IHEID Alumni Journeys 9: Jimmy Gaudin, Programme Management & Monitoring Specialist at IFAD

By Yejin Stella An, PDC Alumni Liaison Coordinator

The Graduate Press (TGP) and the 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 Master’s or a PhD.

Jimmy Gaudin is a Programme Manager and Monitoring Specialist with seven years of experience in international development across Africa and in headquarters positions. He currently supports the  operational department of the International Fund for Agricultural Development on programme delivery and policy engagement. Previously, he worked with the United Nations Development Programme in Tunisia, focusing on partnership strategies and project management. Jimmy holds an Executive Master’s in Development Policies & Practices from the Graduate Institute of Geneva, a Master’s in Development Studies from the City University of Hong Kong, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Geneva.

Could you walk me through your career path, particularly your dynamic presence in different fields and sectors?

I began my career at a multinational food company based in Switzerland. Although it was an interesting experience, I felt the need to reorient myself to international development. This prompted me to work in the development sector with first a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and then a master’s degree in Asian Development Studies. 

With this academic background, I started my UN career trajectory by working at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tunisia, where I developed my skills in local governance programmes. Later, I joined the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) South Africa through the UN Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO) Programme, sponsored by the government of Switzerland.

I then enrolled in the Executive Master’s in Development Policies and Practices at IHEID. Initially, I was motivated by the institute’s renowned reputation, but I ended up benefiting a lot from the practical approach it offered. The program focused on building theoretical knowledge and applying it to real-life activities. It was done in partnership with a local NGO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where we had the chance to stay for a month and gained first-hand insight into development issues. The connections made during that field experience still remain valuable to me today.

Currently, I am working as a Programme Management & Monitoring Specialist at IFAD’s South Africa hub. IFAD’s primary mandate is to address rural poverty and hunger in developing countries by making more inclusive, productive, resilient, and sustainable rural economies and food systems.  

Could you elaborate on how the Institute helped you be motivated to the African region and where you work now? 

The programme at the IHEID included a student research project, through which students conduct research on various themes and countries. For my project,I had the opportunity  to delve into the development and application of ICT in rural contexts, benefiting from our Burkinabé host: Yam Pukri. Thanks to the assets of the Institute to leverage its network within and beyond Switzerland, I spent several weeks conducting field research. It was a living experience that allowed me to apply theoretical approaches to the actual project design and implementation, which I found very useful even in my current role which provides technical expertise on programme and project management and implementation in East and Southern Africa. 

You have multisectoral career experiences. What were the skills, knowledge, or attitudes you learned at every step? And how do you use them for your current job? 

Working at a private company has provided me with strategic planning and organisational skills, as well as valuable insights. Furthermore, I gained insights into how the private sector operates. Understanding their operations, mindsets, and roles in international development is beneficial, as private sector partnerships are a significant emerging issue within the UN.

I have gained a deep understanding of the systematic structure of the UN system through my career at various UN agencies. My daily work has allowed me to develop strong program and project management skills. I believe that every experience provides us with valuable skills and expertise that can be applied across different fields and sectors. It’s all about how you leverage them to your advantage.

What do you think educational groundwork and professional competencies should students prioritise for a successful journey in the field of agriculture or at the UN? 

Working at the UN means developing skills  specific to your position or organisation. Overall, strong emotional intelligence and communication skills are crucial qualifications. This is because working at the UN involves collaborating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, so it’s important to be open-minded, flexible, and to have interpersonal communication skills.

I believe that organisations increasingly seek individuals who can effectively address and solve diverse development issues while having a comprehensive understanding of global challenges. In this regard, the Institute provides abundant opportunities for students to gain relevant knowledge. Furthermore, I recommend that students distinguish themselves by developing unique specialisations alongside their generalist capabilities.

The IFAD offers opportunities to individuals from diverse fields, as it addresses various global issues in addition to agriculture through different methods and strategies. Students from different educational backgrounds can find a place at the IFAD as long as they demonstrate a basic understanding of agriculture and rural development. It is advisable to have a clear understanding of your interests and whether they align with the organisation’s goals.

Jobs and positions change throughout your career journey. Don’t limit yourself to finding a one-size-fits-all job. I recommend embracing your work experiences as opportunities to learn and identify from and assess whether the sector meets your expectations. The sector is changing rapidly adopting a more dynamic approach to the management of human resources.

Do you have any messages to share with IHEID students aspiring to work outside Geneva? 

First of all, I would like to highlight that the new generation drives and the leads change. The UN has grown its demand for young professionals who are comfortable with diversity, versatility, and skilled in up-to-date technology. 

Geneva is a strategic place to develop your connections with renowned professionals and experts in the sector you are interested in and learn from them. However, don’t be afraid of exploring the world; go to places where you can see development work first hand.Then, engage with local communities and organisations and eventually contribute at your capacity to their work. 

Finally, never stop learning. Your degree is not the final but the first step to your career. Learning is a continuous process that never ends. You need to constantly update your knowledge and skills and be equipped with new theories and approaches. The international development field is consistently evolving to respond to the challenges of our time, so, don’t be afraid to question old beliefs and bring fresh ideas to the table. 

Photo provided by Jimmy Gaudin