Mélissa, National Project Manager at UN Women

As the Country Coordinator for the Care Program in the Dominican Republic, I work remotely, yet I’m part of a dynamic team of inspiring women across the region, each working towards advancing gender equality within their countries. I collaborate closely with the regional office for the Americas and the Caribbean, which provides strategic guidance to ensure our efforts are aligned across all participating countries—Peru, Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.

My core responsibilities focus on liaising with government officials and managing both internal and external consultants to implement the Care Program effectively. The program’s goal is to redistribute, reduce, and make visible caregiving responsibilities, which disproportionately fall on women—a critical step towards promoting gender equity.

In my day-to-day work, I provide technical assistance to key government institutions, primarily the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development (MEPyD)—currently undergoing a fusion with the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda)—and the Ministry of Women (MMujer). I’m also involved in hiring consultants, drafting analytical reports, and conducting research, including mapping exercises, to inform our strategies. This research helps ensure that our decisions are not only timely but also deeply rooted in the needs of the population and aligned with government priorities.

My previous role was instrumental in preparing me for this position, as it provided a strong foundation in gender programming, project management, and implementation. I led multi-country projects and managed a team of 60 people, which helped me develop robust leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills.

In preparation for this specific role, I conducted in-depth research on the care agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I also leveraged my network, reaching out to colleagues within the UN system to gather insights about the organization’s structure, expectations, and work culture. This combination of practical experience, targeted research, and strategic networking equipped me to step confidently into this role.

What fascinates me most about my work is the opportunity to influence public policy and contribute to behaviour change at both institutional and societal levels. Knowing that the projects I help design and implement can create lasting, positive impacts on people’s lives—especially in addressing systemic gender inequalities—is incredibly rewarding. The intersection of policy, advocacy, and real-world impact is what keeps me motivated every day.

My Master at PSIA equipped me with both technical skills and a critical mindset that I rely on in my current role. I gained hands-on knowledge in project design, budgeting, negotiation, and monitoring and evaluation—skills that are essential for managing complex programs within international organizations.

Beyond the technical aspects, Sciences Po helped me refine my soft skills, particularly in networking and public speaking. These competencies are invaluable in my current position, where building relationships with diverse stakeholders and communicating effectively are key to driving change.

My advice is to be patient with your career path. You might not be exactly where you want to be right now, but every experience you gain is a stepping stone toward your long-term goals. Stay focused on your objectives and be clear about why you’re in each role—it will help you make strategic decisions that align with your aspirations. Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking and continuous learning. The connections you build and the knowledge you acquire along the way will open doors when you least expect it.