IHEID Alumni Journeys #4: Louis Bodmer, Consultant – WHO

Interview Conducted By: Grusha Victor, PDC President

The Graduate Press (TGP) and Professional Development Committee (PDC) have teamed up to publish articles highlighting the professional and academic journeys of IHEID alumni working in different fields, sectors as well as different continents. Interviewed alumni will also share their experiences while studying at the Institute, including the activities and/or initiatives they participated in. We hope that, through these interviews, current students will get a better idea of the scope of work and possibilities that are open to them after completing their degree, whether it is an interdisciplinary Masters or a PhD.

Louis Bodmer, Consultant for WHO Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security Unit

Louis Bodmer is currently working at the Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security Unit of the WHO as an expert consultant and has previously been engaged in the NGO sector for several years. Louis holds a Master’s degree in International Relations/Political Science from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID). He was awarded the 2021 Prize of the Department of International Relations/Political Science for his Master’s thesis. Louis holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Global Studies Institute at the University of Geneva. His main fields of interest are international governance, multisectoral networks, human rights and development.

Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences at IHEID and any internships or jobs you had before your current position as Consultant at WHO’s Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security Preparedness (MHS)?

During my bachelor’s degree in International Relations, I began my career path by volunteering for Terre des Hommes Suisse, an NGO focused on child rights and development. This experience provided my first exposure to the NGO sector and allowed me to gain insights into the professional world. Following that, I secured an internship where I was in charge of the creation of an international youth council in collaboration with the NGO’s global partners and youth leaders.

Upon starting my Master’s programme at the IHEID, I was elected as a member of the TDHS Steering Committee, which plays a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s strategy. During my Master’s at the Institute, I took advantage of the diverse range of initiatives offered at the Institute and actively participated in several of them.

You read for a Master’s in International Relations and Political Science at the Institute. What is your take on the course, looking back at it now? What was your favourite course, and what would you recommend to students in the same field?

Looking back, I believe that the Master’s programme at IHEID provided me with analytical and critical skills that are fundamental to my current role. While I consider the bachelor’s degree a period of knowledge acquisition, the master’s programme enabled me to reflect on and analyse more in-depth academic concepts and real-world issues. The programme offered high-quality courses that delved deep into various topics, which I greatly appreciated.

I have to admit, though, that I took a lot of classes outside of my Master’s, which gave me a good multidisciplinary vision and provided me with a multidisciplinary perspective that is essential in today’s interconnected world.

If I had to select a few courses that stood out for me, I would highlight Foreign Policy Analysis, as it enhanced my understanding of decision-making processes; comparative politics, which provided valuable tools to comprehend and analyse our global landscape; and the courses in ANSO taught by Professor Jean Francois Bayart, whose teaching approach, very critical of IR and political science theories, provided a great and interesting contrast to what I was taught in IR/PS. His classes also offered the chance to focus on research that interested us and that could take various forms; for instance, I wrote a theatre play on Armenian memory transmission and made a series of videos with refugees describing their journey to Switzerland through drawing.

As a piece of advice for students, I would recommend that they focus on courses that first interest them and that go in the direction that they want to pursue in their professional career. At an interview, you will always be able to mention one or another course that is related to the job, which will give you more credibility. Also, I would suggest for papers that you try to engage with practical experiences as much as you can and connect with professionals and the population by conducting field studies and interviewing people. This will make you link empirics with theory and get to know people from the professional world. This not only facilitates networking but also adds substance to your work.

How did the institute contribute to your professional journey?

The Institute’s global recognition and strong presence among international Geneva actors serve as a notable asset when engaging with various organisations and potential employers. Moreover, the skills I acquired during my time at the Institute, such as the ability to work efficiently under time constraints, are highly applicable in my current role, where time-sensitive tasks are common. Also, the alumni network is pretty big in our field, so I would encourage you not to hesitate to contact them.

During your time at the institute, you were actively involved with the initiative and with GISA. Do you think these engagements have helped you in your career and professional development?

Absolutely! I had the privilege of being involved as the treasurer in the Amicale francophone (AMEF), teaching French through the Migration Initiative, and contributing to event organisation through Gradcom. These experiences were incredibly enriching and provided me with skills that I continue to utilise today, such as project management and meeting organisation. But the most valuable aspect of these engagements was certainly the opportunity to get to know people with whom I still maintain contact today.

You also went on an exchange programme to the Hertie School for an exchange semester. How was your experience, and what suggestions or advice would you give to students about exchange programmes?

I highly recommend participating in an exchange programme, as it offers a remarkable opportunity to gain insights into diverse perspectives and learning approaches. My experience at Hertie School, though impacted by the pandemic, allowed me to attend classes remotely and connect with other students. I vividly recall a particular class titled “Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood,” which critically examined international involvement and actions—an impactful lesson that I still carry with me today. Overall, it was a fulfilling and enlightening experience that I totally recommend to anyone.

How did you land your current job at the WHO, and what is a typical day at work for you?

My current role at the WHO resulted from my Master’s thesis, which focused on international networks. Through networking, I connected with my current supervisor, who was in the early stages of developing a multisectoral network.

A typical day at work involves attending meetings with my team colleagues and engaging with partners such as NGOs, governments, and other international organisations. Especially as part of the Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security Preparedness (MHS) Unit, our focus lies on collaborating with diverse stakeholders. I would also work on drafting concept notes for upcoming events or projects and prepare presentations when we are not on field missions.

Which skills are most important for a job like yours? Do you have any suggestions for the students interested in working with the WHO in terms of a CV, cover letter, or tips on what the recruiters are looking for?

In my opinion, soft skills play a vital role in a team-oriented work environment like mine. Constant communication and collaborative work are essential, so being a team player, hardworking, and maintaining a positive and calm attitude are highly valued.

For students interested in applying to the WHO, I recommend personalising their CV and cover letter to align with the specific Terms of Reference (ToRs). It is also beneficial to research government programmes to support nationals entering international organisations. For instance, in Switzerland, we have an organisation mandated by the government called CINFO, which can support us through various workshops or by publishing Swiss-funded positions in the UN and other organisations. Networking can also be helpful, of course!

What suggestions would you give to current students in terms of equipping themselves skill-wise, academically, and experience-wise to have better job prospects after their studies?

I think a degree from the IHEID is already a pretty good start! However, gaining practical experience during your studies can significantly benefit your job prospects, as recruiters often consider such experiences when selecting candidates. Whether it’s volunteering for an association or engaging in initiatives, these experiences provide a set of skills that are highly valued in the professional world. Differentiating oneself from other candidates is often challenging for recruiters, so having unique experiences sets you apart. Additionally, I would recommend focusing on language skills, as they hold significant value in international organisations like the WHO. For example, my ability to speak French has played a key role in my selection process, as my job involves trips to Francophone countries in Africa, where I often serve as the primary interlocutor.

What do you think is the best way to earn an internship (or job) at WHO?

Tailoring your CV and cover letter to align with the specific Terms of Reference (ToRs) is crucial when applying. Additionally, it can be beneficial to leverage your network to establish connections with individuals within the organisation who can provide insights and potentially assist in connecting with the recruiting team. Once you have a job there, show your interest and try to work as well as you can, and I am sure people will notice you.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently in your career?

I am pretty happy with my choices so far, but looking back, I could say that, maybe as a Swiss, I tend not to want to bother people, but I realise I could have engaged in more networking earlier in my career, which in some cases could have made me spare time and get to know professionals.