Matilde, Decent Rural Employment and Disability Inclusion Specialist, FAO

As a Decent Rural Employment and Disability Inclusion Specialist, I provide technical support to ensure that youth employment and rural development programmes are inclusive — particularly for young persons with disabilities.

I work within a team dedicated to promoting decent employment opportunities in rural areas, and my role combines research, policy analysis, and operational programme support. I contribute to the development of funding proposals and donor engagement efforts, conduct analytical work on youth employment and disability inclusion in agrifood systems, and support the design of internal tools and guidance that strengthen inclusive programming across FAO.

On a daily basis, I collaborate with colleagues across technical divisions and country offices, helping translate global commitments on decent work and inclusion into concrete project components. This means ensuring that inclusion is not treated as an abstract principle, but embedded in how programmes are designed, implemented, and monitored.

My position sits at the intersection of strategy and operations. I am involved both in shaping frameworks and policy approaches, and in supporting their practical application through knowledge products, monitoring tools, and project-level activities. 

My preparation was both academic and practical.

At PSIA, I focused on development economics, social protection, and labour market policies, with particular attention to youth employment and informality in agrifood systems. My research thesis explored pathways to formalization for young workers in Sub-Saharan Africa, which directly shaped my professional trajectory and thematic focus.

Networking played a crucial role in my journey. I actively reached out to alumni working in international organizations, development agencies, and the UN system. These conversations gave me invaluable insights into recruitment processes, required competencies, and the realities of working in multilateral institutions. Alumni were incredibly generous with their time, and these exchanges helped me refine my positioning and approach the job market more strategically.

Before becoming a Specialist, I joined FAO as a Decent Rural Employment Intern. That experience allowed me to understand how international projects are coordinated, monitored, and implemented. It also gave me the opportunity to progressively take on greater responsibility and build internal credibility.

What I find most fascinating is working at the intersection of employment, agriculture, and social inclusion. Agrifood systems are undergoing profound transformations driven by climate change, demographic shifts, and technological innovation. Ensuring that these transitions generate decent opportunities for young people — especially those who are often excluded — gives my work a clear sense of purpose.

On a personal level, this field is particularly meaningful to me. As a young woman with a disability, I have always been conscious of the privileges I have had in accessing education and professional opportunities. Being able to work concretely on disability inclusion allows me to contribute to making those opportunities more accessible to others. It also enables me to bring my lived experience into professional discussions in a constructive and informed way.

What I find especially rewarding is witnessing how ideas around inclusion and decent employment move from high-level policy commitments to tangible changes in programme design and implementation. Ultimately, the most fascinating aspect of my work is being in a field where my professional interests and personal values genuinely align.

PSIA provided me with a strong analytical foundation and, equally importantly, the ability to connect theory to policy practice.

Courses in development economics, governance, and labour market policy trained me to approach complex challenges with both critical thinking and practical orientation. Group projects and policy exercises strengthened my ability to synthesise information, present arguments clearly, and work effectively in multicultural teams — skills that are essential in an international organization.

Beyond technical knowledge, PSIA helped me develop confidence in navigating international environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders — something that has been fundamental in my professional path.

First, take the time to understand what genuinely motivates you. Development is a vast field, and having clarity about your thematic interests or policy questions will help you make more intentional decisions.

Second, invest in relationships. The alumni network is one of PSIA’s greatest strengths. Conversations with professionals can provide insights, encouragement, and strategic advice that no job description can offer.

Finally, do not underestimate internships or entry-level roles. They are not merely stepping stones; they are opportunities to understand how institutions function, build credibility, and refine your professional profile. Careers in international organizations rarely follow a linear path — but persistence, curiosity, and consistency truly make a difference.