Sylvana, Associate Project Officer at UNESCO

Sylvana Lewin has graduated from the Master in International Public Management (now called International Governance and Diplomacy). Coming from the United States, she is Associate Porject Officer at UNESCO in Paris, France. 

>What is your role and main responsibilities? 

For the past year and a half, I have worked with the Inclusion, Rights and Dialogue Division of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO. I first joined as a Communications and Outreach Consultant and now work as an Associate Project Officer working on our intercultural dialogue projects. My work involves the strategic planning and management of all communications and outreach for one our main intercultural dialogue projects including social media, event planning, press and partnerships. I also support management of the overall project including the recent development and publication of a global report and online platform. 

How did you secure this role? 

Having decided I would like to stay in Paris after graduation, I searched in bilingual organizations that aligned with my interests. I applied to this current role having seen it advertised online and secured the role following a three step interview process. 

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

I think one of the most unique and fascinating aspects of UNESCO as an UN agency is the broadness of the mandate, which allows the organisation to work on a wide span of topics. While my work focuses primarily on intercultural dialogue and the connection to peace, conflict prevention and human rights promotion, I have also been able to work on anti-racism and gender equality projects. UNESCO also provides a space that truly fosters learning with opportunities to take language classes; attend important conferences such as the recent Transforming Education Pre-Summit; join in cultural celebrations through events such as Latin American and Caribbean Week where delegations feature artists and performers as well as offer tastings of local cuisines; and more. 

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

My PSIA experience has helped broaden my connections within the international community and grow an insightful and inspiring network. I have been able to not only recruit reliably excellent interns to support the project, but also bring in high level speakers for events. Beyond this, my experience at PSIA has helped in everything from developing strategic plans for projects to drafting briefs to growing as a manager. I not only took away concrete tools to develop my career as a humanitarian from PSIA, but also gained self confidence and initiative. 

What advice would you give to others? 

I would advise others to spend time working with smaller organizations and in the field. Before PSIA and UNESCO, I worked for three years in Ghana with two NGOs. This experience developed me as a professional and provided me with a credibility among colleagues at the UN that has been very helpful. While it may feel like there is pressure to immediately go to a big, well known organization, a lot of the time the smaller organizations need young professionals like you the most and they provide environments where you can learn the most. Finally, I'd also advise to not get discouraged by the application process and to keep an open mind in your search. 

• More about the Master in International Governance and Diplomacy
• More about UNESCO