Vimonmas (Pam) Vachatimanont

NETI Job Title: Education Officer
NETI Duty Station: Beijing, China
Nationality: Thai
Education: Masters of Education (Ed.M) in International Education Policy
Languages: English, Thai, Mandarin Chinese and basic French 

"My fellow NETIs are now friends. I admire them deeply for the work they've done and continue to do."

1. What attracted you to the NETI programme?

I first learned about the NETI program when I was on a graduate school tour of UNICEF HQ. As I was studying international education at the time, my classmates and I were already familiar with, and drawn to, UNICEF's work. Thus, it might be better described that my interest initially was to the organization. However, the introduction we received that day to the NETI Programme made it seem like a solid way for a young professional to work with the organization. I was drawn to the surprisingly unique structure and support the programme provides to successful applicants; the opportunity to have a mentor and coach, and training prior to deployment seemed fantastic. The competitive nature of the application process was also an enticing challenge, as I was excited by the prospect to work with and learn from experienced and accomplished NETIs and colleagues. It is truly rare to find an opportunity that supports young professionals in the UN as much as the NETI programme. 

2. What are daily responsibilities at your position?

It is difficult to describe an average day, as the work is so multidimensional, but I also appreciate that dynamism. I support the Education programme, particularly the basic education and knowledge management work. This involves working with colleagues to manage education projects, such as aspects of our child friendly schools implementation. I work with national and international experts to review project design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. I write and review fundraising proposals and reports, as well as project-related documents, such as draft training and curriculum materials. I look at financial reporting and operational aspects too. I get to visit our project sites several times a year to observe and conduct training, visit schools and run activities like summer camps. To complement this project-based work, I also work to manage and coordinate research – studies, surveys and evaluations as applicable. And I get to supervise our graduate summer internship program, working with about a fantastic bunch of a dozen young people for a few weeks each year. I enjoy the work we are doing for children in China very much.

3. What are the three best things about the NETI Programme?

If I had to narrow it down to three best things, I may have to go with:

(1) My monthly calls with my coach. I was honestly a bit dubious about this at first – how would talking with a non-UNICEF complete stranger be beneficial? But my coach was just fantastic. She got to know me quite well, and asked pertinent questions that helped guide me through my own thinking and potential actions. The discussions helped me to stay focused and allowed me to reflect on and recognize my own learning and growth. 
(2) Working with the NETI team at HQ! From the start of the application process, through my on-boarding and orientation and to date, the NETI team in HQ have been great. Even before I had met them in person, I felt very well supported. With their attentiveness to NETI queries and needs, they were very accommodating and encouraging!
(3) The opportunity to have met and formed friendships with my fellow NETIs in my cohort. Of course one would feel a bit of anxiety on any first day of a new job; but I recall that after stepping into that New York conference room, it felt more like the first day of school! My fellow NETIs are now friends. I admire them deeply for the work they've done and continue to do. During our training, I remember being mind-blown by the stories and thoughts they would share. I highly admire their integrity and professionalism. I feel very lucky to have gotten a chance to know them.

4. In what areas have you grown since joining UNICEF?

I recall having this discussion with my coach. My technical skills have definitely increased in terms of my knowledge of education and child development, particularly on basic education and some other education issues, as I have had the opportunity to keep up with education research and programmess internationally, and to learn from the experiences and efforts in China. My knowledge and understanding of public policy and policy making has also increased with practical exposure to trying to engage in that process.  I have also been told I have grown quite a bit in my competencies and soft skills as well: in my ability to lead, communicate, persuade, and negotiate.

5. What is your advice for someone interested in working for the United Nations?

Firstly, two pieces of some “self-reflection” suggestions: I would first ask why they want to work for the United Nations? I think it is important to have this set straight before anything else. I have had a lot of young people express to me that they have always wanted to work for the United Nations, and they cannot fully explain why. I would read the mission of the UN, and UN agencies, and see first if they resonate - because it would be very important to articulate why the UN over the other agencies and entities that are also doing work, good work, in these areas.
Actually, I should tribute the following to another UN Colleague from UNDP who had similar advice: I would advise, particularly younger professionals, to find what their “issue” is. What are they passionate about working on? For me, it's education. Not necessarily working for the UN, but to work on improving the opportunity of children, particularly the disadvantaged and vulnerable, to have access to good quality education. It just so happens that I can relate to UNICEF's mission and that I think UNICEF is doing great work in this area.
Perhaps a more simple, but definitely more time consuming advice: Learn languages. Learn lots and lots of languages. It is not the be-all, end-all, but it is definitely helpful for your future mobility and building a global perspective. Take up internships and consultancies if they are available, to get a better glimpse of what working for the UN would be like. And build not only your technical skills in project management and research (which you can gain from a lot of organisations), but also your soft skills – in communication, teamwork, negotiation and mediation.