I have recruited and managed multicultural teams in the humanitarian, developmental, peacekeeping, electoral, and security sectors in Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, the Balkans and Central and North America.
MATTHEW JENKINS
Having recruited many hundreds of staff from all over the world into a range of international organisations and in the process have assessed thousands of cover letters, CVs and application forms, and conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates.
I have also delivered training and career counselling to post graduate students from the University of Turin, the Webster University, UNICRI and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
These experiences, make me confident that I understand what recruiters are looking for and that I can help you get there!
My Background:
At UNDP, IOM and IFES I advised Government Officials from Sierra Leone, Iraq and Kosovo on the timely, accurate and transparent delivery of election results. This involved the recruitment, training and mentoring of hundreds of national and international staff.
Prior to that I spent nine years with the OSCE Missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo and with UNTAES supporting regional and municipal elections commissions undertake and implement of electoral activities which included the recruitment and training of thousands of staff. I also managed the first truly multi-ethnic election results centres in both Sarajevo and Pristina.
During my two and a half years with UNPROFOR I was assigned to the UN Safe Haven of Bihac, with responsibility for supporting UN Peacekeepers and Military Observer, recruiting essential support staff and negotiating the provision of service contracts. Deployed to Gornji Vakuf, I provided UN administrative and operational support the NATO Rapid Reaction Force as it prepared to break the siege of Sarajevo.
As an officer with the British Army, I undertook worldwide training exercises, as well as two operational tours to Northern Ireland. A highlight being tasked with commanding the close cordon, high visibility, “green” security for H.R.H. Diana Princess of Wales’ visit to central Belfast. Another interesting experience was spending time in a Mexican jail – but perhaps the less said about that the better!
Summary of organizational experience:
FCO
United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office
IFES
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
ODIHR
Organization for Democratic Institutions & Human Rights
OSCE
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNPROFOR
United Nations Protection Force
UNTAES
UN Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia
UNV
United Nations Volunteers
VSO
Voluntary Services Overseas
ARMY
Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (1 Glosters, 7/10 UDR, 7 Royal Irish)
A UK based NGO and a range of public and private sector organizations.
“I had the good fortune to work under Matthew’s supervision at the beginning of my career. Without his mentoring and advice, I would not be where I am today. He is a person who practices what he preaches. Not only is he able to provide advice, but he has also done the things he talks about. His advice has always been focused and direct and had a practical application. Years later, I am still able to draw on the experience and knowledge gained under his supervision“
Andraz - Bamako, Mali
“I first met Matthew during my Master’s program when my career was about to start. His knowledge, support, and guidance have been critical for me to learn to focus in preparing my applications, CV and cover letter, and to present myself, my skills and knowledge, in an effective manner to potential employers. A few years and jobs later, I find I continue to use those principles whenever I apply for a job. Also, when now involved in recruitment processes, I pay much attention to how candidates prepared their applications and a good CV and cover letter have an impact on my decision-making. Matthew has definitely been the first important mentor I came across in my international career.”
Daniele - Turin, Italy