Careers in Development: Emerging Trends in Development Assistance

Decreasing government budgets, growing private-sector involvement, and new technologies are just a few of many elements in the changing development landscape. This Careers in Development session features James Kunder, who will discuss emerging trends in development assistance, including a heightened focus on measurable outcomes and increased demand for effective partnerships and a cohesive U.S. development strategy. Mr. Kunder will also offer his advice for young people entering the field of international development today.


Mr. Kunder is principal at Kunder/Reali Associates, a consulting firm specializing in international development, post-conflict reconstruction, and civil-military relations. Concurrently, he serves as a senior resident fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, where he advises on international development issues including the modernization of foreign assistance and the nexus between security and development. He has extensive government and private-sector experience in international development, including serving as acting deputy administrator of USAID. He has authored numerous articles on international humanitarian issues, reconstruction, peacekeeping, and crisis management.

A light breakfast will be available.

Please RSVP to USLD@csis.org.

“Careers in Development” is a monthly series featuring U.S. senior-level government, multi-lateral and NGO officials who have worked in the field of development for at least twenty years. The series is aimed at young professionals who are interested in working in development and features speakers from a range of expertise, including humanitarian assistance, national security, and sector issues such as food security, health, and education. Through a roundtable discussion, each speaker offers remarks on their area of interest as well as their career path and influences along the way.