JPO Stories
Questions to Miriam Ciscar-Blat
Miriam Ciscar-Blat is a Spanish JPO currently assigned to the UNFPA Country Office in Philippines.
Vitals
Name
Miriam Ciscar Blat
Where are you from?
Valencia, Spain.
What is your background?
I am an economist with a Masters Degree on international cooperation. My previous work and researches are on the area of ecological economics and gender issues. I worked for the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation and Development (AECID) as well as for some NGO as technical consultant and researcher. I am also the cofounder of an NGO called Gayawana, which produces documentary films and other advocacy materials mainly on gender, environmental and poverty issues.
JPO Assignment
When and where have you worked as a JPO?
Since 2006 in the Philippines.
What has been your assignment as a JPO?
I am the Humanitarian Response Coordinator and since March 2008 the Programme Officer for Gender.
Which random words come to your mind when thinking about your JPO years?
Hard work, commitment, informed choices and safe motherhood.
Do you remember your "best moment" as a JPO?
The best is always to come.
Career path
What are your major lessons learned during your JPO assignment in terms of professional growth, career planning and opportunities?
I learned that Sexual and reproductive health save lives in the acute phase of an emergency, and the career opportunities being open are on the area of humanitarian response and gender issues from a sexual and reproductive health perspective.
What is your motivation to work in the field of development?
Equity, fairness and a deep sense of mission and justice.
Most enriching professional achievement so far?
All of them, because one leads to the others.
What kind of advice would you give to JPOs?
Learn to listen in any language, smile, value your colleagues, don’t pay attention to gossip and focus on your work.
By the way...
Your crowning glory:
Dancing!
The last favourite book you read:
Espejos, from Eduardo Galeando.
And not the last but very highly recommended: The algebra of infinite justice, from Arundathi Roy.
Behind the suit:
Same that in front.
Favourite quote:
“Be the change you want to see”.
Inspiration:
Mother earth and the poorest women and men that have the strength to fight and stand for their beliefs. These are my bosses, whom I work for.
