Pros
AED is a thought and practice leader in government contracting around so many types of social issues. It is a great place to start your career and gain transferable skills while you figure out your own interests and talents. If you get the right manager, AED central services provides great resources for personal and professional development. It is easy to move up and to gain great skills that are recognized throughout the international development community. They have great infrastructure and facilities for a non-profit and are located in a nice location to work. The roof deck is a major perk.
Kontras
It's a large place and easy to get stuck with a less-than-forward-thinking manager who does not always see the big picture. They have major leadership pipeline issues: many upper level staff get too bogged down in administrative or programmatic tasks instead of being strategic leaders. Some senior managers have work-life balance issues and expect the same level of commitment from their underpaid staff. Compared to other organizations, there are very few opportunities for international travel for lower and mid level employees. The organization does not have a strategic communications strategy- neither internal nor external, and could benefit from some better reflection on the way that they talk to their employees.