LocationsJPO Story - Yui Arai Suzuki
April 14, 2026
UNDP Sudan Programme team retreat 2025
What is your educational background? How has your education shaped your approach to development work?
I hold a Master’s degree in International Development: Politics and Governance from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor’s degree in Law with a focus on International Public Policy from Osaka University. My studies combined development theory, governance, and public policy with a foundation in institutional systems.
During my master’s programme, I developed a strong interest in peacebuilding through governance and social service delivery in fragile and conflict-affected states. My dissertation examined the peacebuilding impacts of international assistance to social service delivery, using projects in Somalia as a case study. The research highlighted that while service delivery can support peacebuilding, it can also unintentionally exacerbate tensions if it is not well aligned with local politics, government structures, and security realities.
This academic experience shaped my approach to development in two important ways. First, it taught me to see development interventions not as neutral technical activities, but as deeply political processes that shape relationships among institutions, authorities, and the communities they serve. Second, it made me attentive to issues of alignment, local ownership, and conflict sensitivity. As a result, in my professional work I focus on how programmes can strengthen institutions, promote inclusive and fair governance, and carefully navigate fragile contexts, rather than treating projects as stand-alone service delivery efforts. My education continues to guide how I design programmes, engage partners, and think about the long-term peace and governance implications of development support.
What inspired you to apply to the JPO programme and what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
My interest in international affairs began in childhood. When I saw photographs of conflicts around the world in elementary school, I was deeply struck by the scale of suffering and the unfairness that existed beyond my own environment. That moment shaped my worldview and made me realize, even at a young age, that I wanted to dedicate my life to contributing to peace and supporting people affected by conflict.
As I grew older and began studying international development and governance, I became especially interested in how long-term peace can be supported through institution-building and inclusive governance. Through my studies, I learned more about UNDP’s work in strengthening institutions, supporting recovery in fragile contexts, and promoting inclusive and fair governance. I was drawn to UNDP’s role in addressing the structural drivers of conflict and inequality, not only through policy support but also through practical, on-the-ground programmes. When I discovered the JPO programme, I saw it as a meaningful pathway to turn the aspiration I had carried since childhood into a professional commitment with UNDP. Through this role, I hoped not only to grow as a development professional, but also to contribute to UNDP’s efforts to build more peaceful, resilient, and equitable societies.
Yui Arai Suzuki, Partnership and Programme Analyst at UNDP Sudan.
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 as a Partnership and Programme Analyst with UNDP Sudan, I work at the intersection of programme development and management, partnerships, and resource mobilization. I support the Country Office in identifying strategic funding opportunities, developing donor engagement strategies, and leading or coordinating the formulation of project proposals and concept notes in close collaboration with programme and operations teams, and partner agencies.
I also help strengthen relationships with a wide range of partners — including bilateral donors, international financial institutions, UN agencies, and private sector actors — by organizing high-level and technical meetings and events, preparing briefing materials for senior management, and ensuring timely follow-up. In addition, I contribute to internal coordination by tracking the office’s funding pipeline, supporting reporting processes, and improving knowledge management systems related to partnerships and donor engagement. Through these tasks, I help translate country priorities and community needs into well-designed, fundable programmes.
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does your work contribute to, and how?
My work contributes to multiple SDGs by enabling UNDP programmes to be effectively designed, funded, and implemented in crisis-affected and fragile contexts. By supporting projects focused on governance, resilience, basic services, and livelihoods, I contribute to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through strengthening institutions and social cohesion; SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through recovery and livelihoods initiatives; and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting inclusive approaches that reach displaced and vulnerable populations. Through partnerships that mobilize resources for health, protection, and community-level services, my work also supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly in programmes addressing the needs of women, conflict-affected communities, and survivors of violence. More broadly, by building strong collaboration between UNDP and diverse development partners, I contribute to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) — ensuring that collective efforts are aligned, strategic, and impactful in advancing sustainable development in complex settings.
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 experiences during my time with UNDP Sudan has been serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Partnerships Unit. In this role, I have been responsible for a wide range of partnership and resource mobilization tasks, including managing day-to-day donor relations, supporting project development, organizing a joint event with the Embassy of Switzerland, and coordinating senior management missions and external engagements. At the same time, I have been the only Sudan Country Office staff member based in Nairobi, which has required me to carry out these responsibilities while working remotely from most of the team.
This experience has taught me the importance of being proactive and taking ownership of my role. Faced with a heavy workload and physical distance from colleagues, I have learned that it is essential to actively check in with supervisors and teammates, clarify expectations, and move tasks forward without waiting for detailed instructions. I have also realized how critical communication is in a remote setting. Rather than relying only on emails, I make an effort to use multiple channels — such as chat, calls, and whenever possible, in-person meetings — to stay aligned and maintain strong working relationships. Overall, this period has strengthened my ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and remain connected to a team across locations.
Presenting UNDP Sudan Programme and my career journey to a group of Japanese and African students at JICA Chugoku
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 experiences during my time as a JPO was participating in the Sudan Country Office programme retreat at the end of 2025. It was a rare opportunity to meet many colleagues in person, including field-based staff whom I usually only interact with remotely. Despite the extremely challenging context, I was deeply inspired by how strongly everyone remained committed to contributing to peace and recovery in Sudan. Seeing their dedication and pride in their work gave me renewed motivation and a stronger sense of connection to the team and to UNDP’s mission.
At the same time, being based in Nairobi has shaped my journey in another meaningful way. While I have limited opportunities to meet Sudan CO colleagues in person, I have been able to build strong connections with colleagues from the Resilience Hub for Africa, as well as with staff from other UNDP offices and international organizations based here. These interactions have broadened my understanding of UNDP’s work beyond a single country context and helped me appreciate how different teams and agencies contribute to shared development goals. The professional network I have built in Nairobi continues to support my learning and growth as a development practitioner.
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
Before starting my JPO assignment, I had not worked specifically in partnerships and resource mobilization. Through this role, I have developed a strong and practical skill set in this area. I gained hands-on experience in donor relations, including coordinating communication with partners, supporting high-level meetings, preparing briefing materials and presentations for senior management, organizing partner events, and contributing to long-term engagement strategies. I also strengthened my ability to manage resource mobilization processes, from tracking funding pipelines to supporting the development of proposals and concept notes.
In addition, I have developed strong operational and coordination skills that are essential for turning partnerships into implemented projects. This includes managing donor reporting processes and becoming confident in using corporate systems such as Unity (Quantum+) as part of the project cycle — entering and managing project data and working closely with finance colleagues to help move projects from approval into implementation.
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
I believe that everyone brings experiences — whether from work, research, volunteering, or other paths — that can be valuable in a UN context. Even if your background does not look like a “typical” UN profile, there are always transferable skills and perspectives that matter.
I also encourage applicants not to be discouraged by setbacks. I applied to the JPO Programme multiple times before being selected. Talking to current or former JPOs and UN workers can also be very helpful in preparing a strong application. If you are genuinely motivated to contribute to international development and peace, I would strongly encourage you to take the step and apply.
Working session UNDP Sudan Programme team retreat.
How has your JPO experience shaped your vision for your future within the UN or beyond?
International organizations are currently navigating a period of significant change and uncertainty. For me, however, the two years as a JPO have provided a rare and valuable period of stability in which I could take on new challenges, work with diverse colleagues, and reflect more deeply on my professional direction. This experience has allowed me not only to grow technically, but also to better understand the kind of role I want to play in international development.
Taking on a partnerships-focused position for the first time has been particularly transformative. It has enabled me to see UNDP’s work across sectors, rather than from a single thematic lens, and I have found it especially rewarding to help connect different teams and promote collaboration across programmes. I am also inspired by the opportunity this role provides to engage with a wide range of actors — not only UNDP and donor governments, but also other UN agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and academic institutions.
Through this experience, I have developed a strong interest in continuing to work in roles that bridge sectors and organizations. Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to identifying and shaping solutions that go beyond institutional or thematic boundaries, and that bring together diverse partners to address complex development and peacebuilding challenges.
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?
During my JPO assignment, I took parental leave and later moved to Nairobi with my child and husband. One of the most heartwarming parts of our life here has been the support from local people, especially our nannies, who have become an important part of our daily life. They often teach us Kenyan children’s songs and playful gestures, which are both adorable and wonderfully expressive. Watching our child giggle while trying to copy the songs and movements brings so much joy and laughter into our home. These small cultural exchanges have made our experience in Nairobi not only professionally meaningful, but also personally unforgettable.
My JPO journey turned out very differently from what I had originally expected, as the security situation in Sudan changed dramatically after I applied. Yet by adapting to the circumstances and doing my best in each moment, I gained experiences and growth far beyond what I had imagined.Yui Arai
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