Clinton Health Access Initiative Reviews

Pros

Exposure to a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary influx of people They just have got the brand-name clinton to have a whole cohort of people working for free or from esteemed institutions Opportunity to work with consultants across various locations

Cons

They need to really think through what kind of people they are hiring. The background check has to be good. Politics is entrenched and I had a hard time navigating this kind of firm after having come from a research career. If you are well experienced, then don't fall short of asking full-time offers only and not settle for volunteer role which many people do but that is falling straight on your face.

Pros

Great work and talented team

Cons

Employee safety and security isn't priority

Pros

- Some people are competent and qualified and are genuinely driven by the mission statement – the passion is palpable and it is positively inspirational to be in their teams. The learning can be immense but this is contingent on a lottery system of which team/ manager you get. - HIV/ AIDS and malaria programs are particularly impactful – the results are measurable and the work is truly life saving. Some strategic projects are great too - projects like working with cold chain equipment manufactures to lower vaccine prices allow you to correct market failures via a strategic approach in real time – this is incredibly impactful. This is why we joined the org in the first place. - Office culture is collegial, fun and easy going - Good for a short term stint, not sure about a long term career here.

Cons

- Need a structured and objective review process for feedback and promotions (and compensation – which is below market rate). - Nepotism is rampant. People have brought in their brothers and friends who are grossly underqualified with no work ex, accomplishments or skills! - Nepotistic influx of people who were fired from their previous consulting job for incompetence/ some sort of an inappropriate relationship with a manager. Apparently they were also coming to work once a week and still not doing any work. Keep charity out of hiring decisions - peer group is critical! - Constant (unfair) badgering in the media; org is now (unfairly) perceived as a fake NGO fronting fake agendas. With the closure of CGI and drop in donations…future is not as certain. CHAI is their pet project though, so impact should be the least. - Need more qualified public health professionals in India and not just business people.

Pros

1. People: An opportunity to work with amazing, passionate people. You never know how big a rockstar is the guy sitting next to you! 2. Entrepreneurial culture: Both a pro and a con. There are no rules on who can do what, and thus its a great opportunity for proactive people to seek greater responsibilities and progress in careers quickly. 3. Exposure: With ops in over 25 countries, its a great opportunity to work in new geographies, meet new people and immerse in new cultures 4. Lifestyle: Though a non-profit, it ensures that you're taken care of rather well. (Read stays in good hotels, traveling, etc.)

Cons

1. Managerial gap: Though the analysts and associates are amazing and most brilliant, lack of leadership becomes evident at the Manager - Associate Director - Director levels. This a major driver of people leaving around the ~2Y timeframe 2. Lack of systems: Read no formal feedback system, management reviews, career appraisals, etc. What this means is that CHAI is a world of many teams, and your experience could be as good or as bad as your manager's leadership and team building skills.

Pros

If you are innovative, there is a lot you can plan to do

Cons

No growth opportunities while you are in and once you leave no one cares about what you contributed