LocationsJPO Story - Irene Fagotto
June 25, 2026
Facilitating NDC 3.0 Investment Plan Workshop
What is your educational background? How has your education shaped your approach to development work?
My academic background is on international affairs, climate policy, and development cooperation. I completed a BA in Political Science and Environmental Policy at SciencesPo Paris. My studies brought me also to Australia and the US, and together with my international professional experiences across Europe, Asia and Africa, exposed me to diverse perspectives on global development challenges and strengthened my interest in multilateral cooperation.
My education taught me that development and environmental challenges are deeply interconnected: climate change, biodiversity loss, energy access, food systems, digital transformation, and inequality cannot be addressed in isolation. I try to approach development work through an integrated lens. Studying and living in different countries also helped me develop adaptability and intercultural skills, which are essential in international cooperation.
What inspired you to apply to the JPO programme and what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
I was already working at UNEP HQ for a few years, but I was particularly motivated to apply to the JPO programme as it gave the possibility of working with UNDP in a country office, which strongly appealed to me because I wanted to learn better how to connect global priorities with country-level implementation. I was drawn to UNDP’s work at the intersection of climate action and economic development and exposure to on the ground impact.
Opening ceremony of national NDC workshop with Ministry of Environment of Côte d'Ivoire and partners
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?
In my current role in PNUD Côte d’Ivoire, I work on a range of projects related to climate action, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, energy, biodiversity, circularity and the blue economy. My work involves supporting project design and implementation, coordinating with government counterparts and development partners, organizing technical consultations, and contributing to strategic planning and resource mobilization efforts.
A typical day can vary significantly. Some days are focused on coordination meetings with ministries, donors, private sector partners, or technical experts to advance project development. Other days involve drafting concept notes, reviewing technical documents, preparing presentations, or supporting policy discussions linked to national priorities such as the NDCs and digital transformation agenda.
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does your work contribute to, and how?
My work contributes to several SDGs simultaneously because many of the projects we support are cross-sectoral in nature and can create co-benefits across multiple sectors and communities.
This includes:
- SDG 13: Climate Action through NDC development, defining climate adaptation projects
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy through sustainable energy and energy access
- SDG 15: Life on Land through biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture projects;
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through digital innovation and technology-driven development;
- SDG 14: Life Below Water through blue economy and marine ecosystem initiatives;
- and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through coordination with governments, UN agencies, donors, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
What has been the most challenging project you've undertaken during your time with UNDP, and what did you learn from the experience?
One of the most challenging aspects of my assignment has been coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that involve different ministries, international partners, technical experts, and financing mechanisms simultaneously. Many of these projects are highly interdisciplinary and require aligning different priorities, timelines, and expectations. They also require knowledge of how a state manages its budget and debt, which was completely new to me.
A particularly demanding but rewarding experience has been supporting the development of large-scale integrated programmes related to digital transformation for sustainable agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire, due to the need for very technical inputs and continued adjustment based on guidance of national and donor counterparts.
Through these experiences, I learned the importance of patience, active listening, adaptability, and relationship-building. I also learned that successful development work often depends as much on personal trust-building as on technical expertise.
Field Visit in North of Côte d'Ivoire, Kohrogo
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?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience has been the opportunity to work closely with national experts, institutions and partners on projects that have tangible long-term potential for communities and ecosystems. Seeing ideas evolve from early discussions into concrete programmes and partnerships has been fulfilling. Living and working in Côte d’Ivoire has allowed me to deepen my understanding of local contexts and institutions, and build meaningful professional and personal relationships. The warmth, flexibility and resilience of the people I work with have a strong impact on my journey as a JPO.
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
Working in a fast-paced and multidisciplinary environment has also improved my adaptability and ability to manage multiple themes and priorities simultaneously. In addition, I developed a stronger understanding of how development initiatives are designed, financed, and implemented within complex institutional ecosystems. I also gained confidence in facilitating dialogue between technical experts, policymakers, donors, and local stakeholders.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
I would encourage future applicants to stay curious, open-minded, and proactive. The JPO Programme offers an incredible learning opportunity, but it is important to embrace uncertainty and be willing to step outside your comfort zone and TORs. I would also recommend building both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Development work is ultimately about people and partnerships, and collaboration is essential, even if it sometimes requires more energy and patience than technical work.
How has your JPO experience shaped your vision for your future within the UN or beyond?
This posting reinforced my belief that the private sector development must be at the centre of sustainable development. Opening doors for sustainable businesses and technologies through policy and finance, enabling local innovation and entrepreneurship, is as important as having a good national climate or development strategy.
Facilitating panel discussion on green careers to inspire Ivorian youth.
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 Abidjan, traffic is a lesson in patience and flexibility. Colleagues often joke that “you can’t be in a rush in Abidjan” and definitely not plan multiple meetings in a day unless you have done the right mathematics (taking a road to take at the same time on a different day might take triple the time) which everyone seems to know except newcomers. Also, be sure to bring a lot of sweets when you get back from mission: it’s tradition to shower colleagues in chocolate to get a warm welcome back!
The JPO Programme has been an intense, full immersion, rewarding experience that showed me how powerful partnerships are essential to advance sustainable development on the ground.Irene Fagotto
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