Where the Jobs Are & Aren't..PCDN Weekly Newsletter, April 28, 2025

The devastation unfolding at USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and other U.S. foreign aid agencies is sending shockwaves through the global impact sector and upending thousands of careers dedicated to positive change. Unfortunately, Cruely is the new Norm for all of US Federal Government Policy

In recent months, the U.S. government has moved to shutter USAID entirely, eliminating all non-statutory positions and transferring a fraction of its work to the State Department. The result: a near-total gutting of the agency’s workforce-from over 10,000 employees to fewer than 300-and a halt to life-saving projects in more than 60 countries. Over 176,000 jobs have been lost globally among USAID staff and implementing partners, with layoffs and furloughs cascading through 153 organizations. This is not just a bureaucratic reshuffle; it is a decision that puts millions of lives at risk and leaves families, communities, and entire sectors without support.

The MCC, another cornerstone of U.S. international development, is being effectively dismantled. Staff have been told all programs will close, with only a handful of construction projects allowed to finish. The closure of MCC means the end of support for infrastructure, economic growth, and poverty reduction programs in countries like Nepal, Senegal, and Ukraine-initiatives that have been lifelines for millions.

The impact on careers in the global impact sector is staggering:

• Mass Layoffs: Tens of thousands of professionals-project managers, health workers, engineers, educators, and local staff-have lost their jobs overnight. Many more are on the brink as contracts are canceled and projects halted.

• Ripple Effects: U.S. companies, nonprofits, and farms that partnered with USAID and MCC are facing financial ruin, unable to pay staff or fulfill obligations. The devastation is global, affecting partners and communities in every region.

• Program Collapse: Essential services-HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal health, clean water, food security, disaster relief-are being dismantled. In countries like Lesotho, Eswatini, and Tanzania, entire pediatric AIDS programs have been shuttered, leaving hundreds of thousands without care.

• Lost Progress: Decades of work to reduce poverty, prevent disease, and build resilient communities are being undone. The world’s ability to respond to humanitarian crises, pandemics, and climate disasters is severely weakened.

For those in the impact sector, this is a moment of profound uncertainty. The competition for remaining jobs is fierce, and many are forced to consider roles that are “okay enough” just to stay afloat. Sometimes, taking a job that’s “okay enough” is the right decision-it can serve as a stepping stone, help you build new skills, and keep you connected to the sector until new opportunities emerge or most importantly pay the bills.

Where the Jobs Are Now

Despite these challenges, there are still areas of resilience and even growth:

• Climate Tech and Clean Energy: Opportunities in renewable energy, decarbonization, and climate adaptation are expanding. Investment in clean energy remains robust globally, with solar, battery, geothermal, and decentralized energy solutions attracting capital and talent.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data: AI and machine learning specialists are among the fastest-growing roles, not just in tech but across sectors like marketing, translation, and creative industries.

• Fundraising and Marketing: Nonprofits need professionals who can leverage data, analytics, and digital marketing to engage supporters and diversify income streams.

• Impact Investing and Social Finance: Organizations in this sector are hiring for roles in program management, research, and field-building as more capital is mobilized for social and environmental challenges.

Impact Career Resources

If you’re navigating this turbulent landscape, these resources can help you find new opportunities, upskill, and connect with a supportive community:

• PCDN Career Campus: A global hub connecting changemakers to jobs, fellowships, consulting gigs, funding, and upskilling opportunities.

• Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN): Job board and resources for careers in impact investing and sustainable finance.

• 80,000 Hours: Research, career guides, and job boards focused on high-impact roles in global problem-solving.

• LinkedIn: Build your professional brand, expand your network, and discover roles across sectors.

• Climatebase: Curated job board for climate action and sustainability roles.

• Net Impact: Job board and community for students and professionals seeking impact careers.

• Devex Jobs: Global development job board with thousands of listings from NGOs, governments, and agencies.

• Idealist: Jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in nonprofits and social enterprises.

• ReliefWeb Jobs: Humanitarian and development sector jobs worldwide.

• NextBillion: Jobs and career resources focused on social enterprise, impact investing, and global development.

Final Thoughts

It’s a challenging time, but not a hopeless one. The impact sector is evolving, not disappearing. There are still meaningful opportunities, especially for those willing to adapt, learn, and connect. Stay resilient, keep building your skills and networks, and remember: the work you do matters, now more than ever.

If you’re seeking support, join the PCDN Career Campus, explore networks like GIIN, 80,000 Hours, and Climatebase, and keep showing up for yourself and your community.

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