Pros
FHI 360 is overall a nice place to work though it is highly dependent on your team and leadership. Those on project teams tend to be overworked. If you're in HQ it varies, some have a lot of work while others have very little work. Pay is competitive for a non-profit and benefits are standard. Not sure if the company is able to offer pensions anymore but that was a great benefit and selling point. Staff in general are quite friendly, professional, and helpful. There are a ton of incredibly smart, talented, educated people who are truly dedicated to the mission and communities we serve. The workplace environment is extremely respectful and professional. People are friendly and smile in hallways. Work/life balance is great with flexible workplace policies. Really appreciate FHI 360's flexible-first position instead of forcing people into the office. Generally the work environment and culture is positive and people-oriented. You're seen as more than just your job or the work. It's a shame so many were laid off due to the executive orders, FHI could've handled the situation better in the beginning but ultimately I think they did the best they could for their staff and I hope the company can find a way to survive and continue delivering good work.
Cons
There's a huge disconnect between leadership and lower level staff. Leadership are self-involved and lack awareness on staff needs. It was clear from the executive orders that leadership had no idea what they were doing. They were slow to respond and had no plan. Many in leadership are rude from not saying hi to people in the office to not having the courtesy to take conversations offline and instead having 10 minute side conversations whilst ignoring others in the room. Leadership creates a paternalist and infantilizing culture with power concentrated at the top. Don't bother sharing a good idea, it will be ignored. As a result, strategic plans and restructuring had very little buy-in and instead of listening to staff, leadership doubled down. Not a great place for professional development, especially if you're a person of color. The organization has a very shallow and superficial understanding of diversity resulting in performative wokeness with no real substance operationally. A ton of hollow talk about inclusion coupled with outdated power systems and clear colonial mindsets that make the work on locally led development questionable. FHI 360 talks a good talk but it is not backed up by action.