Graduates Feature: Sasha Oliveira, MAGG ’17

Sasha Oliveira standing on rocky ground with a mountain in the background

What is your current position?

Second Secretary (Development), High Commission of Canada to Pakistan, Global Affairs Canada

What attracted you to your program of study at the BSIA?

I was drawn to the BSIA’s Master of Arts in Global Governance program because it offered a unique combination of academic studies, a fellowship, a major research paper, and an internship, all within a 16-month period. It was the perfect blend of theory, practical application, and research that I knew would be important for my learning and professional growth (and indeed, it was).

What was the most impactful experience you had while completing your graduate degree?

It is hard to pinpoint just one impactful experience. The internship I secured with Global Affairs Canada was stimulating, and I am still working there today. The graduate fellowship was also a highlight. I collaborated with colleagues from the MIPP program on a multidisciplinary team led by the BSIA’s Margaret Walton-Roberts, focusing on refugee-resettlement research. This fellowship was both intensive and rewarding. It taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, research, and presenting findings in an accessible manner to diverse audiences. Our work contributed to a SSHRC grant, and I was proud to be a part of it. Additionally, the guidance and patience of faculty members, like Alistair Edgar, helped sharpen my critical thinking skills.

Tell us about your job, what do you do?

I am a Foreign Service Officer for Global Affairs Canada, and I am currently based in Pakistan. My job is to promote gender equality and empower women and girls through international assistance and development efforts. One of my main tasks is managing and monitoring Canadian-funded projects aimed at achieving these goals. This includes, for example, projects that: enable women and girls to exercise their decision-making capacity and agency as entrepreneurs; raise awareness around social and cultural norms related to women’s and girls’ economic roles in communities; and change perceptions of women’s formal participation in the workforce. I also collaborate with other members of the diplomatic community, development agencies, international organizations, and various stakeholders to strengthen policy dialogue and donor coordination efforts related to gender equality.

My day-to-day activities vary widely. I might attend donor coordination meetings where we plan joint initiatives, meet with project implementing partners, or review project reports. I could be on a field visit monitoring project progress, or at a conference where I network with representatives from civil society, NGOs, or the private sector. All in all, my work involves building strong relationships and ensuring that Canada’s development efforts are effective and inclusive.

How does your work help make a difference?

Working in development is all about making a difference. It’s also a team effort. Together with my colleagues and local and international development partners, we are making strides towards a world where more people can thrive, especially women and girls who often lack the same opportunities as their male counterparts. For example, one of the projects I help manage is reducing social, cultural, and institutional barriers to women’s engagement in economic and social spheres in Pakistan. In my role, I’ve met with beneficiaries and heard firsthand how activities, such as financial literacy training, are empowering women by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to start their own businesses or contribute more fully to household decision-making.

What are the next steps in your career progression… where do you see yourself going?

It took some time to get to where I am today, so I’m happy to keep doing what I’m doing for the next little while. That said, I am always open to new challenges and experiences.

What advice do you have for a potential student looking to complete their degree at the BSIA? Or for someone looking to work in Global Governance and International Policy?

My advice is to be open to exploring different domains within this field that are outside your comfort zone, to embrace diverse ideas and perspectives, and above all, to enjoy the journey. Your academic or career path might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. You may discover unexpected opportunities that you never thought possible.

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