Reflections on a United Nations' Career: An Insider's Account

This book is a critical, indispensable debriefing of a UN insider's account of a development practitioner's life over three decades in the global aid sector, providing first-hand insights into the realities of a UN career official's life. It opens a unique space in the international aid sector around elements of personal and professional rewards and costs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 247 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book is a comprehensive and essential debriefing of a United Nations (UN) insider's account, offering a unique perspective on the life of a development practitioner for over three decades within the global aid sector. It goes beyond being merely an autobiographical account of a young graduate from Australia who spent his career working for the UN. Instead, it serves as a critical and indispensable resource for those seeking to understand the inner workings of the UN and the challenges faced by its officials.

The book delves into the realities of a UN career officer's life, providing firsthand insights into the complexities and challenges they encounter. It explores the personal and professional rewards and costs associated with working for the UN, shedding light on the experiences of those who have dedicated their lives to promoting positive social change.

One of the key strengths of the book is its ability to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective on the UN. It acknowledges the organization's achievements and contributions to global development, while also acknowledging its flaws and challenges. The author does not shy away from discussing the political complexities, bureaucratic red tape, and resource constraints that often hinder the UN's efforts to achieve its goals.

Furthermore, the book offers valuable insights into the field of development practice itself. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various approaches, strategies, and tools used in the development sector, and how they are applied in different contexts. The author's experiences and observations provide valuable lessons for those aspiring to work in the field, as well as for those already involved in development work.

In addition to its insights into the UN and development practice, the book also explores the broader social and political context in which the development sector operates. It examines the role of the international community, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector in promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The book's unique approach to the subject matter makes it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex world of international aid and development. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the field, while also challenging readers to think critically and reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the global aid sector.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the United Nations, development practice, or global social issues. It offers a unique and insightful perspective on the challenges and rewards of working for the UN, and provides valuable insights into the field of development. Its balanced and nuanced approach makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, and its valuable lessons and insights will continue to be relevant for years to come.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030770624
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021