Staff profile: Andrew Clark
Andrew is a member of the
Fast
Stream programme and is currently an economist working on the Afghanistan
Country Programme. Although based in London, at least one-third of his time is
spent in Kabul.
What do you do and how did you come to work for DFID?
The Economists on the Afghanistan Team
are the focal point for the UK Government’s engagement on Economic Management
and Aid Effectiveness.
This includes supervising projects on tax reform, building a budget and encouraging private sector development.
I applied directly to an advert for economists in DFID and joined the Department in January 2004. At the time I thought it was a chance of a lifetime, to be working in Afghanistan at such a critical time in its history.
The Fast Stream selection process itself is very thorough, testing your core economics skills and - critically - your ability to apply core economic concepts. It also assesses key behavioural skills. Although it's rigorous, if you are willing to learn from the process, it is a great opportunity for self-assessment and to examine your attributes and areas for professional and personal development.
Prior to working for DFID I worked at The World Bank in Washington DC. During my time in Washington, DFID were thought of as one of the better bilateral aid agencies. I found out quite a lot about how DFID works - and I saw the Fast Stream as a great opportunity to get involved.
More on being a DFID economist
Describe your typical day
A typical day working on the Afghanistan programme is hard to describe. While I am in Afghanistan, the day can vary from being pulled into meetings with Afghan Ministers and Ambassadors to interacting with local Afghans bartering over the price of a carpet.
My work involves a lot of contact with other donors, NGOs and local Afghans to assist the Government implement poverty reduction programmes, and working with government officials on policies and processes.
Working in a post-conflict environment itself has its challenges, from restrictions on movements due to security procedures, to not being able to walk to the shop on the corner to buy naan bread. Such restrictions are compensated by having the opportunity to be part of a political and developmental process in a country with a passionate people and a complex history.
What does it feel like to work for DFID?
I would honestly say that I do not feel like a typical UK Civil Servant.
DFID gives you the opportunity to travel and work in developing countries in order to tackle one of the most important challenges that face today’s world - alleviating poverty.
To be part of a global effort can be hugely rewarding but also very challenging when obvious progress is not always apparent. Working in London also gives a wonderful insight into the workings of the UK Government and how policy is developed, made and implemented.
What is the most important thing you've learned since coming to DFID?
I have learned a great deal since coming to DFID. Most importantly, the priority
that the UK Government - through DFID - places on poverty reduction.
DFID have a clear mandate through its Public Service Agreement (PSA) - each staff member can link their roles and responsibility to the PSA.
This ensures that every staff member has a clear picture of their where they fit into the global challenge of poverty reduction.
Advice for others who want to come to DFID via the Fast Stream?
At DFID you are really thrust into working at a representative level, not only across Whitehall but also in developing countries. Having a passion for development is one of the most critical aspects and DFID regards previous development experience very highly, particularly any experience working in developing countries.
If you are willing to travel and work overseas, you can find opportunities to get relevant experience that will help you apply for DFID jobs directly, or help give you the life skills you need to get through the Fast Stream process.
