TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 36
#NextGenUNDP
Fenella Frost
Coun tr y o f O r igin :
UNDP Co u n t r y O f f ic e:
Date o f Ap po in tm e n t:
N E W Z E A L A N D & U N I TED K IN GD O M
COMOROS
A P R I L 2 019
“WE ARE ONLY AS STRONG
AS THE TEAM WE LEAD.”
B
orn to an English dad and a mother from New
Zealand, I have had an international outlook
from babyhood. I first flew across the globe
aged 6 months. As a family, we visited and
lived in a wide variety of countries across the AsiaPacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. My family
and upbringing have been fundamental in making the
person I am today. They gave me the passion to engage
with different cultures, contexts, and people across the
globe. So, it seemed obvious that I would study international relations at university and look for opportunities
to work in international affairs.
My background also highlighted the need for tenacity
to succeed. My family roots in New Zealand are based in
farming. Farmers not only have to work extremely hard
across the seasons, but they also need to be prepared to
do almost any job to ensure the wellbeing of their animals
and families. Protocol does not exist – just getting the
job well done, in partnership with others. Farmers and
farming also have a tangible impact on their environment
and support the wellbeing of their broader communities.
THE EARLY YEARS
My early career focused on post-conflict and humanitarian action, working initially in the Balkans for NGOs
and as a UNV attached to the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); and later as an
advisor on humanitarian affairs for the UK Government.
However, I increasingly felt that although the life-saving
action of humanitarian response remains critical in our
ever-changing and challenging world, I could offer more
(and feel more professionally fulfilled) by working with
developing countries - their governments and people - on
longer-term action to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.
It was inevitable, given this passion for sustainable
development, that I would eventually apply to work at
UNDP, initially working for UNDP in HQ and ultimately
with UNDP Country Offices.
What inspires me is the potential that our work has to
impact the lives of people in the countries we work in. I
truly believe that development in individual countries and
across the globe, will be richer and more sustainable if it
provides opportunities for everyone to play their part and
fulfil their potential - regardless of their sex and their social
and economic background.
I am also inspired every day by the commitment of
many of the colleagues I work with. Another of my motivations is the impact UNDP’s work has on the environment
and climate change. Development will never be sustainable without taking these issues seriously. We only have
one planet and UNDP’s work has a very real impact on
safeguarding this future. I am also inspired every day by
the commitment of many of the colleagues I work with.
DEFINING DECISIONS AND MOMENTS
A key challenge along the way, which I think every
Resident Representative faces, is how to balance the
personal with the professional. For many women in the
system having work-life balance includes the challenge of
having a family. It is why one of the defining decisions
for me was to have a child as a single mom – regardless
of the impact it might have on my career. This was not
an easy choice, but I am so happy it was the one I made.
I passionately believe that the UN (and UNDP) needs to
do more to support other women in this position, particularly those of us in the field, regardless of their rank.
For me, the question central to the UN Reform and to
my role as RR, is how we can collectively help to ensure
that the UN and UNDP remain relevant and continue to
have a real impact on the people and countries we serve
and support. In practical terms, this means focusing on ›
I truly believe that
development across the globe,
will be richer and more
sustainable if it provides
opportunities for everyone –
regardless of their sex and their
social and economic background.”
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