On 11th November 2025, the IDS Alumni Office and BAFUNCS organised a panel on United Nations careers. This event provides an opportunity for students and alumni to learn about the realities of a UN career, and the opportunity to connect with and gain insights from current and former UN employees. Invited speakers featured two IDS alumni, Zainab Yunusa and Ross Duncan, and the panel discussion was chaired by a current IDS student, Daniela Guerrero. Below, the panellists and chair share their reflections on the experience:

It was truly inspiring to share the panel with fellow IDS alumni who have had unique paths in their UN careers, coming from diverse backgrounds and being at different stages of their professional journeys. It was also encouraging to see the participants' engagement, both online and in-person, which showed their genuine interest in the discussion. Some participants have also reached out to me for more information and guidance. I recommend that this event continue and incorporate additional sector-focused sessions alongside the general one. Overall, it was an insightful experience that highlighted our shared journeys as panellists and, evidently, inspired and benefited the students. 

— Zainab Yunusa (MAGen36)

Having recently graduated from IDS to work with UNICEF, I was really pleased to talk about this transition at the UN Careers panel. It’s great to have these opportunities to share learning among the IDS community. It was an enjoyable and interesting discussion - and, as expected, great to meet current students. 

— Ross Duncan (MADev17)

A message I take with me from the discussion is that while the current feelings around the UN are marked by change and uncertainty – often perceived negatively – this period can also become the moment and space where necessary change and reforms finally happen. During the discussion, a student asked where hope could be found for building a meaningful career and contributing to such change. I find hope in knowing that there are good people and professionals like the panellists who have been, and still are, part of the UN system.

— Daniela Guerrero (MADev19), Chair

Meet the panellists:

Zainab Yunusa (MA Gender and Development, 2022-23) is a feminist and a Gender and International Development Specialist with over seven years of experience. Currently, she consults as a Gender and Climate Change Programme Analyst with the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office.

Ross Duncan (MA Development Studies, 2023-24). Ross is a digital skills research consultant for UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight, having carried out an internship with this office’s Education Unit. Before this he worked in global education research and policy at Global Schools Forum, and in programme management at UK social mobility charity The Sutton Trust. He studied MA Development Studies at IDS from 2023-24, during which he was converted over to the Power, Participation, and Social Change programme.

Stephen Rudgard retired from full-time employment with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in June 2020 and has since fulfilled a range of short-term roles with FAO.  He served as FAO Representative to Indonesia, Timor Leste and Lao PDR, and worked in FAO Headquarters in various roles.

Nicholas Rosellini studied economics before joining the United Nations, where he worked for 34 years. His career included assignments at the Headquarters level in New York, at the regional level covering Asia-Pacific from Bangkok, and in a number of countries in Asia and Africa. His final assignment before retirement was as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the People’s Republic of China.

Watch a recording of the event here