LocationsJPO Story - Arielle Allouche
June 24, 2024
Arielle with group of women, aspirant candidates for the upcoming local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, during a political leadership and candidate training for women organized by UN Women, 2024.
What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, both from Sciences Po Paris. Always passionate about gender equality and human rights, I was able to study those topics from a multidisciplinary perspective, which was deeply enriching. I was also able to undertake multiple internships, which allowed me to round up my perspectives and complement my academic focus.
What made you apply to the JPO programme/what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
For most of my life, I have been passionate about topics of human rights and international cooperation. The role the UN has to play in setting international standards and pushing for a better world has always been inspiring to me, coupled with an occasion to work in a multicultural environment where there is so much to learn every day.
Having worked for UN Women for a few years, first as an intern, then as a consultant with the Women’s Political team at HQ, applying for the JPO was the natural next step for me. The JPO programme is a unique opportunity to grow within the UN system, while providing great learning paths and chances to connect with other JPOs across the globe. I had great role models and inspiring colleagues in my previous position with UN Women, so it made me want to continue with the organization.
This position was also an opportunity for me to work in a country office, learning more about the UN’s programmatic work, after having worked with the team at UN Women’s HQ, with a stronger focus on policies and research. I have been able to develop different skills and a rounder perspective of all aspects of UN work.
Arielle in Rome, October 2023, during celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Italian JPO programme
What are the main activities/tasks you are working on? What is a day at the office/in the field like?
My role at the country office is to support and coordinate multiple projects. I have the opportunity of working on different themes and portfolios, ranging from women’s economic empowerment, particularly the care economy, to climate change and to women’s political participation. My tasks vary, and including notably providing technical support to national partners, analyzing strategies and policies, organizing conferences and trainings, and drafting proposals, concept notes, and reports on our activities. My work also includes visits to partner organizations across the country. As I work across multiple teams, a day at the office is usually very busy and requires a lot of organization and flexibility.
In your day-to-day work, what SDG(s) are you helping to implement?
By working with UN Women, I focus most on SDG 5, gender equality, however, it is clear that gender is a cross-cutting theme that impacts all SDGs. My work on the care economy, which focuses recognizing, redistributing and reducing the unpaid care work placed on women’s shoulder, contributes to SDG 1 – no poverty and SDG 8, decent work and economic growth, by aiming to revalue care work and therefore reducing the precarity of caretakers.
By working on climate change, I am helping to implement SDG 13 – climate action, and by working on political participation, I support the implementation of SDG 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Overall, the SDGs remain interlinked and gender equality contributes to all of them!
What has been the most rewarding experience to date for you at your duty station? (work and/or non-work related)
By far, the most rewarding experience is to meet people who are positively impacted by the work we do. Recently, we have organized trainings for women who are considering running for election in local government; seeing them interact and engage has been inspiring, and the thought of them being more confident in their ability and their chances in elections has been very rewarding.
Arielle in Rome, October 2023, during celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Italian JPO programme
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
As a JPO, I am able to develop my adaptability and my flexibility, as I work on multiple topics, for multiple projects, while thinking of synergies and ways to connect it all. I have also been able to develop my skills in overseeing projects, and in analyzing the strategic positioning of my work and my team. I also got to familiarize myself with UN processes and systems of reporting, which are an essential part of work within the UN.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
Go for it! The JPO programme is highly competitive, so pay attention to your candidacy and profile, but that should not discourage anyone to apply. Prepare well, but do not be afraid to try.
As for the preparation, do not hesitate to reach out to current or former JPOs. Prepare well for the application and interview process, and make good use of the countless resources which exist online to prepare for competency-based interviews and to understand the key messages and values of the UN.
How do you feel your JPO assignment will influence your career choices/opportunities within the UN?
My JPO assignment has broadened my experience and perspectives, particularly regarding the work of country and regional offices, a key structure of UN agencies. The JPO is a chance to understand the UN from within and gain great understanding of its work, its structures and values; I believe these are essential to continue working with the UN.
What is the biggest motivator for you when it comes to your work?
Above all, I am motivated by seeing the results of my work. Seeing concrete changes in policies, in people’s lives or opportunities motivates me at work. I also deeply believe in the work that I do, and I want to be a part of those who try, in their way, to change societies for the better.
Being a JPO has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and grow as a young professional; it has sharpened my curiosity and given me the opportunity to keep learning.Arielle Allouche
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