We have interviewed Alumna Omniah Hegazy about her career following MESPOM.
Hi! Can you tell us who you are and a bit about your background?
Hi, my name is Omniah Hegazy and I am from Egypt. I had a BSc. In Biophysics in 2006 and a MSc. In Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management in 2014.
What is your current position?
I am now the Technical Officer in the National Adaptation Plan Project in Egypt.
Can you tell us about the most important career steps that brought you to your current position?
I worked in the Egyptian Ministry of Environment for 15 years, I am specialized in Climate Change, I have progressed in the hierarchy till I became the Director of Adaptation Department.
I was a member of the Green Climate Fund National Team for 3 years.
I got involved in Climate Change negotiations since 2017, since then, I have been a member of the Egyptian Delegation representing Egypt in topics related to Adaptation, Loss & Damage and Gender.
As Egypt was the host of CoP27 in 2022, I was a member of the Technical and Political Committee organizing the CoP and in the CoP27 core team.
I am also part of the UNFCCC Roster of Experts and the Egyptian Adaptation Focal Point to the UNFCCC.
How would you say MESPOM had a role in providing the teachings/opportunities/toolkit for your career development?
MESPOM has given me the political perspective that allowed me to excel in negotiations. As a person with a scientific background, I was not exposed to environmental policy, law and economics until I joined MESPOM.
MESPOM helped me improve my critical thinking and, more in general, my work was positively affected since my graduation from MESPOM.
What’s the biggest advice you could give to MESPOM students interested in building a career in the governmental/environmental sector?
Make use of the personal skills enhanced during your study to market yourself to the active organizations working on environment.
Personal skills improved during my study include; presentation skills, adapting to work in multicultural environment, English conversation and critical thinking.
Any future plans?
I am planning to work in one of the UN organizations.
Great, thank you for your time and best wishes for your future!
Thank you!