JPO Stories
Carlo Reitano:
From UNFPA JPO in Morocco to "captain" of Finance at the International Civil Aviation Organization
Carlo Reitano, a former Italian JPO with UNFPA in Morocco (1995-1996), is now "Acting Chief of Finance" at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal.
VITALS
Where are you from?
I was born in Rome, Italy, although have spent most of my life abroad in Canada, France, Morocco, Thailand Uruguay, and the US.
What is your background?
I have a MS in Business Statistics from the University of Rome but have furthered my education since then in strategic and organizational alignment and performance management.
JPO ASSIGNMENT
When and where did you work as a JPO?
UNFPA's Country Office in Rabat, Morocco, in 1995 and 1996.
What was your assignment as a JPO?
Officially, I was recruited to assist the UNFPA Representative in the administration of UNFPA projects in the field of "Population and Development". In reality, I couldn't manage to keep my nose out of some broader stuff that was going on and ended up getting involved in working with UNDP's Resident Coordinator on a number of harmonization and reform processes - the preliminary steps of what is known today as "delivering as one".
What three words come to your mind when you think about your JPO years?
Exciting hard work.
Do you remember your "best moment" as a JPO?
Difficult to single only one out. It was a tremendous experience throughout, from the moment I received notification from UNDP's HR that I had been retained for the Programme, through the very last day.
How high do you estimate the importance of the JPO Programme?
It's a great Programme as it exposes young people to real work in the UN. You get to know the Organization, and the Organization gets to know you. Thus, after the JPO period, if there is a mutual interest in establishing a more extended working relationship, the likelihood of a mismatch is minimised.
POST JPO CAREER PATH
What has been your career path until now?
After the JPO period in 1997 I was recruited in UNFPA HQ in NY as "Statistics and Planning Officer". I also took over another assignment to work with the ASG for Management as "Coordinator" for UNFPA's Technical Support Services Systems, the technical support arm of the Organization. From there, I was appointed "Chief of Budget" in 2001, post that I held until 2006 at which point I moved to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal HQ. I am presently "Acting Chief of Finance".
In what way has your JPO assignment shaped your career?
It has provided me with good exposure to the field and understanding of the needs of the "clients" the UN System services.
What are your major lessons learned during your career in terms of professional growth, career planning and opportunities?
I think there are two major risks for any UN Officer: a) technical obsolescence and b) being perceived as a "long term" career staff, that has been exposed to the intellectual thinking of one Organization only. My strategy for the above is to a) never miss the learning opportunity correlated to a new job or assignment and b) interagency mobility. It makes things a bit more complicated, but in the long run it pays out.
Most enriching professional achievement so far?
Rolling out the first Results Based Budget and setting in place a Performance Management System for my current employer. There were some pretty important Budget proposals that we managed to get through at UNFPA, as well.
What kind of advice would you give to JPOs?
Two (or three) years go by quick. Don't lose any minute of it. Make yourself visible, get involved, be proactive. If you're posted to the field, use your vacation money and time to meet senior people at HQ.
BY THE WAY...
Your crowning glory:
My son Giorgio (4).
The last favourite book you read:
Who has the time.If I manage to release some you will see me avidly browsing through the Economist or the New York Times.
Behind the suit:
I was a racing fanatic until my parents pulled the plug on the funds. I still love things that are fast. I have a racing bike and love to barrel it down the hills in Montreal.
Favourite quote:
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." (Mahatma Gandhi)
Inspiration:
Ultimately, every moment in life - good or bad - is a learning opportunity. Never get discouraged.
Carlo Reitano, November 2008
