LocationsJPO Story - Seri Chung
December 2, 2025
UNCDF Business Planning Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya February 2025
What is your educational background? How has your education shaped your approach to development work?
I studied Geography and Economics for bachelor’s degree, which sparked my interest in international trade and supply chains. As I built my career in public procurement, especially with international organizations, I pursued an MBA to strengthen my strategic and analytical skills and broaden my perspective on managerial decision-makings and global business.
Through the Duty-related Travel and Training Allocation (DTTA) offered to JPOs, I completed UNDP procurement certification courses for Level 4, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). This program equipped me with advanced knowledge of procurement principles, compliance standards, and practical case studies within UN development contexts.
What inspired you to apply to the JPO programme and what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
My first professional experience was with the Public Procurement Service, a central government agency in Korea. There, I supported Korean suppliers in navigating UN procurement processes—helping them identify tender opportunities, complete vendor registrations, and prepare proposals. I also organized procurement capacity-building seminars, which gave me insight into how UN procurement officers operate in the field.
One moment that shifted my perspective was during a procurement seminar I helped organize, where a UN colleague spoke about their mandate and the deeper purpose behind procurement. It’s not just about buying goods and services—it’s about ensuring it reaches the right people who need them most, in a timely and efficient manner, by sourcing from qualified vendors. That conversation helped me see that procurement isn’t just about transactions, but about enabling impact.
After that, I started seeking a role in the UN where my day-to-day work could directly contribute to those meaningful impacts and discovered the JPO programme, supported by the Korean government. I believe the JPO programme is one of the best ways for young professionals to start their UN careers and gain hands-on experience.
Procurement and Operations Analyst at UNCDF
What are the main activities/tasks you are working on? Can you walk us through a typical day in your role - whether in the office or out in the field?
I joined the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) HQ in New York as a Management Analyst, supporting finance and operations at the corporate level. My work involved coordinating internal and external audits, managing the implementation status of previous recommendations, preparing corporate reports for governing bodies such as the Executive Board and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), and contributing to enhancements of the ERP system to better serve UNCDF operations. These experiences in HQ gave me a strong understanding of UNCDF’s operational structure, and since UNCDF is a relatively small agency, I had the opportunity to work across multiple functions and with different units.
Later, I was reassigned to Bangkok as a Procurement and Operations Analyst, where UNCDF has its regional presence for the Asia-Pacific. Here, my role shifted to focus more on procurement. I support project teams in the region as a buyer, handling procurement planning, solicitation processes, and contract management. I also assist with corporate assurance functions, ensuring that all system users have proper Delegation of Authority and that processes comply with the Internal Control Framework. Being based in the region also allows me to work closely with teams on the ground. Whenever I identify operational bottlenecks and practical challenges, I initiate discussions with the HQ team and other regions to suggest improvements that enhance business efficiency and responsiveness.
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does your work contribute to, and how?
Through my procurement and operational support across UNCDF projects—such as Smart Green ASEAN Cities (SGAC), Locally Led Adaptation (LoCAL) programme, and the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP)—I contribute to several SDGs. These include SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 1 (No Poverty), among others.
What has been the most challenging project you've undertaken during your time with UNDP/UNCDF, and what did you learn from the experience?
One of the most challenging experiences was supporting UNCDF through its change management process, including the adoption of a new organogram earlier this year. The transition created uncertainty, while we still had commitments to donors and partners. As part of these efforts, I helped implement previous audit recommendations to restore business efficiency and ensure compliance under the new structure. Balancing the need for stronger internal controls with the realities faced by colleagues in the field was particularly complex. While tighter controls can sometimes feel like bottlenecks, I learned that proactive communication and collaborative problem-solving are essential to keep operations running smoothly. As a newcomer, I brought a fresh perspective and asked many ‘Why?’ questions that colleagues who had been in the system for long time might not have considered. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, transparency, and adaptability in organizational change. More importantly, I learned not to be afraid to ask questions; it might turn into new ideas and lead to better solutions.
UNCDF business planning meeting in Bangkok, Thailand March 2025
What has been the most rewarding experience you have had at your duty station - whether professional or personal - that has shaped your journey as a JPO?
There have been many rewarding moments during my JPO journey. One was seeing the board paper and presentation I prepared, presented to the Executive Board, and formally adopted. Another was when UNCDF successfully implemented all audit recommendations within the target timeline—a milestone that reflected our collective commitment to accountability and improvement.
But the most rewarding experience came after the most challenging time. Following the adoption of the new organogram, I participated in regional business planning meetings in Nairobi and Bangkok, where UNCDF leadership and project managers came together to discuss UNCDF 2.0—its renewed vision and mission. I was proud to be part of this process, assisting with work process materials, summarizing action plans, and capturing feedback from project teams. Being involved in shaping the next chapter of UNCDF, especially after navigating a major organizational shift, was deeply meaningful. It reaffirmed my motivation to make improvements that translate into real change in day-to-day operations when back to the office.
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
As someone new to the UN system, my first year at HQ was a unique learning experience. One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is understanding how UN operations function across different layers of decision-making and oversight. Being part of a small agency like UNCDF gave me exposure to a wide range of work streams—not only in procurement, which is my background, but also in finance, audit coordination, corporate reporting, and operational workflows. This is something many may not have access to in a larger organization, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.
This horizontal expansion of responsibilities allowed me to build a strong foundation in cross-functional collaboration. It also allowed me to better understand how corporate processes connect to field operations, which became especially valuable when I transitioned to a procurement buyer role, because understanding workflow and compliance is essential to supporting transactional-level operations effectively and responsibly.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
From the bottom of my heart, I believe the JPO Programme is a life-changing opportunity, especially for those passionate about international development. For those who may feel their background isn’t directly related to programme managements or front-line roles, I would also like to highly encourage you to explore opportunities in the UN development works. Operations are the backbone of the organization, whether in procurement, finance, HR, or IT, these roles are critical to enabling development outcomes. The JPO Programme allows you to see how your skills can make a real impact, and it helps you grow into a more well-rounded, globally minded professional.
How has your JPO experience shaped your vision for your future within the UN or beyond?
My JPO experience has been transformative in shaping both my professional identity and long-term career vision. Starting at HQ and later transitioning to the regional office, this dual exposure gave me a comprehensive view of how the UN operates. Looking ahead, I’m motivated to pursue opportunities where I can contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building of internal staff members. I am also interested in expanding my roles to include programme and finance oversight, aiming to become a strong back-office function that supports programme delivery.
We also love hearing about the lighter side of life in the field; do you have a funny anecdote or a unique tradition from your duty station that made you smile?
In Thailand, local colleagues often add “ka or krub” at the end of almost every sentence to show respect and politeness, even in English conversations. Another unique tradition is the ‘wai’ gesture, where you press your palms together when greeting and thanking someone. After a couple of months in Bangkok, I found myself unconsciously picking it up. It may seem like a small thing, but it makes you feel both respectful and respected, which I believe it contributes to a positive and respectful working culture. So, “Thank you so much, ka!
JPO PPO workshop in New York, Feburary 2025
My JPO journey has been more than just starting a UN career or strengthening technical skills – it has helped me grow into a confident, empowered professional ready to take on greater responsibilitiesSeri Chung
Related
content
content
