Mayliss Francois built her career by stepping beyond her job description

Mayliss Francois has worked across EU institutions, international NGOs and grassroots organisations, giving her insight into international development from multiple vantage points. Drawing on this experience, she discusses the tensions between donor-led models and local ownership, the impact of shifting global power dynamics on the sector and why critical thinking remains essential for development practitioners.

In what ways has your International Development degree shaped your path since graduation?

My Msc in Development Studies (2009) helped me stay critical of my fields of work.

How did you get your first job after graduation?

I got an internship in one of the EU institutions (thanks to my volunteering during my student years) followed by a second in an NGO (closer to my career goal). I think I landed my first job by allowing myself to enter from another side: I was first a communication officer for an NGO before being able to get the role of a programme officer as I wanted.

Tell us about your current role, what does a typical day or week look like?

I am currently working in Burkina Faso as a coach for cultural centres, helping them to reach better financial autonomy. During the week, I have days when I am at the office doing project management (follow up on budget spending, booking logistics for program but also more strategic reflection on the program) and days when I work directly with the cultural centres coaching them, helping them strategize or building management tools and processes with them.

What has been the best part of your career journey, and what has been the biggest challenge?

The best part: having worked in a variety of institutions from small associations to international organisations, helping me understand the full chain of development aid. The worst: having to recognise the infectivity of the development aid system and the hypocrisy of large pans of it.

What skills have been most important in your career, and what skills should students focus on developing?

The most important skills is the ability to keep learning so I would say students should focus on having an open mind.

How is your sector changing, including the impact of AI, and what should students be paying attention to?

The sector of International Development is changing really fast alongside major shifts in diplomatic relations. We are seeing a surge in calls for more self-determination by the majority world alongside severe cuts in international development aid by western countries. While there are still major development aid and NGOs working, students should pay attention to how to make international development more owned by the majority world and pay attention to more collaboration-based work. Students should also keep track of diplomatic shifts in world governance balance as it has a huge impact on the sector.

What is one piece of career advice that has had the greatest impact on you, and what advice would you leave current students with?

The best advice I got was during one of my early internships that asked me to stay critical of my (and my organisations) actions and to always keep a bigger picture in mind. I believe that same advice still applies today.

What helped you move into more senior roles or change direction in your career?

What helped me make moves in my career was to never shy from tasks not in my role description, as it has helped me gain further competences and skills.

The views expressed in this post are those of the alum and in no way reflect those of the LSE International Development Department or the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Featured Image credit: Mayliss Francois