-Top-down and hierarchical culture: Decision-making is often centralized, with limited opportunities for staff to contribute meaningfully to strategic or operational decisions.
-Bureaucratic inefficiencies: Too much time spent on processes and internal approvals, not enough on meaningful project work.
-Internal communication issues: There is a lack of transparency between departments and management, leading to confusion, duplication, and disengagement.
-Limited professional growth: Career development opportunities are minimal, especially for junior or mid-level staff. Promotions and internal mobility are rare and not always based on merit.
-Poor work-life balance: Unrealistic workloads, tight deadlines, and constant pressure make it difficult to disconnect or maintain a healthy balance, especially in programme roles.
-Lack of job security: Even fixed-term contracts can feel unstable. There's little support or transparency during performance reviews or contract renewal decisions.
-Lack of diversity at HQ: Despite branding itself as international, the Rome HQ is dominated by Italian staff, especially in leadership and support roles, creating barriers to inclusion.
-Language challenges: Working in English is expected, but Italian is often used in internal communication, excluding non-Italian staff and reinforcing cliques.
