Don't only write reviews when you are mad... - Manager Pact (Washington DC) Employee Review
- 5.0Sep 28, 2023ManagerCurrent Employee, more than 3 yearsWashington, DC
Pros
Like all social media, people seem to use this forum to vent when they are angry, which is unfortunate, as those people represent a small (but vocal, at least when they are anonymous!) minority. Pact is a GREAT place to work. We have two mandatory in-office days for those of us in the DMV, which most people value, as it is great to be together with colleagues. I am hoping it stays two days, as that is enough collegiality for me! After coming through some difficult times Pact has emerged at the top of the pile of INGOs. We have been successful in bringing in lots of new and interesting work and long standing problems are being dealt with. Senior leadership are approachable and mostly authentic. Benefits are amazing and pay is above market in most departments (though a few still lag, and experience turnover... perhaps there is a relationship?). Pact is also one of the most diverse places I have worked, including in leadership roles.
Cons
In the not so distant past, say 2-ish years ago?, there was a lot of turnover and change. This was hard for some people, and I get that. Things now, however, feel stable and our economic outlook is strong (at least that is what they said at a recent global meeting!).
Other Employee Reviews
- 5.0Oct 25, 2023ManagerCurrent Employee
Pros
I was drawn to Pact by its mission and focus on community engagement. There are a lot of very bright, talented people at Pact around the world who care about the work we do. I really enjoy working together with others on designing and implementing projects that help people and planet and am proud to work at Pact. The SVP of Programs is open and accessible, really understands international development and supports teams to do their best work and helps trouble shoot when needed. The CFO also helps troubleshoot and find solutions and is available. Having executive team members like these care about our work to this level is really motivating. There are a lot of thought leaders as Pact. Our Impact Areas and regional and country project teams are really seeking to do development better. Pact also has communities of practice that we can join to deepen our knowledge in our own fields and learn more about other areas. I also like that we have a hybrid model -- 2 days in the office a week.
Cons
Sometimes some departments do not seem to be as solution-oriented or to understand the urgency of finding solutions to challenges and the delays can affect project implementation. Pact leadership is working on improving processes, but some departments still need improvement.
- 2.0May 11, 2023Anonymous EmployeeFormer Employee
Pros
Pay and benefits are good, but declining in generosity. A small but shrinking niche of USAID project implementation provides exposure to that world, and there are a few bright spots in the portfolio, e.g. Ukraine. Pact used to provide good opportunities for travel, but their misguided sustainability policy has reduced opportunities for field work, and affected overall effectiveness.
Cons
Pact implements USAID projects, but not particularly well, and is losing ground to much more dynamic and skilled competitors. Pact tolerates extreme project mismanagement and mediocrity. Pact leadership doesn't really care about impact. Every discussion and decision is about revenue, instead of mission and values. Despite their funding at any cost (or perhaps because of it), the organization is in a poor financial position, and struggles to hire/retain talent.
