Takshama, Youth Engagement Specialist, FAO

As the National Youth Engagement Specialist at the FAO, my focus is to establish a unique platform for youth from diverse backgrounds to come together to participate meaningfully in the agrifood systems transformation. 

My work entails coordination with other civil society organizations, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, FAO Project Managers and Coordinators, other UN agencies, and most importantly - young stakeholders in the agrifood systems. 

I believe that stakeholder engagement and project coordination are two skill sets that have been critical to this role. However, for my work to be constructive, it is important that the end beneficiaries are kept very much at the centre of project design and implementation.

I believe that my previous work experience in India helped me prepare the soft skills I needed for this role, and the Masters in Environmental Policy at Sciences Po, Paris, helped deepen my understanding of agriculture policies, agricultural finance, economics, climate science, soil health, and much more.

I feel very grateful to have found a niche that I truly care about within agriculture and food systems. While meeting dignitaries and senior industry experts is always interesting, I think the favourite aspect of my job is when I get to hear a young person speak or share their ideas - it reminds me why I need to do what I am doing.
 

My journey with the FAO started during Semester 3 at Sciences Po. 

I began interning with the Youth Assembly in the Office of Youth and Women, and continued working there part-time as a Youth Policy Specialist during Semester 4. Right after the Grand Oral, I moved to Rome and began working as the Head of the Youth Assembly. Within this team, the focus was on the inclusion of youth perspectives in agrifood systems policies, and hence my current work is a continuation of the same.

I can attribute the ability to access this opportunity to the Sciences Po Carrières team. They refined my CV and provided guidance when I wanted to continue working as a consultant while studying. At one point, I was entirely overwhelmed and my academic advisor helped me balance my priorities. Of course, what was learned in the classroom was extremely helpful since I chose courses that closely aligned with my role, and the professors were incredibly insightful. The professors helped me develop professional connections, and one of them even helped me negotiate better contractual terms.

I think that it is important to keep an objective view of the effectiveness of institutions like the United Nations, and if one decides to pursue a position within it, see if there is a way to truly create some level of impact. Are we doing this for others or for ourselves? 

Additionally, the last three years have been very tumultuous - learning multiple languages, balancing professional priorities with personal relationships, and growing in ways that made me wonder who I am. But the friends I made at Sciences Po have carried me through all of it. Two things I always remember - it's important to keep punching, and tutto passa! The good and the bad.