Losing a job is a challenging experience and we want to be of support in any way we can.
Many development professionals in Southeast Asia at risk of losing their jobs. Recent shifts in US development funding impact agencies, leading to some disruptions in Development Programs in SEA.
US development funds support essential programs in Southeast Asia:
- Disease prevention and healthcare
- Anti-trafficking efforts
- Education initiatives, especially for girls
- Post-conflict reconstruction and demining
Without funding, staff payments and services may be discontinued.
While it's a difficult time, there are still lots of opportunities as other funds & organisations thrive. Despite certain programs being at risk of ending, the development sector will keep on going. More programs are still being launched, with the US only being the top 5th funder of the region.
Thousands of jobs exist, even in players you haven't considered yet! Green startups, social enterprises, NGOs, and more are out there. Now, the question is:
How can I be aware of these job opportunities?
Q1 is a key recruiting season for the sector. Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic as hundreds of development organisations are hiring this quarter! The sector offers endless possibilities—you’re not confined to one path. You can seamlessly move from an Institutional role to an NGO or even join a climate startup!
We stand in solidarity everyone in the development sector who have been affected by job losses. Despite these challenging times, the good news is more opportunities continue to emerge.
If you see a job that makes a positive impact, please tag Jobs that makesense Asia to alert our team. With permission from the original poster, we can amplify the job on our different channels for more visibility.
References
Ap, Kimberlee Kruesi /. 2025. “What Is USAID and What Impact Does It Have Across the Globe?” TIME, February 6, 2025.
Ellen Knickmeyer, The Associated Press. 2025. “USAID Can’t Track $8.2 Billion in Unspent Aid After Trump Administration Froze Foreign Funding and Idled Staffers, Watchdog Warns.” Fortune. February 12, 2025.
Hughes, Philippa Roxby Smitha Mundasad & Dominic. 2025. “Experts Warn of Threat to Global Health as Trump Freezes USAID.” February 8, 2025.
Reporter, Guardian Staff. 2025. “What Is USAid and Why Does Trump Dislike It so Much?” The Guardian, February 4, 2025.