Ahmad Munir Faruhee is alumnus of 2013 of the MA Programme in Politics and Security from Afghanistan. Munir was the OSCE Academy’s first Junior Public Officer (JPO) in Afghanistan, where the JPO Programme was established in 2012. Today he is a diplomat at the Embassy and the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna, Austria.
Q: Dear Munir, please, tell us about your experience as the first JPO.
It was an excellent experience for me. I found the opportunity to engage deeply with the practical aspects of diplomacy and world politics. Stationing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan helped me to expose to important conferences and seminars. Being a JPO, enabled me to develop the required rapport with eminent officials of different state organs. It encouraged me to endeav-or further for my capacity building. I indeed had a great experience and a wonderful time back then.
Q: Did the JPO Programme contribute to your career in the Public Sector?
Of course it did. I always wanted to work with the public sector, especially with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the United Nations. Therefore, I did my bachelors and master’s degrees in the fields of Politics, Security and International Relations. The JPO programme provided me with a great opportunity to start my work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it played a key role in my understanding of the Ministry’s structure, the conduct of diplomacy, interdepartmental works, creating and strong networking. Later, at the end of my JPO programme, I participated in the entrance examination of the Ministry and with the practical work experience that I had got through the programme, I easily succeeded and has been formally recruited as an official of the Ministry.
Q: Today you work in the Afghan mission in Austria, which represents the interest of Afghanistan not only in a foreign country, but in the largest world organization, the UN and also the OSCE. What challenges and opportunities does it provide to be a public servant?
Every phase of life has its opportunities and challenges. Likewise, by holding a degree from such an important academic institution, I always faced challenges to work hard. Everyone expects more from holders of such degrees. However, I have always considered those challenges, as glaring opportunities for my job. Besides, being an alumnus of this institution paved the way for my deep engagement with some of the officials at OSCE headquarters in Vienna, and holders of similar degrees at other institutions. Moreover, the knowledge acquired during my studies at the OSCE Academy, helped me to carry out my job professionally.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well, based on my objectives, I envision myself as a skilled and professional diplomat in 5 years. I am committed to work hard and remove the obstacles which may pose challenges to my success in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.