Working for a non-governmental organisation such as the UN and its branches like Unicef and the EU, is a dream for most. But the application process is a long-winded one.
Swedish start-up Impactpool attempts to solve this problem with an algorithm matching candidates with open positions.
Most of the NGOs post current job openings on the websites but applying involves understanding complicated terminology of titles and grades. Impactpool’s algorithm matches open positions with job candidates. As an applicant you only have to upload your resume.
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Co-founder Henrik Rydén left his prestigious job at the UN to start Impactpool in Stockholm together with Magnus Bucht, a former colleague at the government agency Sida, and Jon Olsson, who has a working background in IT, according to Business Insider Nordic.
Established three years ago Impactpool has 325,000 members and 200 organizations. Last week they closed a funding round $800,000 with investors including Lexis Investors.
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“I’ve got two really surprising phone calls so far in my life. The first one a year ago, when the assistant of UN’s Secretary General wanted help with finding female leaders. The other one made me realize that we’re onto something big. Harvard called me and wanted all their political science students to get access to our platform,” Rydén told Business Insider.
Impactpool makes money through a premium service for applicants and by charging the organizations. The newly established partnership with Ivy League University Harvard is seen as a way to improve the offer.
“We want the best students in the world to work for something that makes the world better. If we have the best resumes, we will get the best organizations and assignments.”
The startup is tapping into a bigger trend as other incentives than money grow stronger, especially among young people, said the Business Insider. Millennials want to work for a cause and not only a paycheck, according to several surveys.
Last year, Impactpool matched 600,000 people with NGO jobs. Economists, engineers and IT specialists are highly sought after on the platform right now. Unicef, UNHCR and Save the Children are among the most popular employers.
Henrik Rydén’s best advice on making a career in impact driven organizations is to be a realistic about which positions to apply for – and be willing to relocate for the job.