Interview with Ms. Pilar Perona Larraz, Chief of the Recruitment for International Organizations Area of AECID:
Ms. Pilar Perona Larraz, Chief of the Recruitment for International Organizations Area of AECID, is about to start enjoying a well-deserved retirement. With her hopes set in the future and her head full of memories, we have asked her to look back for a moment:
Q. Pilar, what led you to the field of cooperation?
A. My interest and my professional vocation for international and social matters drove me to the world of cooperation; the possibility of working in international and social affairs, of coupling both options
.
When young, I studied Political Science at the University and, when finished, I broadened my studies in European affairs, such as European integration, at the College of Europe in Bruges, and at the University of Nancy, later on. There were these experiences – getting out of Spain, studying international and European affairs, which created my conscience on international questions.
On the other hand, I have always had a special sensibility for social matters, having decided to study Political Science and Social Studies, and participating in social movements since my time at the university, in Spain. I have always worked in Human Rights and Gender issues, have taken part in feminist movements, in women’s development, something I have always enjoyed and which has been part of my life since as far back as I recall.
Q. What is the best memory you will take with you from AECID?
A. Undoubtedly, my contact and relationship with all the youngsters that have participated in our Programmes for Young Experts and Professionals. It is a pleasure to see their professional and personal evolution. Also with international organizations, with which you get to develop an excellent relationship and team. And of course with my co-workers.
Q. After all the years you have spent managing the Spanish JPO and SARC programmes, what do you best value about them?
A. Mainly, the training these programmes offer; training in an ample sense. I am referring to the professional knowledge acquired, as well as to the professional possibilities that consequently emerge for the youngsters. They also offer contact with international organizations and their internal knowledge. All of this, without forgetting all the personal enrichment these programmes bring to the participants, through the relationship and coexistence with persons from other nations and cultures. Last but not least, I also value all the training that is acquired through the contact with Less Developed Countries, the knowledge of these, their problems and their specific circumstances.
Q. What would be your advice for someone who would like to become a JPO or SARC?
A. Above all, I would tell the person to make the most out of the possibilities that these programmes offer, of professional learning, as well as of contact with institutions, with persons and with the Development world.
Q. How do you see the future of the Spanish JPO and SARC programmes?
A. The Spanish JPO Programme is already a few years old. It begun with the first agreement signed in December 1987 between UNDP and Spain. And it has not only lasted for the last 24 years, but it has also been strengthened and extended to many other organizations and funds of the UN System. This makes it a programme deeply linked to our cooperation’s history and which has followed its ups and downs, its growth and development. The future will take all these years’ weight into account, together with the fruits and results of the programme. I am optimistic.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. Plenty of plans; we’ll see how I fulfil them. They are plans that I haven’t been able to develop due to lack of time; now, with spare time, I hope I will get them rolling.
For example, I stopped painting some years ago and I would like to get back at it in a more systematic way. Besides painting, I also enjoy photography and, now that we have bought a house in Toledo, a city very charming and full of history, I am reading about the city and taking many pictures. I would like to work on some project about Toledo, its history and culture. Furthermore, I wouldn’t want to stop collaborating from time to time with some NGO, not to forget what my path has been; and the remaining free time I will use it to exercise more, go for walks, and travel, as far as my availability allows.
Many thanks Pilar, for sharing your impressions with us. The JPO Service Centre wishes you all the best for your future and thanks you for all your continuous support over the years!
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