My journey at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) started in 2008, contributing to the Division for Africa and LDCs and the Special Unit for Commodities. In 2020, I became the Head of the Policy Analysis and Research Branch in my division. Our branch is crucial in researching and analyzing development issues related to Africa and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). We also design and coordinate technical cooperation projects and programs, including those focused on South-South cooperation.

Daily responsibilities

As a senior manager, my daily responsibilities are varied. They involve a mix of economic analysis, strategic planning, and managerial duties. Collaboration is key and I work with a wide range of stakeholders on joint projects and initiatives to support member states. I oversee and coordinate technical assistance projects and build partnerships with national officials, other UN agencies, international financial institutions, and research institutions. Leading and mentoring a team of economists and researchers is one of my most important roles. I provide guidance, feedback, and identify professional development opportunities. Regular team meetings are essential for discussing progress, challenges, and next steps, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.

Challenges and achievements

Managing projects with limited financial and human resources is a significant challenge. Responding to the complex development challenges of our constituency requires careful planning and prioritization. Additionally, there’s a constant push for policy innovation – developing policy recommendations that member states can adopt to improve their trade policies and socio-economic development. Despite these challenges, I’ve had the opportunity to achieve significant accomplishments. Producing influential research and analysis, leading successful projects, building strong partnerships, and working with a high-performing team are among the highlights of my career.

Advocating for increased development at every level © Shutterstock

Impact

Reflecting on my 15 years at the organization, I’m proud of the professional growth and fulfillment I’ve experienced. More importantly, there are formidable opportunities to lead transformations in many developing and Least Developed Countries, especially in Africa.

Leading two of the organization’s flagship reports — the Economic Development in Africa Report (EDAR) and the Least Developed Countries Report (LDCR) — has been particularly rewarding. These reports have advanced innovative research, insights and policy perspectives that shape new strategic directions toward growth, transformation and regional integration.

The 2018 EDAR on “Migration for Structural Transformation” provided unique perspectives on African migration and its impact on structural transformation, serving as a reference for many African countries in the lead-up to the first global compact for migration. The 2022 EDAR on de-risking trade opportunities and maximizing regional market benefits in Africa was launched in Kenya by Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and included a high-level public dialogue with the President and his cabinet.

The LDCR, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, remains the only long-standing publication dedicated exclusively to the development challenges of the LDCs as a group. Notably, the 2022 edition examined the development challenges these countries face in relation to low-carbon development and structural transformation, initiating broader policy debates about the impact of carbon border tariffs on developing country trade.

Under my leadership, UN Trade and Development has provided better structured and more impactful technical assistance to member states, including producing the Vulnerability Profiles and Strategies for Graduation with Momentum for countries pre-qualified for graduation from LDC status. For the five countries pre-qualified in 2021, we have given a special focus to the role of modern industrial policy in catalyzing developmental resilience and seeding low-carbon transition. In African countries, we’ve helped governments and the private sector promote export diversification and industrialization under the African Continental Free Trade Area, enhance SMEs’ participation in regional value chains, curb illicit financial flows, improve domestic resource mobilization, and support overall trade and regional integration on the continent.

Personal insights

Spending time with my grandparents in rural Jamaica as a youngster ignited my primary motivation in life: a deep-rooted passion for social justice, fostering economic development and reducing poverty. My role at UN Trade and Development is both challenging and immensely rewarding, providing a unique platform to impact global development, particularly for historically marginalized regions. The blend of intellectual rigor, collaborative effort, and the pursuit of inclusive growth makes this position not just a job, but a mission that aligns deeply with my personal and professional aspirations.  


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