locals may also apply.
    • EU member states government jobs are often open to all EU nationals.

  • Note that internship opportunities tend to require enrollment in a national university. This is a sample — search online for agencies in other countries. For specific fields (defense, agriculture, etc.) check national, regional or local government websites.

    Spain

    USA

  • In many countries, permanent public sector positions require competitive examinations with a formal dossier. A typical dossier may include:

    • Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
    • Certified proof of language proficiency (Cambridge, DELF, DELE).
    • Postgraduate diplomas or short training certificates.
    • Official proof of relevant work experience or internships.
 

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) & Foundations

 
 

There are tens of thousands of NGOs worldwide, from small community organizations working at neighborhood level to large international networks working in dozens of countries. They cover different social topics and target specific populations, and operate under very different models, sizes and cultures. If you have a cause, there is almost certainly an NGO working on it.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    • They promote social causes across a wide range of fields: human rights, environment, humanitarian aid, health, sanitation, education, culture, development, gender…
    • Their activities range from direct intervention for disadvantaged groups to advocacy, awareness raising or research.
    • NGOs may be implementing partners of IGOs and raise their own funds to execute their own projects.
    • Foundations can be implementing organizations, similar to an NGO, or grant-making organizations focused on raising funds and granting to other NGOs/Foundations.
    • They operate at local, national or global level (e.g. Red Cross/Red Crescent).
    • Most specialize in a social cause, goal or field; large international NGOs (INGOs) may cover several topics.
    • They are heavily dependent on public or private funds; some also generate income from products or services.
    • The labor market in this sector is currently slowing down; movements are cyclical.
    • Recruitment processes vary by NGO size and culture: from agile to highly formalized.
    • NGOs have the same functional roles as companies: strategy, marketing, operations, finance. Roles related to fundraising/partnerships and monitoring & evaluation (MEAL) are more in demand, as well as roles in the field.
    • Salaries tend to be lower than in the private sector, depending on NGO and location.
    • The sector is increasingly professionalized; internships and entry-level jobs exist.
    • Volunteering is a great entry point and a good check on your resume — choose a field aligned with your career goals.
    • NGO activity is largely project-based: hiring responds to specific and often temporary needs.
    • Internships exist in larger NGOs, normally not structured as formal programs — check websites directly or go to specialized job search engines.
    • Experience, language skills, multicultural ability and demonstrated commitment carry significant weight.
    • Some large INGOs have Young Professional or Graduate Programs, but they are less common.

  • Most NGOs and Foundations publish opportunities on their own portals or specialized platforms.

    Spain

    UK

    USA

    This is just a sample — NGOs exist at every level and in every social sector, so do your research to find the one that fits your interests.

  • Working in an NGO requires genuine commitment; recruiters look beyond academic records and CV. Volunteering is an excellent way to access the NGO job market. Some tips:

    • Choose volunteering aligned with your professional interests in the sector.
    • Treat volunteering as professional experience: be reliable, take responsibilities, build relationships.
    • Volunteering is the best way to show your commitment to a cause.
    • Volunteering can give you a realistic understanding of how the sector works.
 

Public Affairs

 
 

Public Affairs covers any professional activity aimed at influencing public policy and regulation — and the organizations that do this are diverse: from multinational corporations and industry associations to NGOs, trade unions, regional governments and political parties. Opportunities exist at every level of government, from local councils to EU institutions, and in virtually every sector of the economy.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    • They represent the interests of social, economic or political groups before policymakers (IGOs and national, regional or local governments).
    • Public Affairs professionals work in companies, NGOs, trade unions, industry associations, political parties or consulting firms.
    • They advocate for causes, monitor policy processes, launch communication campaigns or draft regulatory proposals.
    • Their functions include policy analysis, stakeholder networking, government relations and following political agendas.
    • Institutional communication means helping groups define and convey messages and build strategic relationships, to have an impact on public policy or regulation.
    • Hiring activity may follow political cycles: demand peaks during elections or major regulatory reforms.
    • Covers a wide range of fields, from industry interests to human rights to regional interests before IGOs.
    • Brussels, Geneva or Washington are the main international hubs; other capitals also have opportunities to influence national governments, as well as regional and local levels.
    • Public Affairs consulting firms serve a wide variety of clients, and hire interns and staff on a regular basis.
    • Passion for a cause is essential: social, environmental or industry specific.
    • Internships are the most common entry point; processes are faster and less formalized.
    • Junior Consultant or Policy Analyst in lobbying firms or communications agencies are common starting roles.
    • These are the typical profiles sought for public affairs roles:
      • Analytical profiles: data research, policy monitoring or regulatory analysis.
      • Communication profiles: strategic communication in companies, NGOs or consulting firms.
      • Event planning is another relevant entry-level function.
    • Given the variety of fields and actors in Public Affairs, start by choosing the topic that interests you most.
    • Then identify the organizations advocating for that cause — companies, NGOs, industry associations, trade unions, regional governments or consulting firms — and monitor their job pages regularly.
    • There are no structured programs in this sector: a systematic, proactive approach is the only way in.
    • Large corporations may have their own Public Affairs or Government Relations departments, mostly in highly regulated sectors (energy, pharma, technology, financial services, telecommunications). Companies like Google, Microsoft, Pfizer, BP, Iberdrola or Telefónica have in-house teams and occasionally offer internships or entry-level positions.
    • Study as much as you can about your field of choice.
    • Talk with professionals and experts — including your professors.
    • Play an active role in IE Clubs related to your field.
    • Focus your academic research (thesis) on your field of interest.
    • Write for related newsletters, blogs or websites.
    • Attend field-related events to build your network.
    • Follow the policy agenda: read official documents, legislative proposals, position papers.
    • Join professional associations related to your topic of interest.
 

Think Tanks, Academia and Media

 
 

Think Tanks, Academia and Media are three very different worlds sharing a common function: producing, analyzing and disseminating the ideas and knowledge that shape public debate and policy. The range of organizations is broad — from a small, specialized think tank in Brussels to a global media outlet, from a university research center to an independent policy institute. What they have in common is that they value intellectual rigor, specialized knowledge and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    These three sectors play distinct but complementary roles in the Global Impact ecosystem.

    • Think Tanks: independent research and policy organizations analyzing public issues and generating policy proposals (reports, briefs, events). Clients: governments, foundations, IGOs, companies.
    • Academic research institutions: universities and research centers producing the knowledge base for public debate and policy.
    • Media: newspapers, digital outlets and broadcasting informing the public, holding power to account and shaping the public agenda.

  • They share common features: high competition, specialization over generalist roles, and personal networks matter.

    • Think Tanks: small teams, selective hiring, project-based positions, significant staff turnover.
    • Academia: highly formalized access; career path (research assistant → postdoc → junior faculty); dependent on publication record.
    • Media: wide variety of roles; informal and fast-paced; under pressure from digital transformation.

  • Internships and junior positions are the main entry points. Experience and demonstrated interest carry as much weight as credentials.

    • Think Tanks: internships and research assistant roles; informal, project-based processes; writing skills and policy knowledge valued. The World Economic Forum is an exception — it offers an Early Careers Program for recent graduates.
    • Academia: research-related positions usually require a master’s or PhD. Research assistant positions may also be available for undergraduates. High competition for PhDs and fellowships.
    • Media: internships and junior roles; a practical portfolio (student media, freelance, blog) is as valued as formal qualifications; entry-level hiring is mostly ad hoc.

  • No structured programs in any of the three sectors — a proactive approach is essential.

    • Think Tanks: identify organizations in your field and monitor their websites.
    • Academia: open competitive calls on institutional websites and platforms.
    • Media: internships and junior positions on company careers pages.

  • Your academic work is the beginning of your professional research portfolio. The sooner you treat it that way, the better — do not wait until you graduate. Your thesis, articles and research projects are your first professional credentials.

    • Think Tanks: publish opinion pieces or policy analysis in blogs or student media; build a visible profile before graduating.
    • Academia: choose your thesis topic carefully; present at student events; co-publish with supervisors. Your publication record starts here.
    • Media: contribute to student media, launch a blog, pitch articles. In journalism, what you have written matters more than where you studied.
 

Social Impact & Sustainability

 
 

Social Impact is the fastest-growing field in Global Impact. It covers everything from small social enterprises and B Corps built around a mission, to ESG and CSR departments in large multinationals, to specialized consulting firms advising companies on their sustainability strategy. The common thread is the growing recognition — driven by regulation, investors and society — that businesses can no longer ignore their environmental and social impact.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    • Social impact businesses and impact-driven companies generate revenue through products/services, but their ultimate goal is social (e.g. B Corps, sustainable food, clean energy startups).
    • Sustainability and CSR departments in mainstream corporations define the ESG strategy, ensure supply chain sustainability and stakeholder engagement, and manage corporate philanthropy.

  • This is one of the fastest-growing fields in the labor market, with strong demand for junior profiles.

    • Social impact businesses are usually flat structures with small teams. Salaries are lower but the level of responsibility is higher at entry level.
    • CSR/ESG in corporations: growing departments with corporate salary levels and increasing competition as the field matures.

  • Internships are the most common entry point in both sub-sectors.

    • Social enterprises: project-based, throughout the year; commitment to mission is as valued as formal qualifications.
    • CSR/ESG in corporations: structured programs; typical roles: Sustainability Analyst, ESG Analyst, CSR Junior. Consulting firms with ESG areas (ERM, Deloitte, PwC) offer exposure to multiple sectors from day one.

  • The recruitment processes are different in every case, so we suggest checking the job information sources.

    Companies with strong ESG departments

    (search “sustainability”, “ESG” or “CSR” in their career portals)

    ESG consulting firms or departments

  • Gain skills and experience for your professional profile in sustainability:

    • Follow the sustainability agenda: ESG regulations, corporate reports, developments in your area of interest.
    • Write about it: publish opinion pieces, blog, contribute to student media.
    • Build your network: connect with professionals, attend events, join IE clubs on ESG/sustainability.
    • Volunteer with organizations working in your area of interest.
    • Look for sustainability projects, events or clubs within IE.
    • Train yourself in specific technical knowledge you may need in your chosen field.
    • You may need strong analytics skills — be sure to show them, or improve them if necessary.

  • Careers in sustainability focus on balancing environmental responsibility with economic and social needs, preserving what works from the past while planning wisely for the future. These roles span industries such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, urban planning, finance and consulting, among others, and they demand a combination of critical thinking, ethical reasoning and technical skills. Please have a look here for a presentation on Careers in Sustainability.

    *Presentation provided by: Concepción Galdon PhD, Vice-Dean Business with Purpose IE Business School, Director IE Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, Professor

    Read these articles for insights into the sector:

  • Impact-focused job search platforms to bookmark:

    Specialized sustainability job boards

    Platform What it is / why good Considerations
    Climatebase Specialized in climate careers; global reach; good filters for remote, type of work; increasingly used by climate tech companies. (thesustainablebusinessguide.com) Many listings are US-centric; competition is high. Also, sometimes less clarity on salary.
    The Impact Job Focuses on CSR, ESG, sustainability roles; curated listings; good for mission-driven organizations. (theimpactjob.com) Fewer roles in some regions; sometimes fewer senior roles depending on location.
    Green Jobs Network Large selection across environment, conservation, renewable energy; also offers newsletters and community resources. (greenjobs.net) Because it's broad, may have lots of roles that are less “ESG strategy / corporate sustainability” and more technical or field-based. Filtering is key.
    Sustainability-Jobs.org Tailored jobs board for environmental / sustainability oriented roles; good variety. (Environmental Sustainability Jobs) UX/interface less polished; some role redundancy or less frequent updates in some geographies; check freshness of listings.
    EuroClimateJobs Europe-wide. Focused on climate, energy, policy, renewables, environment.
    Good filter by geography & field; lots of specialist roles in climate tech / energy transition.    		 Some roles are technical / engineering-heavy, may need domain knowledge depending on role.
    EnableGreen Europe scope, with many roles in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Nordics; also covers sustainable finance, ESG, carbon strategy etc. Strong in roles tied to regulation (CSRD, SFDR etc.), strategic sustainability; useful if you want work in finance + sustainability mix Less coverage in Southern Europe / Spain (than in North); sometimes contract rather than permanent roles.
    Planet 2030 – ESG and Sustainability Jobs Europe (and some global) — curated ESG & sustainability jobs. planet2030.eco
    Specifically sustainability / ESG focus; mission-driven, relatively curated so less noise    		 Fewer roles than huge general boards, so be ready to monitor frequently
    Terra.do Climate-job board (jobs in climate, ESG, energy, sustainability etc.) with Learning / upskilling: courses, fellowships (e.g. “Learning for Action”), and Community / mentoring / events. They aim to help people transition into climate careers, even from non-traditional backgrounds Many listings appear to be US-centric or skewed toward English-speaking / climate-tech hubs. For someone in Spain or Europe, this may mean fewer local roles, or needing to check whether companies accept remote or relocation

  • Madrid

    Bolsa Social Q Impact Fundación Nantik Lum Microwd Zubilabs Creas Kaya Gawa K Fund Global Social Impact Investments Triodos Investment Mgmt IMPACT Partners Ship2b Mago Equity Ethifinance Kimpa Trascendent Impact Bridge Social Nest Foundation

    Switzerland

    Quadia Blue Horizon Blue Orchard Bamboo Capital Partners Sagana ResponsAbility Symbiotics

    Munich

    Ananda Impact Ventures BonVenture Summa Equity Ambienta Trill Impact

    London

    Systemiq The Social Investment Consultancy GSG Impact ERM

 

One specific type of organization within Social Impact & Sustainability is the Development Consulting Firm — a for-profit firm that provides specialized expertise and services to development actors. Pinch below to learn more.

 

  • 📋 What do they do

    • For-profit organizations providing specialized expertise and services to multilateral, bilateral and national agencies, global and local NGOs, corporate foundations and multinational companies.
    • Client-based, fast-paced, very hour-intensive and fairly remunerated.
    • Recruiting processes are fairly transparent and straightforward.
    • Internships are the most likely way to start at a firm.
    • Competition is high and depends on size and prestige.
    • Personal and professional contacts can be very helpful.
    • Main types of work: strategy, operations, business organization and systems design.
    • Internships and entry-level jobs are viable, but firms prefer profiles with experience.
    • Entry-level roles include Analyst or Research roles, mainly in business development (grants management, bid preparation, stakeholder engagement, grants research) and project management (implementation, MEAL, institutional relations).
    • Information sessions are usually given in early Fall; interviews run October to April.
 
 

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Application Tips

 

Useful links for a successful application (UNDP)

To improve your eligibility in this sector

  1. Accumulate intern work throughout your academic year.
  2. Engage in practical courses / projects: capstone projects, themed final projects, electives, etc.
  3. Join relevant IE Clubs / initiatives: Sustainability Club, SDG Club, International Relations Club.
  4. Participate in networking events: org presentations, conferences, alumni panels, brown-bag lunches.
  5. Work with adjunct professors: as a research assistant or on a specific project.
  6. Complete virtual job simulations in relevant topics on The Forage.
 

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Recruitment Cycles

 

Recruitment cycles vary significantly across the Global Impact sector depending on the type of organization, its size and its specific needs. Still, some general patterns hold across non-profits, social impact, CSR, government agencies and international organizations. Pinch on each for details.

 

  • 🕑 UN Organizations

    The UN encompasses various agencies, each with its own recruitment cycles and practices. Common patterns:

    Annual & rolling recruitment

    • Professional and Higher Categories (P and D levels): filled through competitive examinations, job postings and rosters; the process can take several months.
    • General Service and Related Categories (G levels): recruited locally and on a rolling basis, depending on the office or mission.
    • Field Service and National Professional Officers: recruited based on mission needs; more flexible.

    Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

    • Annual cycle: applications usually open mid-year (June–August), with exams later in the year (December).

    Internship programmes

    • Typically offered in three cycles: January–March, May–July and September–November. Deadlines are usually 3–6 months in advance.

    Volunteering

    • UN Volunteers (UNV) and other volunteer positions are recruited on a rolling basis, year-round.
    • Annual and rolling recruitment: many large non-profits (Red Cross, Amnesty International) have annual cycles aligned with the calendar or fiscal year; some roles are filled on a rolling basis.
    • Internship programmes: typically recruit 3–6 months in advance, aligned with academic semesters.
    • Volunteer positions: often available year-round with flexible start dates.
    • Seasonal hiring: often tied to specific project cycles or funding periods.
    • Internships and fellowships: applications usually accepted several months in advance, often with spring or fall start dates.
    • 6–12 months in advance: start preparing applications, networking and seeking recommendations.
    • 3–6 months in advance: finalize and submit applications, prepare for interviews and attend recruitment events.
 
 

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Further Resources

 
 

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