by: Chia Aygoda
Chia Aygoda (IPD ’23) shares her internship experience working with UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office.
UNICEF is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) spearheads programs and initiatives in the region aimed at enhancing the lives of children and families. Specifically, the team I was part of focused on the water, sanitation, and health in the region within the broader scope of climate, environment, and energy initiatives. During my internship at UNICEF ESARO, I contributed to climate initiatives across Eastern and Southern African countries. My responsibilities included assisting in the development of terms of reference (TORs), accessing climate funding, mapping the climate finance landscape of the region, and implementing climate initiatives across sectors. I also supported the formulation of proposals for the Green Climate Fund, aiming to address climate change impacts in the region.
Adapting to a new environment, navigating the UN system, and familiarizing myself with the complex topic of climate change presented a learning curve. However, with ample support and guidance, I quickly overcome
these hurdles and became fully immersed in my role. My internship provided me with the opportunity to work within a supportive team environment dedicated to nurturing my professional growth. It allowed me to apply the
knowledge and skills acquired at MIIS in practical, meaningful ways within the context of climate
action in Africa. My understanding of how climate change specifically affects children and the urgent need to address their vulnerabilities was limited before this experience. Witnessing firsthand the challenges children face due to the climate crisis emphasized the importance of prioritizing their well-being, education, and healthcare amidst climate adaptation efforts.
Immersing myself in a new culture and environment was a personal highlight of my experience. Navigating unfamiliar territory and embracing new challenges enhanced both my personal and professional growth.
Drawing upon my education at MIIS, particularly skills in data analysis, GIS, negotiation, and global diplomacy, proved invaluable during my internship. These skills enabled me to contribute effectively to climate initiatives and engage with diverse stakeholders. I played a pivotal role in mapping the climate finance landscape of
the region, identifying critical gaps and providing countries with insightful analysis into their climate finance status. I assisted countries in crafting compelling proposals for the Green Climate Fund. My contributions extended to a publication focusing on the financial analysis of investments in the solarization sector for the Ethiopia country office. I assisted in the writing of an internal report on climate finance education materials and
investment opportunities in the energy sector across the region. As part of my responsibilities, I effectively managed the team’s knowledge hub and successfully launched the official UNICEF regional climate website.
Through this experience, I enhanced my resourcefulness, research abilities, and cross-cultural communication skills. I gained a broader understanding of the energy and climate landscape and the intersectionality of climate issues with healthcare, education, and other sectors in the region. This internship equipped me with practical skills and insights that will undoubtedly benefit my future career in climate policy and development. Even if your academic focus differs from your internship field, transferable skills acquired in your program can still be valuable. Embrace opportunities to apply your knowledge in diverse contexts.