LocationsMeet Aticha Chaivichian, Partnership and Engagement Analyst, who drives communities toward a more resilient and sustainable society through inclusive governance.
September 12, 2024
1.Tell us about yourself: What’s your background/professional experience and what inspired you to work with UNDP Thailand?
My name is Aticha. From a young age, my family instilled in me a passion for development work, which has been a driving force in my career. An important milestone in my journey was the opportunity to canvass for the 2008 (former President Barack Obama during the 2008- optional) U.S. presidential election. This experience deepened my belief in my ability to contribute to meaningful change in my own country.
My academic background in Political Science, graduating with First-Class Honours from Thammasat University, with a focus on Politics, International Relations, and foreign policy. This academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping my professional path, leading me to work in areas such as international development, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable democratic governance. These fields continue to fuel my commitment to creating positive change.
My professional journey began even before graduation, taking on various roles within the United Nations. Over the years, I have led multiple initiatives, including parliamentary engagement with the National Assembly of Thailand and implementing tsunami preparedness programs across schools in Thailand.
A key inspiration for working with UNDP has been the organization's dedication to addressing critical global challenges, such as democratic governance, climate change, and sustainable development with inclusivity. My passion for making a tangible impact aligns with UNDP's mission to support sustainable development and enhance community resilience, both locally and globally, which continues to drive me in my daily work.
2. What is a day at the office like?
A typical day as a Partnership and Engagement Analyst at UNDP in Thailand is diverse and fast-paced, involving both strategic planning and active collaboration with partners. My main responsibilities include leading parliamentary engagement and promoting the tsunami preparedness program for schools in Thailand. A significant part of my role involves working closely with partners on implementation, coordinating with colleagues, experts, and UN agencies to promote their tools, best practices, and international experiences. This helps national counterparts learn about and consider applying these practices in the national context at the policy level.
When it comes to parliamentary engagement side, I work closely with the Thai Parliament to support capacity building, draft laws, and advance parliamentary activities. I ensure that vulnerable groups can voice their needs and concerns in the legislative process. Additionally, I collaborate with various UN agencies and local governments to align goals and address pressing issues. This includes regular meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders, such as government agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups, to explore opportunities for collaboration on development initiatives.
For the tsunami preparedness program, I collaborate with the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Thai Red Cross Society, and local administrative organizations. Drawing on the expertise from Japan, a leading country in tsunami preparedness, we work with schools by providing comprehensive training and educational tools for students, teachers, and staff. This includes conducting evacuation drills and simulations to practice response procedures, strengthening school plans to enhance safety, and working with local authorities to integrate school preparedness into broader disaster management strategies. Additionally, we engage the community by involving students and their families in preparedness activities and continuously monitor and evaluate these initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency.
3. What are some of the challenges you encountered you have faced in this role and how have you overcome them?
In my role, every day brings new challenges and opportunities, so staying adaptable is crucial. I've found that these challenges often provide valuable learning experiences. One significant challenge has been navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, especially when aligning the diverse interests and priorities of government agencies, international organizations, and local communities. To tackle this, I’ve focused on fostering open communication and building strong relationships with all stakeholders.
Another challenge has been integrating international best practices into local contexts. Adapting tools and approaches from other countries to fit Thailand’s unique needs required working closely with local experts and partners to ensure these practices were both relevant and practical. Despite these challenges, the role keeps me engaged and committed to fostering meaningful partnerships that advance UNDP’s broader mission.
4. Tell us about your favourite moment with UNDP Thailand.
I’ve had several memorable experiences while serving at UNDP. One of the highlights has been the opportunity to work closely with colleagues from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, which has been profoundly enriching. Working for UNDP has also allowed me to meet and collaborate with prominent individuals—people you might usually only read about in the news or see on television—discussing and working on policy development for the country.
Additionally, my role enables me to amplify the voices of vulnerable groups and engage directly with communities in outreach areas. I have the chance to present their challenges and advocate for their inclusion in policy discussions. These experiences have been both impactful and fulfilling, allowing me to contribute to meaningful change at both local and national levels.
5. In what ways does this position enable you to contribute to the achievement of an inclusive and sustainable society?
My role allows me to make a meaningful impact on creating an inclusive and sustainable society through my work in parliamentary engagement and tsunami preparedness. In parliamentary engagement, I facilitate collaboration between UNDP and the Thai Parliament to support capacity building, advocate for inclusive legislation, and integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives into policy development. By ensuring that vulnerable groups have a voice in the legislative process, I help to create a more equitable platform where everyone can be part of the policy dialogue and decision-making process. In tsunami preparedness, I work with schools, local authorities, and community organizations to implement comprehensive preparedness programs. This includes providing training, conducting drills, and strengthening infrastructure to build community resilience, particularly for those in vulnerable areas. My efforts also ensure that disaster preparedness plans include persons with disabilities, helping to reduce risk and support sustainable development through proactive local planning and education.
6. How is democratic governance significant to your work in promoting climate action, advancing the rights of vulnerable people, advocating for inclusive and responsive policies or fostering a just and equitable society? And how do you apply a democratic development approach to your work to drive progress in respective areas?
Democratic governance is central to my work as it ensures diverse voices are heard and policies address the needs of all members of society. In promoting climate action, it helps create policies that consider the concerns of various stakeholders, including marginalized communities who are often most affected by climate change. When advancing the rights of vulnerable people, democratic governance ensures their inclusion in policy discussions and decision-making, advocating for laws that protect their rights and promote inclusivity. For example, working with the Thai Parliament, I bring youth, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities into legislative discussions to ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into policy processes. This approach fosters open dialogue and collaboration, which are key to addressing social inequalities and promoting justice. By engaging stakeholders, facilitating discussions, and integrating feedback into policy design, I ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, effective, and fair, driving progress in climate action, rights advocacy, and social equity.
7. What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to #JoinALifeChangingMission with UNDP?
I believe that people are born with purpose and have lifelong learning opportunities. For those considering applying to #JoinALifeChangingMission with UNDP, my advice is to embrace the opportunity with an open mind and a commitment to lifelong learning. UNDP offers a unique platform to engage with diverse global challenges and work towards impactful solutions. You’ll encounter a range of perspectives and experiences that will broaden your understanding of international development. Approach your role with passion and curiosity and be ready to collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders. This mission is not just about contributing to projects but also about personal and professional growth, making a tangible difference in the world, and continually expanding your horizons.
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The Faces of UNDP Thailand is a series to echo the voice of UNDP staff who support UNDP and the community to advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Give us 3 words that describe UNDP Thailand: Inclusive, Empowering, and Collaborative (Partnership)Aticha Chaivichian, Partnership and Engagement Analyst