Dear JPO, have you thought about what’s next?

As the sun set over the East River, framing the iconic United Nations (UN) headquarters, Maria, a Junior Professional Officer (JPO), gazed out of her office window. Three years had flown by since she started her professional journey with the UN in New York. Now, as her assignment neared its end, a mix of excitement and uncertainty filled her thoughts.

What comes next after such a transformative experience?

Maria's story is not unique. For many JPOs, the end of their tenure marks a critical juncture in their career paths. The experience gained is invaluable, but the question of 'what's next?' can be daunting.

Here are five key points JPOs should consider as they navigate this transition:

Leverage the value of your UN experience: Take some time to reflect not only on the skills and knowledge you gained since you started, but also the connections you made, the obstacles you overcame, the goals you achieved, the people you led, and most importantly, the person you are becoming. What thoughts come to you as you ask yourself these questions?  Jot them down. They will form a basis, setting a vision for what’s next.

Design a clear and exciting vision: A meaningful and sustainable career is built upon self-awareness. Imagine the best possible future for you, both personally and professionally. What would that be? Now, reflect: what is the probability that you will get to experience it? I think it's close to none. Leading a meaningful and fulfilling career in the UN system and elsewhere requires a clear vision and high level of intentionality to pursue it. The science of happiness teaches us that contentment is an outcome of what an individual believes to be a worthy pursuit. The pursuit must help us build upon our strengths, while embracing our vulnerabilities with courage, self-compassion and humility. For the quest to be fruitful, it must also help you step out of your comfort zones and into your growth zones. The truth is, change is inevitable, but growth is optional: you are the leader of your life and career. ( If you need some inspiration, read this blog post from Jan Vandemoortele.)

Strengthen the power of reflection: To crystallize your vision, begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment. Identify your core values, passions, and the skills you possess. Consider how these elements can be woven into a career that not only fulfills you but also contributes to the broader goals of international development and peace. This process may involve setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will serve as milestones on your journey. Reflecting on your past achievements and learning from any setbacks can also provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement, guiding you toward a career path that is both impactful and personally satisfying.

Be strategic, be a learner: Once you have a clear vision, it's crucial to develop a strategic plan to make it a reality. This involves identifying the resources, skills, and experiences you need to acquire or develop. Seek out opportunities for professional growth, including self-paced or facilitated training programs, workshops, or further education, that align with your career objectives. Remember, the path to realizing your vision may not be linear; it may require you to be flexible and adapt to unforeseen challenges and opportunities. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and resilience will be key to navigating the complexities of a career within the UN system and beyond.

Don’t walk alone: Leading a meaningful career is a complex project to undertake. Every career story has ups and downs, victories and disappointments, and we all need as much support as we can get.  Who are the people that made the most positive difference for you since you started your JPO journey? Who is the most interesting and why? Who inspires you? And most importantly, how do you stay connected with them? A strong network of support is a cornerstone of career development, offering not only potential job leads and collaborations but also a platform for exchanging ideas and gaining diverse perspectives, which are invaluable for staying adaptable and innovative in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

As you contemplate your next steps, remember that the journey with the UN is just one part of a larger career path. The skills, experiences, and connections you've gained are building blocks for your future. The best is yet to come!

To assist in this crucial transition, we are excited to invite you to the upcoming 2024 Career Booster for JPOs, taking place this June. This bespoke learning solution is designed to provide guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to help you chart your path forward. Join us for a chance to connect with fellow JPOs, UN alumni, industry experts, and to gain insights that will empower your next career move.

Hope to meet you there!

For registrations and more information, please consult the programme page. For any questions, please contact our team at jpo@unssc.org, by May 17, 2024.