Jan Mattsson

Executive Director
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark

"My time as a JPO was a fantastic learning opportunity, and looking back I am amazed at the level of responsibility I was given at the time. For me it was the entry point to the UN and the first round of learning about the UN’s work – a process that continues to this day..."
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Katrin Lichtenberg

Senior Portfolio Manager, International Waters Cluster Head
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark

"Looking back on my JPO experience, it gave me the knowledge and management tools I need and use today. It was the foundation for my now extensive network, both in terms of work and friendship, and it gave me confidence to pursue my career in the UN..."
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Sebastiano Bagnasco

Outreach and Partnerships Advisor
Based in New York, USA

"My JPO assignment gave me the opportunity to gradually learn about how the UN functions and where my profile could best fit. Having the opportunity to work in two very different countries helped me learn about development issues and humanitarian activities in post-conflict environments..."
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Mikko Lainejoki

Director and Representative, Pakistan Operations Centre
Based in Islamabad, Pakistan

"Being a JPO broadened my perspective on life and work, increased my confidence and taught me how to work in a very diverse environment. More importantly, those years instilled within me the importance of human rights for every individual. It was also the springboard for my later career..."
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Pierre Jullien

Director and Representative,
Côte d'Ivoire Operations Centre
Based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

"My best experience as a JPO came when I was re-assigned to then-UNDP-OPS division that supported the International Fund for Agricultural Development in New York. Supporting project supervision and loan administration for rural development projects was the main purpose of this assignment..."
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Robbert Bekker

Regional Coordinator, TRIDOM project
Based in Yaoundé, Cameroon

"My JPO years were marked by the freedom to really take the initiative and develop my skills. Despite the fact that I joined FAO in the era of limited digital technology, I was fortunate enough to work with a very creative group of colleagues..."
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Mariacarmen Colitti

Senior Partnerships and Liaison Advisor
Based in Brussels, Belgium  
   
"During my time as a JPO I gained an appreciation of the work the UN does and an understanding of the inner workings of the UN system. I was able to gain valuable experience that greatly extended my skill set from that gained in my previous work..."
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Jaap van Hierden

Deputy Regional Director, APO
Based in Bangkok, Thailand

"During my time as a JPO, I had a certain level of autonomy for tasks that were interesting and diverse. These initial assignments kicked off a wide variety of roles over the years within UNOPS..."
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Giuseppe Mancinelli

Deputy Regional Director, LCO
Based in Panama City, Panama

"The JPO experience was diverse and intense and it definitively shaped my career at UNOPS. It formed within me a commitment and passion for the work I do..."
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