Not the place it once was - Director ITDP Employee Review

2.0
Apr 7, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are positive things about the work and the travel opportunities (although they are pretty much non existent post-covid). If you're just getting started in the field, or are just very junior and looking for experience, it can be a good place to be, if you have a good manager and you get to spend time with local staff. They will give you a ton of responsibility if you want it. Many jr staff leave and go on to great careers.

Cons

As a professional or even a middle manager, this place is a nightmare. Leadership just refuses to take any responsibility or make any decisions. Projects that should take weeks take YEARS, because they will never commit to anything and keep changing their minds. There is no strategic direction or common goals, its just whatever random thing the CEO is into at that moment. At the higher levels, all you're doing is apologizing to people for projects not being done, vendors for delays in payment, and promising funders things that you know will never happen. The board is awful, but that's to be expected - the problem is that leadership won't manage them.

Explore other reviews about ITDP

5.0
May 1, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The mission is fantastic, and the people who work here are genuinely kind and smart. The CEO is very accessible to staff and engaged with the work happening on the ground. There are a lot of opportunties to learn from the best of the best in sustainable transport across the globe. The health insurance is fantastic and has no deductible. There is a lot of time off and flexibility.

Cons

None really stand out to me.

4.0
Jul 26, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I've worked at various international NGOs & community nonprofits, and my time thus far at ITDP has by far been one of the better workplaces and learning opportunities. If you have an interest in urban planning, int'l development and transport/mobility policy, and are willing and interested in learning with an open mind, this is the place where that can be possible. Of course, like with any global org, there are challenges and issues, but honestly I think ITDP is the sort of place where you get as much out of the experience as you're willing to put into it. Staff and leadership are generally friendly and willing to listen (even if they might not necessarily change their minds) as long as you are willing to meet them where they're at. I would say this is unlike other NGOs i've worked for where, unfortunately, ego and self-aggrandizement was much more rampant at all levels. Benefits and compensation is on par for the size and budget of the org in my experience. Post-COVID travel opportunities are also coming back.

Cons

As with many places, it's hard to juggle the personalities and opinions across culturally/politically/economically diverse offices with their own needs and projects and funders. I think a big challenge is finding unity across int'l offices and breaking out of the silos of the 'us' vs. 'them' mentality of separate teams, which honestly is not unique to ITDP but probably prevalent in all NGOs. Core functions like fundraising, development, comms could also use more integration with program areas and support.

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