JPO Stories
Ismo Ulvila: From UNCDF JPO in Nicaragua to the Delegation of the European Commission in Senegal
Ismo Ulvila, a former Finish JPO with UNCDF in Nicaragua and the USA, is now Head of Section of the European Commission's Delegation in Senegal
VITALS
Where are you from?
Central Finland, city of Jyväskylä.
What is your background?
Baccalauréat mathematics-science in 1988, Military service, rank of lieutenant in 1989. Engineering studies in Finland and Paris, M.Sc in 1994. Some development studies at own initiative. After graduating, I worked for the Finnish Government in preparing the EU membership and as a consultant before joining UNCDF.
As of 2008, I have now lived outside Finland in six countries on four continents, in four different linguistic areas.
JPO ASSIGNMENT
When and where did you work as a JPO?
From March 1997 till June 1999 in Nicaragua and then from July 1999 till December 2000 in the Headquaters in New York.
What was your assignment as a JPO?
Field implementation officer for UNCDF and Programme manager.
What three words come to your mind when you think about your JPO years?
Implementation, discovery, duty travel
Do you remember your "best moment" as a JPO?
Central America: getting back on track after the disastrous hurricane "Mitch" had devastated the area in late 1998. The investments of UNCDF being among the very few ones that resisted the impact of the floodwaters.
How high do you estimate the importance of the JPO Programme?
The programme itself is very important and offers opportunities for young people to learn by doing and working with interesting dossiers. However, it is (was) quite different from UNCDF point of view (i.e. rather direct implementation compared to UNDP policy approach) and not always well led and/or managed by UNDP; I sincerely hope that there has been improvement during the past years in this regard.
POST JPO CAREER PATH
What has been your career path until now?
Since leaving UNCDF at summer 2001, I went back to Finland for my children to learn the language. I was co-owner of a consultant firm, worked for the Kyoto protocol flexibility mechanisms before joining the European Commission (EC) in early 2003. After a short sprint to Brussels I have been at the EC as technical counsellor/head of section, posted first in the Caribbean and then in Western Africa in our delegations (embassies). I shall return to Brussels in 2010.
In what way has your JPO assignment shaped your career?
It gave confidence to independently manage large dossiers in a difficult context, an exposure to the development world, and thanks to our splendidly inspiring former RR Carmelo Angulo, a permanent new way of approaching complex issues.
What are your major lessons learned during your career in terms of professional growth, career planning and opportunities?
Never give up. Never be intimidated by cynical mid-level bureaucrats. Have confidence on your own opinions. Be pragmatic. Take risks for your career, as it is refreshing to go back to the private sector from an international organisation, to learn a different perspective.
What is your motivation to work in the field of development?
To see the success when we are "at the right side of the force" and to create a sustainable improvement.
Most enriching professional achievement so far?
When working as the programme manager for the Finnish Kyoto Mechanisms (CDM/JI) pilot programme, being one of the only dozen or so pioneers in the whole world doing carbon trade within that framework, and implementing the carbon credit purchase agreement for the first ever registered small-scale CDM project in the world (Rio Blanco in Honduras).
What kind of advice would you give to JPOs?
Try to have as much as possible your own operational dossiers. Remember that the system is there to support you, but also in many occasions you just have to follow "the party line". However, if you think you have to speak up your mind, be sure that you have arguments you know in detail and that they are true. Never hesitate to do so, if you feel that you deserve to be listened ! Be pragmatic and focus on your own work, since at the end of the day that is the only thing that counts.
BY THE WAY...
Your crowning glory:
Yet to be properly documented.
The last favourite book you read:
"The Middle Sea" by John Julius Norwich, before that "The State of Africa" by Martin Meredith. Fascinating books.
Behind the suit:
A body not that fit as one would like it to be. It is important to stay fit in this weird world of ours, which includes rotten office hours, waiting at the airports and often missions in tough conditions. Physical practise twice a week is not enough!
After a break of some 15 years, I have restarted to play chess, and won the Senegalese title two years in a row, with quality games that please me a lot.
Favourite quote:
"La vida no es la que uno vivió, sino la que uno recuerda y cómo la recuerda para contarla"
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Vivir para contarla"
Inspiration:
Persons in development world:
Carmelo Angulo (former UNDP RR) and the late Cyril Guillot (former JPO as well).
Personally:
My daughters and a good rest after a tough mission with all the joys of eye, mouth and ear.
Finnish nature and the silence.
Ismo Ulvila, November 2008
