Personal stories

After I had completed two law and international relations degrees in France, the Netherlands, Peru and Belgium, I saw the opportunity to take part in the Young Professionals in Delegation (JPD) programme as a natural extension of my academic pathway, in line with my career plans.

Assigned to the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to El Salvador, a small Central American country with very interesting contemporary history, culture and multifaceted issues, I was asked to monitor subjects as diverse as human rights, internal politics, democracy and regional integration. My days comprised important responsibilities typical of the work of diplomatic missions of moderate size – from the preparation of reports, declarations and approaches, to participating in the meetings of the European ambassadors, to contributing to the European response to crises, whether relating to health, politics or security.

The highlight of my experience as a JPD was my accreditation as an international election observer at a triple vote (parliamentary, municipal, and Central American Parliament elections) in February 2021, alongside several Salvadorian and international colleagues in the delegation.

In addition to the particularly rewarding professional experience, my two years in El Salvador were a beautiful adventure, and included numerous meetings, discoveries and trips – despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

My time as a JPD further reinforced my interest in the external relations of the EU and its Member States: from San Salvador, I went to New York to take on new duties as a mission officer at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations. Now I am in the Sahel, pursuing my international journey, this time as part of another programme offered by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, as a cooperation official (ACO). At Luxembourg’s embassy in Mali, one of our long-standing partner countries, I will be monitoring all the Grand Duchy’s development cooperation and humanitarian action over the next few years.

My studies in political science and international relations nurtured my ambition to embark on a career with the United Nations. Fortunately, the junior professional officer (JPO) programme has given me a great opportunity to learn more about how international organisations work and the different approaches to development.

For the first two years with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), I worked in Laos on combating poverty. I quickly had to take responsibility for several projects, and this encouraged me to learn on the job. I worked closely with the government of Laos, including officials from the Ministry of Planning and Investment and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. It was very exciting to be able to represent the UNDP and work directly with the government, always adapting to their culture and way of working.

One of the highlights at work was acting as co-lead for the socio-economic response to COVID-19. In this function I helped to produce an impact assessment and action plan, for which I had to conduct research, write and coordinate with our UN counterparts. This was a special responsibility and a success because the action plan was also a useful roadmap for dealing with the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021.

In the third year, I opted for a transfer to a new duty station. I am therefore serving as a JPO at the UNDP in Jordan, in the regional hub for Arab States, in the Governance and Peacebuilding Unit. The regional office provides technical assistance to programmes and policies throughout the region, from Morocco to Yemen. I am primarily in charge of environmental justice and disability issues, where we are trying to acquire new knowledge while developing innovative activities.

During my first three years of service, I have had so many interesting experiences that it is difficult to choose my favourite. In Laos, I enjoyed the celebrations marking the end of Buddhist Lent, as well as participating in the Buddhist ceremony, called a baci. Each year, Luang Prabang, an old and picturesque city, is illuminated by thousands of candles and lanterns, and there is a spectacular procession of floats! As for Jordan, my favourite experience was my participation in a football match with Syrian refugees on the Jordan-Syria border. It was a unique experience; people were very welcoming, resilient and inspiring.

In general, I think I have improved my professional skills since I started working as a JPO. Therefore, I feel well equipped for a future career in development and international politics. I have learned a lot about myself along the way and made many friends too.

I feel very proud to be a JPO and I am grateful to the Luxembourg government for this opportunity and the significant support it has provided. I can only urge young professionals to apply!