Christopher Kaye: Knowledge Retention Interviews

Rome: World Food Programme (WFP), July 2024.

English

WFPAVI-012

In this knowledge retention interview with Christopher Kaye he details a career journey that began with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and transitioned to WFP in 2006. Kaye held various significant roles, starting as the Country Director in Myanmar for four years, then working at headquarters from 2010 to 2020, first as the Director of Performance Management and later as the Director of Government Partnerships. Since 2020, Kaye have served as the Country Director in Pakistan. Kaye emphasized his generalist background and extensive experience in coordination and humanitarian assistance, working in countries like Somalia, Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. He highlighted the importance of understanding privilege, compassion, and social justice, which drove his career choices and commitment to the UN system. Kaye also stressed the value of partnerships, particularly with governments and financial institutions, to implement sustainable development programs, using a successful nutrition program in Pakistan as an example. The interview also touched on the challenges of working within government systems while maintaining WFP's standards and principles. Kaye underscored the importance of performance management, accountability, and the role of innovation in driving change and achieving impactful operations within WFP and the broader UN system.

Knowledge Retention Interviews

AVI 012

AV-129387