Pros
While the development model is promising, in practice USADF is unable to properly monitor, implement, design, audit, and vet projects. Corporate partnerships that are connected to the board of directors seem questionable. It could be an incredible and impactful agency but after years of mismanagement, it cannot fulfill its potential.
Cons
USADF is a scary place to work. There is a constant rumor mill about how senior leadership treats employees because senior leadership is very retaliatory. Rumors about unpredictable temper tantrums from the CEO have become a common story. The current CEO is connected to powerful people within international development and government administration. Colleagues have shared that they feel afraid to formally report what is going on given his powerful connections. It is my opinion that the current CEO has not succeeded in creating a shared vision across an agency of less than 60 employees. His priorities seem to be on meeting celebrities and networking with diplomats. Overwork, chaos, belittlement, blame, and bullying are part of the daily experience of working here. Stress, burnout, anger, and a jaded workforce is the result of USADF’s unrealistic expectations of staff with little support. Employees who are kind, thoughtful, and innovative do not thrive here. Mutual respect amongst colleagues is not a norm in this workplace.