Read about Jayni Thankachen

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

Technology is a field that is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. This continually stimulates me to ‘Learn” and Un-Learn” and use my passion to be an enabler to solve problems such as climate change, poverty and social inequalities in access to education, and women empowerment.

In my role as an ICT chief, I make a conscious continual effort to stay current with emerging technology trends, aligned to evolving organizational demand, and building a strong foundation of skills that can adapt to changing technology needs.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

My favourite project was the Emergency Relief Operation for the earthquake that occurred in Bhuj, India in Jan 2001. As Chief, Information Technology for World Food Programme (WFP), I set up the VHF/UHF solution in Bhuj, at WFP temporary office, for commodity tracking of the vehicles carrying relief supply.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Develop your positive psychological capital which is a state of development of an individual, characterized by Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism or HERO. These are personal traits that can be developed through training and conscious self-improvement efforts. “Nurture the HERO in you to Succeed, Success begins with HER”. Make a successful career in technology especially as a woman. Keep abreast with recent developments in technology, soft skills and experience. One must constantly ‘Learn’ and ‘Un-Learn”.