United Nations Career Journey Podcast

The United Nations Career Journey Podcast, published as an initiative of UNDP and the UN Secretariat, shares the stories of people who work for the United Nations system. Meet professionals of all levels and learn what they do each day to create a more sustainable, peaceful and just world. They share what keeps them motivated and how they keep learning and developing on the job. Tune in today! In the episodes' descriptions you can also find links to the transcripts. Stay tuned!

United Nations Career Journey Podcast is a education podcast hosted by United Nations, with 79 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

United Nations hosts United Nations Career Journey Podcast, a education show with 79 episodes published.

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  United Nations Career Journey Podcast

  Volunteer Today, Lead Tomorrow | Sonali Darayatne’s Reflection as A UN Volunteer

  Aug 18, 202613 min

  To celebrate the 2026 International Volunteer Year, we interviewed today’s leaders who used to be UN volunteers about their journey. In this episode, host Tasnim Tabassum speaks with Sonali Darayatne , Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh. Sonali reflects on her journey from a young volunteer supporting parliamentary development in Lao PDR to becoming one of UNDP's senior leaders. She shares how stepping outside her comfort zone, embracing a new culture, and learning directly from national institutions shaped her understanding of development, leadership, and partnership. In this episode, you'll hear: ️ How Sonali's volunteer assignment in Laos became a turning point in her career ️ The lessons that continue to influence her leadership style today ️ Why volunteerism remains essential in an increasingly complex world ️ How service, curiosity, and commitment can help young people discover their purpose As the world celebrates International Volunteer Year 2026, Sonali's story is a powerful reminder that leadership often begins with a simple decision to serve. You can find the transcript here .

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  United Nations Career Journey Podcast

  Jack Crawford: Navigating privilege, uncertainty, and doubt as a young UN professional

  Jul 14, 202626 min

  “Control the things you can control—and have faith that the rest will work out.” Listen to Jack Crawford, Associate Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), as he shares his journey from UN intern to leading regional projects on just transition and electric mobility in Bangkok. From studying abroad in Malaysia and Japan to working across ESCAP and the International Labour Organization (ILO), Jack reflects on how a series of small decisions—not a perfectly planned career—ultimately led him to the United Nations. Along the way, he discusses the realities of navigating short-term contracts, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome, while embracing opportunities to grow, contribute, and lead. In this episode, Jack offers thoughtful insights on the importance of taking responsibility early, building a strong support network, and focusing less on “getting into the UN” and more on the specific issues you want to help solve. Tune in for an honest conversation about privilege, uncertainty, doubt, and finding purpose in international development. You can find the transcription ⁠here ⁠.

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  United Nations Career Journey Podcast

  Duty station spotlight with Jelena Hadzic: Life in Bonn

  May 5, 202631 min

  “The Rhine has a particular shade of blue, especially in the morning, and it's just stunning.” In this episode, we take you to Bonn , a small city in western Germany which will receive hundreds of relocated UN staff in the next year. What is Bonn like? Bucolic and welcoming? Or a bit humdrum? Can you swim in the Rhine River? Hear from Jelena Hadzic , a Programme Officer with the UN’s Climate Change entity to find out! You can find the transcript here .

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  United Nations Career Journey Podcast

  Daniel Gonzalez Carmena: Embracing non-linear paths and focusing on creating meaningful impact

  Apr 21, 202628 min

  “Get out there. The more people who know who you are and what you love, the more likely they are to remember you—and one day, to count on you.” Listen to Daniel Gonzalez Carmena, who shares his unconventional journey into the United Nations. From a chance encounter at an airport to navigating years of short-term contracts, uncertainty, and self-discovery in UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), UNV (United Nations Volunteer), UN Women, UNSSC (United Nations System Staff College) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Now a People Development Analyst with UNDP in Copenhagen, Daniel reflects on privilege, resilience, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional purpose. Tune in and find this candid conversation about instability, growth, and finding meaning in global work! You can find the transcription here .

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  United Nations Career Journey Podcast

  Miguel Aju: Adapting to Cultures and Contexts in UN Peacekeeping

  Apr 10, 202615 min

  “I came to realize that international careers require more emotional intelligence than technical skills. Listening is in fact a strategic tool in itself.” Hear from seasoned colleague Miguel Aju, Special Assistant to the Head of Mission at MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic. He shares about the importance of relationships and communication in UN work, having served in Sudan, East Timor, Kenya, Somalia, Haiti, Micronesia and the United States. From childhood days in an Angolan seminary to recovering his phone from the Pacific Ocean in Micronesia, Miguel has many memorable stories to tell! Don’t miss this engaging episode! Read the full transcript here .

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