LocationsGraduate Programme: Building a future smart workforce for UNDP
Facundo (fourth from left) and Graduate Programme participants in a meeting in UNDP HQ in NY with UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner and UNDP OHR Director David Bearfield.
Photo: UNDP
Can you tell us about your educational background and where you grew up?
I grew up in Tacuarembó and moved to Montevideo, Uruguay, to pursue my university studies. There, I studied International Business as a bachelor’s degree and Public Policy as a Master’s. I also had the chance to study in South Korea as part of an exchange programme.
What made you apply to the graduate programme/what is your motivation to work with UNDP?
UNDP support to Uruguay’s development in terms of governance and green finance, to name a few, at the time of the Graduate Programme opening call, inspired me to apply hoping for the opportunity to contribute towards international development in general. I thought that in case I get the chance to join, I could contribute to and learn from international best practices on innovation for development.
What are the main activities/tasks you are working on? What is a day at the office/in the field like?
I joined the Client Services Division at the Bureau for Management Services in UNDP Headquarters, New York. My portfolio involves promoting the UN Efficiency Reform implementation, supporting inter-agency processes related to the provision of corporate services, assisting in external audits UNDP goes through, collaborating with the Project Appraisal Committee, and supporting the team’s advisory services on business solutions to Regional and Country Offices.
Recently, I led a project of customizing an AI chatbot to support the organization’s implementation of the Business Operations Strategy, in collaboration with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. I have also been spearheading a newsletter featured on the UNDP internal homepage, called Efficiency Matters, which engages colleagues in updates, tools, and resources for operational efficiency.
Facundo at the entrance of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Photo: Facundo Olivera
In your day-to-day work, what SDG(s) are you helping to implement?
Part of the objectives of the team I work in is reducing operational costs while enhancing the programmatic impact, which can benefit all SDGs.
What are some of the personal and professional challenges you are experiencing/have experienced?
Moving to another country had a significant impact on the way I felt at the beginning. It was a learning and adaptation curve that soon subsided once I met other colleagues whom I could confide in and exchange with on navigating such a change.
How do you navigate these challenges? Have you tapped into any resources or support systems?
The Graduate Programme is privileged to have a robust support system that guides each graduate throughout their journey within the organization. For instance, graduates benefit from monthly calls, personalized career development advice, and a variety of learning opportunities available.
Can you share an example of how your unique background and perspective have been valued or made an impact in your work with UNDP?
Before joining UNDP, I worked with foreign representations and another UN agency in Uruguay, where I supported the implementation of cooperation projects, contributed to climate change adaptation studies, and collaborated with promoting dialogues between Indigenous Peoples and government entities. Currently, I collaborate with the UNDP Project Appraisal Committee, reviewing project documents to ensure quality assurance, compliance with policies and procedures, and suggest improvements prior to their implementation. I strive to incorporate the lessons learned from my past experiences when providing feedback to projects.
How do you think your experience will contribute to your career?
Participating in the operational and policy aspects of an international organization like UNDP has provided me with a comprehensive, almost 360-degree, perspective on the development landscape. It has complemented my understanding of delivery, coming to understand the importance of programmes and operations fluid communication for co-creating effective development solutions.
Furthermore, I have been able to collaborate with other teams, such as the Chief Digital Office or the Due Diligence team, during particular surge periods or for specific products, which has further broadened my knowledge of particular methodologies both for effective approaches on innovation and the means to ensure operational transparency – key elements to maintain partners' trust.
Drinking Mate at the Corona Park New York.
Photo: Facundo Olivera
Could you tell us about a funny anecdote or a curious tradition that you have experienced in your duty station?
Almost everybody in Uruguay drinks Mate, a typical drink. I didn’t. Yet, I came to New York, and my neighbours turned out to be from the same region. They re-introduced me to the drink. And guess what? Now I drink Mate.
What is your piece of advice to the candidates who will apply to the next cohorts?
Apply smartly, look at what UNDP is doing across the world, its current and future priorities, and its values, and align your experience and educational background effectively. We all bring a unique vision with ourselves.
UNDP branding reads: If we are not being bold, future-smart, and innovative, we are not being UNDP. Join the UNDP Graduate Programme and do just that! Learn and unlearn, co-create with stakeholders, and practice the implementation of international development crafted by your own hands.
The Graduate Programme has been an inspiring experience, opening doors to invaluable learning, skills development, and networking opportunities. It has profoundly changed my perspective, empowering me to question conventional ideas about development and embrace participatory and innovative approaches to addressing global challenges.Facundo Olivera
