2025.03.19.
国連・外交インターンシップ報告:Malek Berbash (WFP Libya Country Office)


Malek_Internship Photo 1

マレク バーバシュ
経営戦略研究科(IBA) Global Public Management Program 2年
University of Tripoli (Libya)卒業 (Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering専攻)
実習機関:国連世界食糧計画 (WFP)リビア
実習期間:2024.7.21-2025.1.20

Malek Berbash
2nd year of of Global Public Management Program, International Management Course, Institute of Business and Accounting
BSc.(Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tripoli, Libya)
Internship institution: United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Tripoli, Libya
Internship duration: 2024.7.21~2025.1.20




 

●Details of your internship / インターンシップの内容
I worked as a Livelihood and Resilience Intern at WFP Libya Country Office. My role mainly involved supporting community resilience projects by creating project maps, budgeting resources, and helping plan development activities in several municipalities. The internship allowed me to contribute directly to projects that aimed to improve the lives of vulnerable communities affected by conflict.


● What you learned from the internship program / インターンシップでの学び
The internship was a truly eye-opening experience that pushed me both professionally and personally. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing resource allocation between three municipalities in Libya — Jalo, Awjilah, and Jakharrah — where competition for support was quite high. It was difficult to satisfy all stakeholders while ensuring fairness, but through continuous communication with my supervisor and the team, I learned how to prioritize needs and align projects with donor requirements.
Working remotely was another challenge, especially with the time difference between Japan and Libya. However, this experience taught me how to manage tasks independently, stay organized, and communicate effectively in a virtual setting. I also developed technical skills in GIS mapping and budget management, which were completely new to me at the start.
More importantly, I learned how impactful small-scale projects — like supporting farmers or planting trees — can be in creating long-term positive change. This internship helped me realize how every step, no matter how small, contributes to a bigger mission.


●The linkage between the internship program and UNFA Course contents / 国連・外交コース授業での学びとインターンシップ
The UNFA course played a huge role in helping me navigate my internship tasks. The classes on Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Development Economics were especially helpful when it came to understanding how humanitarian projects are planned, implemented, and evaluated. Without this knowledge, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in tasks like budgeting or writing project proposals. The knowledge from the courses I received during the course was directly useful in creating project site maps, which became one of my key responsibilities at WFP. The professors were also incredibly supportive, always ready to give advice when I needed guidance on resource allocation methods or project documentation.
On top of that, the Kwansei Gakuin University network helped me connect with professionals who gave me insight into the world of international development. Thanks to the UNFA course, I felt more confident stepping into this internship, knowing I had the knowledge and support system behind me.


●Future career plan / 将来の目標、キャリアプラン
This internship solidified my passion for international development and humanitarian work. Moving forward, I want to pursue a career that focuses on community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental sustainability — especially in regions affected by conflict or climate change.
My next step is to deepen my knowledge of project management and sustainable development practices through further education and work experience. Ultimately, I hope to work with organizations like the United Nations or international NGOs to design and implement projects that empower vulnerable communities and create lasting positive change.


●What you thought after the internship / インターンシップに参加しての感想
One of the most memorable aspects of this internship was seeing how small interventions — like installing solar energy systems or supporting smallholder farmers — can transform people's lives. Even though I was working remotely, I felt a strong connection to the communities in Libya through the projects I contributed to.
Another highlight was working with people from different cultural backgrounds, all united by the same mission. It made me realize how important diversity and collaboration are in international development.
This internship was more than just work experience — it was a journey that inspired me to dedicate my future to making a positive impact in the world.


◆国連機関等インターンシップ&国際機関へのキャリア支援◆
本学は、多くの国連機関等とインターンシップ協定を締結しており、これまでに多数の学生(主に大学院生)を国連・国際機関にインターンシップ派遣してきた実績があります。
総合政策研究科「国連システム政策専攻」および大学院副専攻「国連システム政策」の国連その他機関でのインターンシップにおけるサポートは、国連・外交統括センターが担当します。
また、当センターは本学卒業生・修了生に対する国際機関キャリア支援も行っています。


国連機関等インターンシップ&国際機関へのキャリア支援