Federica M.
About me
| Federica M. | |
| Politics | |
| Politics with International Relations | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 2012 | |
| Italy |
My employment
| Health Data Analyst | |
| United Nations Population Fund | |
| Thailand | |
| Politics and public affairs | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2017 |
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A day in the life of a Health Data Analyst in Thailand
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN's reproductive health and rights agency, in the Asia-Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok. UNFPA works to improve maternal health, ensure access to contraception, and promote sexual and reproductive health for women and girls around the world. It also focuses on combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other harmful practices.
What do you do?
My role as Health Data and Health Economics Analyst allows me to support the regional office as well as our Country offices in Asia-Pacific (36 countries! Covering from Afghanistan to the Pacific Island States) with analyses on key maternal and reproductive health indicators. I measure the impact that key health interventions (for example, strengthening the availability of maternal health services, improving access to contraception, etc) can have on the health and well-being of women in these countries. I also perform health economics analyses to estimate the costs and financing needs for these countries' health systems, as they work with the UN to develop and expand.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
When I started my Bachelor in Politics and IR at the University of York, I had in mind to pursue a diplomatic career. It took only a few weeks of attending the Politics of Development course to realise that instead I wanted to work in the development world! After graduating from York, I obtained a MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies, and started an internship with the UN in Myanmar shortly after.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Luckily not! I wanted to try and work for the United Nations after graduating, and I focused on that objective for my career.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Presenting my analyses on the importance of investing in family planning services to representatives of the Ministry of Health of Pakistan, where the utilisation of these services is low. Shortly after, the Government committed additional resources to improve these and other health services for women in the country.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The UN is not an easy system to navigate, given its complexity and bureaucracy. Plus the hours of work can be very long! And of course most of the international staff like myself live and work far away from family and friends.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
At York I was involved in managing the Italian Society, which grew consistently during my three years there. I was able to get experience in event management, communications and fundraising - all of which turned out very handy when starting out in the development sector.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Try and gain varied experience through extra curricular activities! These practical skills will be a great help when looking for internships and entry-level jobs.
Next steps...
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