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Raymond Kirungi
(Ugana – GLODEP cohort 2017-2019)

Written on . Posted in Alumni.

How did you use GLODEP to get where you are now? What is your current position?

I would like to start by thanking the European Union through the Erasmus plus Programme for the opportunity to study a Global Development Policy (GLODEP) Masters Programme in International Development Studies. Prior to my Masters Programme, I was a Disaster Preparedness Officer which I still am, and was confined largely to routine office/ desk job and field work related to disasters. I have faced a challenge of limited promotion opportunities and ability to transfer within Government since the humanitarian office is only under one ministry. However, despite the limitations mentioned, I have been fortunate to chair meetings with more senior colleagues, participating in high level panel discussions among others involving senior officials and heads of UN institutions/ senior government officials and legislators. The most recent can be seen on the link below where I make reference to the humanitarian-development nexus something picked up during one of the workshops in Olomouc; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL6wkvs9y8g.

Furthermore, I have participated in implementation of various projects with partner organizations thanks to the knowledge acquired from Development Cooperation module at the University of Pavia. Over the last 12 months, I was nominated and have been part of a technical working group to formulate a successor social protection programme that has a component embedded of cash transfers. In essence this work brings together components such as the GIS knowledge acquired during my time at the University of Clermont-Ferrand while also maintaining practicalising development economics principles acquired during my time at University of Palacky. This provided me platform to work as coordinator for the Disaster Risk Finance- Technical Working Group on behalf of the Commissioner Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Management.

How did GLODEP help you to achieve your career goals?

GLODEP provided me with good knowledge on the International System of Development Cooperation as well as knowledge on multi-lateral institutions such as the World Bank which has eased my assignments and my desire to work and understand better the UN humanitarian system. Through this I have successfully contributed to successful project implementation for organisations such as UNICEF through formulation of plans as seen on the link below; https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/thinking-future-preparing-now.

How do you use the experience from the GLODEP program?

Skills like how to write a CV, application letters and also the experience gathered during the defense of my thesis has enabled me to qualitatively improve those I train or supervise. In addition to which I became more proactive as far as taking on assignments and believe I work well in multi-cultural settings.

I have been able to improve myself as an officer and also attract more work related to formulation of government plans due to the reading culture that was encouraged under the GLODEP programme which makes one a “Jack of different trades” within their profession.

What did you learn? Which knowledge, skills and competences did you acquired?

Food security, GIS, Development cooperation and humanitarian financing are key areas of knowledge.

Skills learnt include disciplined team work in multicultural settings, facilitator skills, presentation skills such as the myriad uses of power point including how to present which I must say has been appreciated, summarizing and report writing, analytical skills especially through use of MS excel, basic stata which should probably be emphasised more in the programme.

Competency; Well researched arguments and presentations, Comparative analysis looking at different genres of knowledge such as social protection, migration and humanitarian assistance, eloquent communication necessary for chairing meetings,

How did you like it in Olomouc?

I enjoyed Olomouc, the only introduction I have had to date with the Slavic language, culture, simple yet developed, a quiet and peaceful environment away from the loud city centers. I would basically call it my first home away from Africa. Not to mention super price friendly and cheap to stay WOWWWW!!!