LocationsJPO Story - Micky Elanga Yangongo
January 19, 2023
At the JPO/SDP Global Workshop held in Copenhagen, Denmark in October, 2022
What is your educational background?
My educational background is in Political Science
What made you apply to the JPO programme/what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
I’ve always had a passion for politics and international development. At university, as a PolSci student, the UN embodied "THE" agency bringing impacts and changes to the people through international diplomacy. Wanting to join the organization has always been with me since.
What are the main activities/tasks you are working on? What is a day at the office/in the field like?
I am a Governance Programme Analyst with focus on digital development and the digital transformation of the administration in Senegal. On a daily basis I work with our focal points in ministries to coordinate the framework project for the operationalization of the eGov actions plan and come up with digital innovation solutions for the benefits of citizens.
In your day-to-day work, what SDG(s) are you helping to implement?
Working on Governance, mainly SDG16. But when tackling youth and innovation, you also find links with SDG1, SDG4 and SDG9. Talking about women’s economic empowerment, you’ll find links with SDG5 and SDG8. It’s all somewhat interconnected to the 17 SDGs.
What is the most challenging project that you have worked on/are working on?
I cannot talk of a specific challenging project. Working for UNDP programmes as a whole is a very rewarding challenge.
With a group of UNDP JPOs at the JPO/SDP Global Workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark.
What has been the most rewarding experience to date for you at your duty station? (work and/or non-work related)
I particularly loved working and planning from end-to-end capacity-building and train-the-trainers sessions on the challenges of the digital transformation for personnel of the administration. It gave me an opportunity to sit and receive hands-on feedback from the people who will be the actors of the digital change in governance and listen during breakout sessions to their opinions and ideas on the partnership for eGov with UNDP.
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
I would say client management and interpersonal skills. I have very analytical skills when it comes to political science and having a data-driven mindset. However, in diplomacy, building strong relationships with stakeholders and being able to maintain those ties are far more important for success, which I found during my experience with UNDP Senegal.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
Identify positions that best match your motivation, experience, and skills. Then, I will say to apply and if your application isn’t successful on year 1, enhance your CV and reapply on year 2.
How do you feel your JPO assignment will influence your career choices/opportunities within the UN?
Being a JPO, I have a “foot in the door” and a chance to network and meet people from a diverse range of UN agencies. Knowing that, I keep in mind to step outside my own scope of work to make those connections and create those opportunities. I know opportunities never come served on a silver platter.
Do you feel that you're part of a community of purpose?
I feel like I have met a series of inspiring changemakers with a genuine commitment to serve the UN mission and the people.
In what ways do you feel you part of an organization that fosters people’s development?
There are several opportunities within the UN and as a JPO for learning and career development (trainings, conferences, assignments, etc). It’s all out there but sometimes difficult to access. It all depends on one’s motivation and commitment.
"As a JPO you’re an integral part of your team and will get a chance to directly contribute in the projects, programmes and operations of a UN agency."Micky Elanga Yangongo