Jean-Luc's path to the UN began with a transformative experience in Cambodia in the mid-1990s, where he witnessed extreme poverty firsthand while working at the French embassy. "I discovered poverty there. And it was a wake-up call in many ways... Cambodia is still a poor country, but at the time it was one of the poorest countries in the world. No electricity in the city, no roads, no sewage system," he recalls. This experience sparked his commitment to international development, leading to roles in HIV/AIDS program coordination before joining UNDP, where he now helps identify and nurture talent for one of the UN's largest agencies.
"Contributing to the greater good is something I find very exciting," says Jean-Luc, underlining that successful UN careers often grow from a combination of relevant expertise and genuine commitment to multilateralism. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to reduce poverty, address climate change, and strengthen democratic governance.
For those of you interested in joining the UNDP, Jean-Luc stresses the importance of thorough preparation and genuine interest in the organisation's mandate.
Relevant to note: "Generic applications don't work... We recruit someone because we have a need for a specific position somewhere. The individual needs to really convince us that they are the best fit."
A Political Science graduate, Jean-Luc highlights how cross-cultural understanding has become vital in international development. As UNDP embraces innovation and digital transformation, he notes that emerging skills in areas like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and digital technologies are becoming crucial for future development professionals.
The UNDP offers its staff the opportunity to contribute to building a more equitable world while working in a diverse, multicultural environment that values continuous learning and innovation.
As Jean-Luc puts it, "We would never solve this world's problems if we do not do it together." Enjoy the podcast!