Melie Monnerat 

Based at FAO headquarters from 2007 to 2008, Melie was a Sponsored Fellow supported by the Province of Quebec.

“I had almost completed my Masters degree in Geography when I found out about the Fellowship programme at FAO through the Canadian Ministry of International Affairs Website. The selection process took one month and I was one of two Fellows selected out of twenty candidates.

FAO was my first professional experience and it was a rich one. My assignment was with the Forestry Department where I worked on the integration of agro-forestry components into National Food Security Programmes and the role of forestry in food security. I had a good supervisor so I felt that I fit very well in the division. In the forestry department, senior officers take good care of fellows and we were included  in everything that was going on. 

As a Sponsored Fellow I was able to meet and work with high level experts in the field of forestry. Communicating with those people on a daily basis sharpens your brain and gives you self confidence. It pushes you to do your best, since you know that you are working with the best.

Italy was an exciting place to be based for both cultural and historical interests and it was great to have the opportunity to learn a new language. The experience will have a positive influence on my future. Not only is it valuable to have experience at the United Nations for your CV, I now have inside knowledge of an international organization. In such an environment, communication skills are very important.”