In your day-to-day work, what SDG(s) are you helping to implement? 

In my day-to-day work, the SDGs I help implement are mainly the environmental SDGs, SDG 13 (Climate Change),SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnership). Additionally, the climate change and environment portfolio has projects helping to implementing SDG 3 (Good Health),  SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), and SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).

What are some of the personal and professional challenges you are experiencing/have experienced? 

As this is my first experience working abroad, nearly everything has been a new learning opportunity. While I wouldn’t say I faced significant personal challenges, it was mainly just adapting to a new environment, especially life on a Tropical island.

Professionally, the biggest challenge was understanding my new role and building the confidence to perform effectively. I placed a great deal of internal pressure on myself and for the first three months or so, I struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling as though everyone else had a firm grasp of their work while I was still trying to navigate the UN systems and processes, understanding the different projects under the climate change and environment programme and simple things like the casually used acronyms in the office, the work culture and other working platforms we use daily.

However, I quickly learned that the best way to gain confidence is through experience. By immersing myself in the work, asking questions, and embracing each challenge as a learning opportunity, I gradually found my footing and grew more assured in my role.

How do you navigate these challenges? Have you tapped into any resources or support systems?

Navigating these challenges has been possible thanks to the incredible support system I have around me. First and foremost, my family has been a pillar of strength, providing unwavering encouragement. Additionally, my friends, particularly the new friends I met in Timor-Leste, provided me with a sense of community and a home away from home. I have been fortunate to receive immense support from my colleagues and supervisor, they are always willing to offer guidance whenever needed.

A key resource that has helped me adjust is the Graduate Programme team, which has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. They provide a wealth of resources, including self-help tools and professional support. The numerous webinars we’ve attended have offered valuable insights into managing both work and life effectively. Perhaps most importantly, the monthly check-in meetings have been a lifeline. Reflecting on those conversations, I feel proud of their evolution over the past year and deeply grateful for the safe and supportive space the team has created.

Lastly, I am my biggest cheerleader. I celebrate my life at every opportunity and make time to unwind. Simple things like reminding myself that I was selected from 37,000 global applicants - how amazing is that? Enjoying fresh coconuts while watching the sunset, going to the beach, dancing kizomba, and enjoying my music keep me going. These moments help maintain my mental health and remind me to appreciate my beautiful journey.

How has been your learning journey so far? How are you leveraging your previous experience in this role so far?

My learning journey so far has been incredible! Coming into the Graduate programme with an open mind, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it has exceeded all my expectations. I feel fortunate to be working in a country office with a strong climate change and environment portfolio, which has allowed me to gain extensive knowledge in both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. From climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable energy to marine conservation, mangrove restoration, and disaster risk management, I have been exposed to a wide range of impactful initiatives.

In my previous experience, my work primarily focused on biodiversity policies and conservation within the African savanna ecosystem. Transitioning into this role has been both a life-changing and enlightening experience, as it has allowed me to apply my background in conservation ecology in a new way. At its core, the biodiversity conservation principles remain the same, protecting and restoring ecosystems to ensure environmental sustainability. The key difference is the context: instead of advocating for the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity, I am now working on projects that involve releasing turtles, protecting coral reefs, and promoting blue-green livelihoods. This shift from terrestrial to marine conservation has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of conservation in diverse ecosystems.

 What are some of the most rewarding parts of this journey?

The most rewarding aspect of this journey is being part of a team that works to improve access to basic services and livelihoods for the most remote and marginalized communities in Timor-Leste. Knowing that our efforts contribute to building resilient communities makes the work deeply fulfilling.

Since my role involves supporting the monitoring and communication of project impacts, I have the privilege of engaging directly with beneficiaries during field visits. These interactions are incredibly meaningful, hearing their stories firsthand and witnessing the tangible impact of our projects reinforces the importance of our work. Beneficiaries are always eager to share their experiences, and they genuinely appreciate being heard. It is inspiring to see how our intentional efforts translate into real improvements in people’s lives, ensuring that no one is left behind.

 Can you share an example of how your unique background and perspective have been valued or made an impact in your work with UNDP?

I truly love my work, and I believe my passion has had a meaningful impact on my contributions to UNDP. My deep interest in biodiversity conservation and policy, particularly the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), has positioned me uniquely within the organization. This expertise has enabled me to provide technical support to Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded global biodiversity policy-related projects. As the focal point for these initiatives, I play a key role in accelerating the implementation of national projects that are critical in addressing the triple planetary crisis.

Additionally, my curiosity and eagerness to take on challenges have allowed me to grow within my role. My supervisor has entrusted me with co-leading Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programming for UNDP Timor-Leste, supporting efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Being able to contribute both in the areas of biodiversity conservation and DRR has been incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces the value of bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to development work.

How do you think your experience will contribute to your career? 

Working in a resilient post-conflict country and one of Asia’s youngest nations has been a life-changing experience. It has given me a profound understanding of resilience and transformative change insights that will undoubtedly shape my career. My time at UNDP Timor-Leste has allowed me to work with a diverse and highly skilled team, broadening my perspective on development challenges and solutions.

Through this experience, I have learned to think beyond my job description, recognizing how my work directly contributes to UNDP’s strategy and the national vision of building sustainable, empowered, and resilient communities. I now have a deeper understanding of the UN system and how we collaborate with development agencies, donors, local communities and government to drive impactful change.

Beyond technical expertise, this role has strengthened my leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. I have developed expertise in global environmental governance. My passion for conservation, combined with my ability to navigate complex policy frameworks, has allowed me to play a key role in biodiversity initiatives and embrace new opportunities.

Looking ahead, I am confident that these experiences will not only shape my career in environmental policy and sustainable development but also position me as a versatile professional capable of tackling complex global challenges. My journey at UNDP Timor-Leste has reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact, and I look forward to applying these lessons in future roles.

Could you tell us about a funny anecdote or a curious tradition that you have experienced in your duty station?

Interestingly, I've discovered many cultural similarities between Eswatini and Timor-Leste. It's fascinating how traditions and ways of life in two countries, continents apart, can feel so familiar. Both nations deeply value communal support and traditional customs, which continue to shape daily life. Storytelling, music, and dance are central to cultural expression. What's even more intriguing is that both cultures measure the success of an event not by its decor, but by whether there is enough food and drinks for the guests.. 

What is your piece of advice to the candidates who will apply to the next cohorts?

Patience is key! I submitted my application for this programme in October 2022 and went through multiple assessment stages. This included interview with the UNDP Timor-Leste office in November 2023. I finally arrived at my duty station in February 2024. The process requires perseverance, but it is truly worth it. I would say nothing is out of reach, put in your best efforts, speak your truth, and trust that everything will align in the end.