In April 2022, at the age of 26, I found myself walking into one of the most prestigious offices in the world—the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I was hired as an Evaluation Analyst, and I worked for two years with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
I, at the time, was the youngest Malawian to take up a professional role (non-internship) at the United Nations Head Quarters. The opportunity was exhilarating, and the experience proved to be a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and purpose.
From Malawi to the UN: A Competitive Selection
Joining the UNDP through the inaugural Graduate Programme was no small feat for me. With over 38,709 young professionals from across the globe vying for a spot, being one of the 20 select few felt like a victory not just for me, but for Malawi.
Read more about my experience with the UNDP Graduate Programme.
The UNDP Graduate Programme is a two-year young talent development initiative designed for recent graduates from UNDP programme countries—those in which UNDP is directly engaged—who hold a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and have a passion for international development.
Beyond building a pipeline for the next generation of UNDP leaders, the programme is committed to fostering workforce diversity by infusing the organization with fresh and diverse perspectives. Special encouragement is given to women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates.
This programme aligns perfectly with UNDP’s broader goals of building capacity to support the 2030 Agenda, and for me, it presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute meaningfully on a global stage.
Navigating the Challenges
The transition to working at UNHQ was not without its hurdles. Being young and African in an environment filled with seasoned professionals from around the world came with its own set of challenges:
- Imposter Syndrome: Sitting in rooms with people who had decades of experience made me question if I belonged. But I soon realized that my unique perspective, rooted in lived African experiences, was invaluable.
- Fast-Paced Work Environment: The UNHQ operates at an intensity that demands precision, speed, and innovation. I quickly had to adapt to juggling multiple responsibilities, from supporting the National Evaluation Capacities Conference to developing methodological guidelines for evaluations.
- Cultural Differences: Representing a continent as diverse as Africa meant balancing diplomacy and authenticity. Learning to communicate effectively with colleagues from over 45 entities required an openness to feedback and continuous learning.
Opportunities and Triumphs
While the challenges were daunting, the triumphs were even more rewarding. Among the many highlights of my journey were:
- Driving Global Impact: I contributed to raising $74 million for the global SDG Synthesis Coalition. This was a major milestone, supporting the role of the evidence in decision-making.
- Engaging Stakeholders Across the Globe: Leading knowledge-sharing initiatives, I connected with over 100,000 stakeholders from 45+ UN entities, creating meaningful dialogues around evaluation results and methodologies.
- Innovating and Building Capacity: Supporting the revamp of critical tools like the Evaluation Resource Centre (ERC) and AIDA while engaging 100+ colleagues in capacity-building initiatives allowed me to merge technical expertise with collaborative leadership.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about global governance, collaboration, and the importance of innovation. Here are some key takeaways:
- Adaptability is Key: Whether it was drafting evaluation guidance or coordinating large-scale events, I learned to thrive under pressure and pivot quickly when challenges arose.
- The Power of Networking: Engaging with researchers, policymakers, and evaluators taught me the importance of building connections to drive collective impact.
- Purpose and Representation: Being the youngest Malawian in this space reminded me of the importance of representation. My presence here wasn’t just about my career—it was about showcasing what young Africans can bring to the global stage.
A New Chapter: Pivoting to the Private Sector
My journey at the UNDP came to a close in April 2024, and I find myself standing at the threshold of a bold new pivot into the private sector. This decision marks a shift from the structured environment of the UN to the dynamic and innovative landscape of global business.
While my time at the UN was invaluable in building a foundation of global governance, diplomacy, and evaluation, I am now ready to leverage these experiences in new and transformative ways.
Why the Pivot?
The first decade of my professional life has, in one way or the other, been in public sector. I am keen to learn how the other side operates.
- Exploring Innovation: The private sector offers a unique opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It’s a space where ideas move quickly, and the potential for impact is immediate.
- Expanding My Skill Set: Having honed my expertise in evaluation and capacity building, I am eager to learn from the fast-paced, results-driven nature of the private sector.
- Driving African Entrepreneurship: This pivot aligns with my vision of fostering entrepreneurship and digital transformation across Africa. By engaging with the private sector, I aim to gain insights that can be brought back to empower African youth and innovators.
From Public to Private: What This Means for My Career
This shift isn’t just a career move for me—it is a strategic decision to explore the intersection of innovation, technology, and global development. My experiences at the UN (and with the World Bank prior) have given me a unique lens on the challenges and opportunities facing the world. Now, I aim to apply these insights in environments where bold ideas can be executed with agility.
Read more about my new journey with Xbox
Through this pivot, I also hope to embrace a more playful and creative aspect of my professional life. My time at the UNHQ required a high level of diplomacy and structure, which I greatly value. However, the private sector presents an opportunity to explore a different kind of creativity—one rooted in entrepreneurship, collaboration, and bold experimentation.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my time at the UNHQ, I am deeply grateful for the lessons, the growth, and the relationships I’ve built. This chapter of my life has prepared me to take on new challenges with confidence and clarity. My journey is a testament to the possibilities that arise when you embrace change, take risks, and remain committed to your purpose.
The transition from the UN to the private sector represents more than a career move—it’s a commitment to continue growing, innovating, and contributing to global development in new and impactful ways. Here’s to new beginnings, bold pivots, and a future filled with endless possibilities!
If you’re inspired to take on this challenge, the next recruitment campaign is anticipated to launch at the end of 2024. Keep an eye on the UNDP Graduate Programme page and their social media channels for updates.
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