ICLEI Reviews

Some key managerial positions are held by unqualified people. Despite blatant strategic mistakes, these people are still in place, protected by the hierarchy. Management as rule will disregard any initiatives, won't offer career development opportunities, training or just recognition of work because they only care about their own performance and don't see the long term benefits of keeping staff motivated. Unfortunately this approach can be explained as the main strategy consists of firing in every possible direction with the hope of getting project money to pay for high management salaries and non strategic work. Since non-management staff is disposable there is no incentive to try to keep them motivated or interested. There is also a feeling of discrimination when people whose contract can be extended will not be offered the best conditions if they depend on a visa to stay and work in Germany. If you have to go there as a last resort, use the networking opportunities to leave as soon as you can.

I quit working for ICLEI a bit less than 2 years ago. Even with some perspective now, it is still the worst employer I have had. Anyone who comes in with actual talent and dedication will be discarted once they have exhausted themselves on a project - with no thanks from management. On the contrary, management (especially SG, DSG, and head of climate team) are so jealous of talented people that they bully them once they are not needed anymore (ie once you finish a project they were dependent on to finish). I have seen senior management going around taking credit and discrediting the people who actually did the work - it is horrendous. After over 3 years I left exhausted, and decided to take a new direction in life. I advice even the toughest characters to not take a job here. If you do, make sure to stay away from the team leads of capacity center and city-business cooperation. They lack even basic talents for team management, are lazy and manipulative, and once they realize you see through their absolute lack of aptitude for their job, they will become massive bullies. I observed that in 4 cases. Watch out. Oh, and the boss is an alcoholic who regularly comes back from extended lunch breaks stinking of alcohol and clearly drunk.