LocationsJPO Story - Ruth Aernout
January 26, 2026
Ruth leading a workshop to guide the design of the new Rule of Law programme - Ouagadougou Burkina Faso, November 2024
What is your educational background? How has your education shaped your approach to development work?
My academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics, a Master’s degree in Gender and Diversity Studies, and a Master’s degree in Economic Development. From the beginning, my studies were closely tied to development issues, inequality, and African contexts. They gave me a structured way of thinking and equipped me with the analytical tools needed to understand complex development challenges from multiple perspectives, using both data-driven approaches as well as human-centered perspectives.
What inspired you to apply to the JPO programme and what is your motivation to work with UNDP?
When I learned about the JPO Programme, I was already working in the UN system (first as an intern, then as a UN Volunteer), but not for UNDP. The programme stood out as a unique opportunity to grow professionally in a clear and supported way while gaining exposure to a different UN organization. UNDP had long been of interest to me because of its broad mandate and its ability to tackle development challenges in a holistic and sustainable way, which is an approach that strongly resonates with how I like to work.
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 am currently a Programme Analyst on Forced Displacement at UNDP’s Resilience Hub for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Earlier in my JPO assignment, I was based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, as a Justice Coordination Officer.
In my current role, my work focuses on putting into action a regional framework for development solutions to forced displacement (which we finalised end of 2025) through multi-country project proposals and targeted country-office support. My days are filled with meetings, writing, and coordination across regions and teams.
In Burkina Faso, my work was more grounded in daily, in-person coordination; connecting government counterparts, development partners, and other UN agencies around justice and human rights issues. This gave me a lot of perspective around the working dynamics between the different actors that the UN engages with on a regular basis.
Ruth Aernout, Programme Analyst on Forced Displacement at UNDP’s Resilience Hub for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does your work contribute to, and how?
My work contributes mainly to SDG 5, SDG 10, and SDG 16. Forced displacement is a long-term development challenge, particularly in Africa, where many crises are protracted. Addressing displacement through holistic, inclusive, area-based, and cross-SDG development approaches is essential to ensure that all communities can be part of progress toward the SDGs.
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 work was facilitating monthly justice and human rights dialogues in Burkina Faso. These discussions required carefully navigating sensitive topics in a constantly changing political context while maintaining trust with both government counterparts and development partners. When successful, they created rare spaces for open, constructive dialogue and collective problem-solving, an experience that reinforced the importance of diplomacy and coordination in development work.
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?
Completing the regional framework on development solutions to forced displacement has been one of the most rewarding milestones of my JPO journey. The process was intense, collaborative, and highly consultative. Seeing the strong interest and positive feedback from country offices and donors has made the effort incredibly worthwhile. As I continue working on operationalizing the framework, I look forward to seeing how the work I helped develop moves from strategy to action and is implemented across different country in Africa
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
Over the course of my assignment, I have significantly developed my coordination, diplomacy, and strategic thinking skills. Just as importantly, living and working in a hardship duty station shaped me on a personal level. These experiences have taught me how to navigate complexity with empathy, adaptability, and resilience, both within and beyond the workplace.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
I would encourage people to apply to the JPO Programme if they are genuinely interested in pursuing a career within the United Nations. The path requires flexibility, adaptability, and comfort with uncertainty but is, at the same time an incredibly rewarding experience that offers unique professional and personal growth opportunities.
Partnership meeting between UNDP Burkina Faso and private sector participants
How has your JPO experience shaped your vision for your future within the UN or beyond?
The JPO Programme has reinforced my desire to continue my career within the UN, particularly with UNDP. It has allowed me to work across different themes and levels, and I hope to continue combining regional perspectives with close engagement at the country level.
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?
Tea has been a small but constant thread throughout my JPO experience. In Burkina Faso, the simple act of searching for a kettle helped me build connections with colleagues. In Nairobi, daily tea breaks on the green campus have become a cherished ritual, reminding me that some of the most meaningful connections happen in the quiet moments between meetings.
Ruth and colleagues from the resilience hub during the hub retreat in November 2025 in Kenya
My JPO journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges and growth, teaching me to navigate difficult contexts while appreciating the meaningful moments along the way. I look forward to seeing where the rest of this journey leads.Ruth Aernout
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