OQ Anna Nsubuga, Class of 1993,  recently got in touch to share with us her news having presented her credentials to the Director General. 

Anna had this to say about her recent acheivement:

"I was thrilled to learn last summer that I’d made it through the recruitment process for the role of UK Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). I’ve been in the UK civil service for the past 20 years, with a 2-and-a-half year break working as an international development consultant at Mott MacDonald and Cambridge Education. Before that, I worked in small NGOs that mainly focused on capacity building in African governments or the protection and promotion of women and girls’ rights. 

While my career in Whitehall has primarily focused on domestic policies, I’ve always sought opportunities to take on roles with international elements, be that engaging with European diplomats in London or being part of a trade agreement negotiation team. So I couldn’t believe my luck when this role was advertised on the civil service jobs website. It seemed like the perfect combination of the paid and voluntary jobs I’ve had since I was 17!

What followed was the standard recruitment process - submit an application, attend a competence-based interview, and then try to stay calm while you wait for the panel’s decision. As this is a senior leadership role, the shortlisted candidate also had to be approved by a senior appointments committee, which in turn submitted its recommended candidate to the Foreign Secretary for consideration and final approval. The whole process took about four months to complete, but I couldn’t tell anyone I’d been appointed until several months later. I’m known for being good at keeping secrets, but even I was surprised I could keep schtum for so long!

Having grown up during a civil war, UNESCO’s vision of “building the defences of peace in the minds of men and women” has always resonated with me. I’m excited to return to Paris for a second posting, although this time I’ll have 193 counterparts and a much broader portfolio of work. I’m looking forward to supporting what I believe are some of the most important and critical issues for humans and the planet right now, and I’m honoured that I’ll be able to do that in the capacity of the UK’s representative. "

You can read more about Anna and UNESCO here.