JPO Stories
Greetings from Panama!
For the JPO Stories, Pauni Obregón Ortega gives
an account of his experience as a JPO in Panama. Funded by Spain, Pauni
works for UNDP at the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Service Centre in Panama city.
VITALS
Name
Pauni Obregón Ortega
Where are you from?
I am from Nicaragua, and my JPO assignment is funded by Spain.
What is your background?
I studied law (JD Equivalent) in Nicaragua and then I obtained a Fulbright scholarship to study a LL.M (masters) in International Legal Studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Before joining UNDP, I worked at the World Bank office in Nicaragua, as well as in a local legal firm. I have also participated in several consultancies and as a lecturer in two universities in Managua.
JPO ASSIGNMENT
When and where are you working as a JPO?
I initiated my duties on November 9, 2009 at the Regional Service Centre in Panama.
What is your assignment as a JPO?
I am an Associate Legal Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Regional Service Centre in Panama. My duties include assisting in providing advice on institutional and commercial matters through support to HQ units and country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, including: review and advising on commercial contracts (for services and goods); and commercial claims; financing and other operational agreements; preparation of initial drafts of legal opinions and legal research and analysis on institutional and commercial legal issues, pertaining to mandates and authorities, intellectual property matters, issues related to the use of the name and emblem of UNDP. 
What three words come to your mind, when you think about your JPO experience up to now?
Privilege, opportunity and learning.
Do you have already a "best moment" as a JPO?
I am not sure about “best moment” but I have had great experiences at the technical and human level constantly at the regional centre. As an example, one day a colleague from cleaning services requested legal advice on a complaint with a neighbour and after I explained to her that I did not know about the local law and we do not manage those types of issues, I advised her to make a case to the authorities where tolerance and amicable settlement should be reached. The authority understood the issues and the relationship with the neighbours have improved. Sometimes, our daily work focuses more on larger issues but our actions and advices can make a difference for some people.
How high do you estimate the importance of the JPO Programme from your current experience?
I feel very privileged to be part of the JPO Programme for several reasons. First, because I came from a developing country and the possibility of working in an international organization focused on development could have been rather limited if it not were for the generous contribution by the Spanish Fund. Second, because we are learning constantly by the exposure of complex issues that requires the interaction of people from different professional experiences and cultural background to give holistic responses. At the same time, the objectives and principles of the organization make us proud of representing it with our engagement in the developing world.
POST JPO CAREER PATH
What has been your career path until now?
Since I finished my studies, I have tried to work on different legal areas at the private, public and now international level in order to gain experience for a complete and adequate legal advice. For this reason,
I am looking forward to continue contributing with the organization or any other developing organization in the future.
In what way is your JPO assignment shaping your career?
It provides me a firsthand experience from skilled professionals at the regional level of the main legal obstacles that our projects face in Latin America. At the same time, it has given me an opportunity to learn from different practice areas as well as to explore possible solutions for their needs. The constant advices from the Legal Support Office (LSO) in headquarters have been also highly appreciated for my professional development.
What are your major lessons learned during your career in terms of professional growth, career planning and opportunities?
- Take the initiative of proposing new ways that facilitate the interaction and work flow in the office.
- Discuss periodically the issues from work with your supervisor.
- Explore ways of engagement with other practice areas.
- Ask for help and guidance when you are not sure about the implementation of a project or a procedure.
- Engage with locals and learn about their culture.
- Escape to visit with your family the magnificent places that the country offers you.
- Support your spouse or partner in their projects.
Most enriching professional achievement so far?
I am very fortunate of having a great relationship with a supervisor who is willing to share knowledge and provide constant advice. However, our experience depends on the country or region that we are assigned, and for this reason I found highly valuable the experience gained at HQ level when my supervisor suggested me to work for a month at LSO in NY. Although I had spent 6 months on the job already, working at HQ felt like a fresh start as I received diverse and ongoing requests from offices all over the world. After a series of negotiations and revisions of documents, it seems that your work fades in the bureaucracy of the organization but it makes you feel proud when you watch the news and see that the project you were working on is reaching its goals. By adapting to the hectic way of life, and maintaining a constant interaction with my colleagues, I felt more prepared to face the challenges that demand our organization.
What kind of advice would you give to JPOs from your current point of view?
Use the networks, request constantly help and advice (through the JPO network for example), read the intra (especially POPP) and enjoy your duty station with your family or friends.
BY THE WAY…
Your crowning glory:
Being welcomed by the smile of my two children when I return from work.
The last favourite book you read:
Overthrown by Stephen Kinzer.
Behind the suit:
Learning in the difficult task of being a parent and riding a bicycle around the Panama channel.
Inspiration:
Augusto C. Sandino
