Pros
The programme staff are genuinely committed, often going above and beyond in some of the toughest crises and contexts. Many are inspiring to work with, dedicated to their mission, and operate almost in direct contrast to the values and approach of senior leadership.
Cons
Employee support is minimal. If you value your mental health, this is perhaps not an environment you want to work in. Workloads are frequently unmanageable, long hours beyond your contract are not just common, they are expected. The organisation’s “agile, bold, fast-paced” culture often reads as poor management with no consideration for staff welfare or work-life balance. Many staff felt that concerns about the situation in Gaza were effectively brushed aside, with communication ranging from minimal to silent. The lack of a strong, visible response gave the impression that solidarity with aid organisations under attack was not a priority. White saviourism and a lack of clear professional development pathways contribute to a culture where staff can feel unrecognised, uninspired, and stretched to their limits. While the organisation achieves real impact on the ground, internal practices around workload, support, and leadership make it an extremely challenging place to work, where “okay” is often the best-case scenario.