For Margarita Cherkasova, an alumna of Master in Public Policy (MPP) Class of 2016, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), working for the United Nations (UN) is an opportunity to contribute to global efforts in sustainable development using a human rights-based approach. “While working for the Russian Embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa, I saw how international development projects implemented by UN Agencies improved the lives of poor and vulnerable in the country, and promoted human rights and environmental and social dimensions of development. This inspired me to join the UN and contribute to projects that are tailored to national context and needs of people on the ground.”
Margarita Cherkasova (MPP 2016)
Policy Analyst, Governance and Digital Transformation, UNDP
International Trade & Development
Puteri Noor Jehan Wan Ab Aziz
MPP 2018
Business and Human Rights National Specialist, UNDP
International Trade & Development
Margarita Cherkasova
MPP 2016
Communication Coordinator, UNDP
International Trade & Development
As Communications Coordinator at the UNDP Regional Hub in Bangkok, Margarita supports the Preventing Violent Extremism team, and the UNDP Country Offices, in communications, marketing and programme management lines of work. Margarita is in charge of developing communications and branding strategies, managing activities of the content teams, and exploring innovative solutions for digital communications to translate complex reports into engaging digital stories. This involves promoting the work of UNDP and its partners through online platforms and social media, and collaborating with young creators and influencers to build awareness of UNDP’s programmatic activities in Asia and the Pacific.
Whilst Margarita’s work is in the area of communications for development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, national-level policy reform underpins the role of another alumna of LKYSPP who works for the UNDP.
“Being a Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Specialist with UNDP Malaysia, my role takes a three-pronged approach - supporting country-level policy coherence through my work with the Malaysian government; developing awareness-raising initiatives to communicate the B+HR agenda to a larger audience; and building key partnerships with the business community and civil society,” shares Puteri Noor Jehan Wan Ab Aziz, who graduated with an MPP in 2018.
Jehan sees her role as one that champions inclusivity, active public participation and effective human and environmental rights remedies. “The impact of my work has a bearing on national policy reform and relevant frameworks and standards. But, impact is also measured via a bottom-up approach – requiring a deeper understanding of the needs of those served and our overall response to those needs, as well as ensuring that vulnerable communities can fully participate in these discussions and actions. This will be increasingly crucial as we address both traditional and contemporary issues concerning human rights.”
Puteri Noor Jehan Wan Ab Aziz (MPP 2018)
In a post-pandemic world where inclusivity has become a focal point in global dialogues, Magarita and Jehan are not the only ones working to bridge the divide between different strata of society. Jasmine Ong, who was from the 2020 MIA batch is doing her part to bring about equality, albeit taking the digital route.
“I suppose the value of my work is in navigating the white space and seeking out more inclusive and redistributive approaches to implementing digital programmes, that would serve not just economic goals, but social and environmental goals too,” says Jasmine, a Junior Consultant with the UNDP based in New York City and Singapore. “Digital transformation has been thrust to the forefront in industrialised nations, and as we usher in the digital wave, we will probably see a greater convergence of domains like life sciences and ecology, with technology. That means we have to fundamentally rethink how best to tap on this latent potential, to increase opportunities for productive pursuits amongst otherwise marginalised communities.”
Jasmine Ong (MIA 2020)
About her current responsibilities, Jasmine says, “I support policy research on adoption of digital solutions and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). With the ongoing pandemic, country offices have been supporting governments with an increased uptake of relevant technological solutions. One of my tasks was to review socio-economic plans on activities that involved digital solutions and local innovation. Immediate priorities included the use of mobile and digital payments, as a secured means of delivering government transfers.”
Initiatives that will be realised over the next couple of years include employment-intensive programming, plans to strengthen civil registration services, and reviewing the role of digital technologies in services such as legal assistance, youth and community engagement.
Securing such progressive and impactful roles within a global outfit that serves multiple diametrically diverse cultures and societies undoubtedly requires being equipped with a solid understanding of public policies and global governance, exemplary networking and communication skills – all of which the 3 alumnae unanimously credit LKYSPP with.
“Through LKYSPP, I had gained a lot of regional knowledge, interacted and made friends with people from all over Asia. It helped me to understand the challenges and needs of the region better, familiarise myself with its cultural context and it was an important asset while applying for jobs in the region,” said Margarita, for whom the economic analysis skills she picked up were invaluable for project planning and monitoring.
Jasmine credits her time in LKYSPP as instrumental in moulding her to be an assertive and confident communicator. She fondly recalls the time when she had some of the most illuminating conversations with both peers and faculty. “We had the chance to meet notable global leaders, engage in fireside chats with diplomats based in Singapore, and during study trips abroad. These experiences within and outside of the classroom taught me immense lessons - whether it is asking the right questions with charisma, knowing the right timing for diplomacy or finding my own voice in negotiations.”
Mirroring Jasmine’s perspective, Jehan agrees that studying at LKYSSP had empowered her to find her voice within the larger conversation. “LKYSPP had allowed me to explore my interests in social development and international affairs during a critical pivot in my career trajectory, ensuring that I build the necessary foundation for my area of specialisation.”
As a parting shot however, Jehan has these words of wisdom for current alums looking to forge similar career tracks. “Invest in people and relationships. This should be an ongoing pursuit, beyond the walls of LKYSPP. Learn to know what you want, and how you can contribute. Always be curious and keep yourself updated on what is happening around you – everything is connected, and having that wider view will ensure that what you are doing has a long-lasting impact.”