Story from a former JPO

Claudine Tavel
Head of the JPO Programme
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

Claudine Tavel is a former UNDP JPO in Benin (1981-1983) and is currently head of the JPO Programme for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

When, where and in what area did you work as a JPO?

I look back at my experience as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) working in the UNDP Office in Cotonou, Benin, from 1981 to 1983, as one of the most captivating experience. I was in charge of projects aiming at the development of the national human resources in the fields of education, professional training, health and employment promotion. It was the first step in a career oriented towards development which had been the focus of my university studies.

Looking back at your time as a JPO, what do you consider your biggest achievement at the time?

My JPO assignment was a privileged daily learning opportunity thanks to a particularly dynamic Resident Representative, who gave meaning to the unfolding events in the country and had a talent for visualising future trends and innovative associations. I was particularly proud to contribute to the preparation of the Round Table of Partners in Development which greatly improved the dialogue between the various national and international actors active in Benin. It was made all the more easier thanks to visits to ILO, WHO and UNESCO before taking up my assignment and frequent contacts with project staff during my stay in Cotonou.

What role do you think JPOs should play in the development sector?

Today, the role of JPOs is crucial. They will bring their field experience and their understanding of the societies in which they have lived to the organisations they will work for later. They are the best examples of what solidarity between nations and people can bring to a world torn by many conflicts. And they will become opinion leaders or decision makers able to balance national versus global interests in a long-term perspective.

What advice would you give to the newly recruited JPO?

My advice to newly recruited JPOs is to first capture all opportunities to learn from others, in particular from national UN programme staff, and to share experiences with other JPOs working in the region; furthermore to be creative, making the best use of their own skills, while learning the approaches and methodological tools to successful team work; and finally to always keep in mind that their goal should be to plant seeds for sustainable human development.