Important work, but in a confused, stressful structure
Pros
Due to the pressure, you learn a lot, fast - which can be really good for career progression. The IRC is carrying out important, impactful work around the world, and because of the flat, globalised team structures your place in that work can feel very close, and your impact visible. With the global structure, it's very engaging to learn from, and share with, global colleagues in creative, channels and propositions. Large budgets and in-house creative resources for fundraising mean that creativity with messaging and formats is very open. Compensation is comparable for NGOs in the UK, and for the wider sector is higher.
Cons
Distinct lack of visible leadership, and communication due to confused global team management structures - resulting in hasty email 'announcements' and decisions spreading through word-of-mouth - approved fundraising language; HR recruitment policies; project changes; org-wide policies; concerns etc. - this impacts all levels of decision-making and planning for teams. Basic business processes across markets are in the process of being implemented but are still very problematic and confused - impacting many areas of working at the IRC. Flat team structures mean that there can be very little support in-role as managers aren't able to spare time to look after their people- increasing stress and burnout. Due to the structure of globalised teams, there is a lack of homogenous IRC Global / IRC UK culture, and direction - resulting partly in a hierarchical organisation where title drastically impacts your experience of getting things done- as you have to involve, and convince, lots of stakeholders to affect change.