Name: Pascal Lemasle Position: Team Assistant Duty Station: Rome, Italy Nationality: French
What prompted you to apply for a position at FAO? I used to work in the social and charitable sector and living in Rome it was a great opportunity to work for an international organization whose aim is to improve the food situation of each person. Although from its Headquarters in Rome and behind a desk, it seemed that even at my level, I could contribute to accomplishing the goals set by FAO.
What are you most proud of in your work? I feel highly proud to contribute to the UN mission of creating a better world for all. I am equally glad to work in an international environment with colleagues from different parts of the world and with different cultural backgrounds. It is always an enriching experience.
What does a normal day at work look like for you? I carry out a number of administrative tasks and I take care of the budget follow up of our projects. I am lucky enough not to have a repetitive work and I can cooperate with a sound team where I have my place and the possibility to be active and learn. Therefore, at the end of the month my days are quite different from one another and I do plenty of interesting activities.
What advice would you give someone wishing to join FAO? First of all, you need to be capable of working with people very different from each other and learn to respect their cultures. FAO is embarking on a result oriented –process and everyone is requested to participate in achieving results as well as evaluating performance. Therefore you have to be capable flexible and up to the challenge.
