Liton Roy

Alumni portrait of Liton Roy, from the Master of Science in Development Studies. Interview was conducted in January 2024.

Hi Liton! What have you been up to since graduating from Development Studies in 2012?

Since graduating from Development Studies in 2012, I have been actively involved in the field of humanitarian service. Initially, I joined a research-based non-profit organisation as a field research officer. Over the years, I have expanded my skill set by working for different international organisations such as OXFAM GB, BRAC International, Christian Aid, and World Vision. In 2022, I had the opportunity to work on an US government-funded international development project in Sudan, which provided me with valuable insights and international exposures to work on both humanitarian and development projects.

Why made you choose the masters programme in Development Studies at Lund University?

My life ambition was to work for the most vulnerable people in our society. I chose development studies at Lund University to facilitate my career path in the field of international development. Further, the master programme of development studies at Lund University is well-known among development practitioners and academicians for its excellent academic, environment and curriculum.

What is your fondest memory from your student days at Lund University?

The very first day of my master's programme at Lund University is memorable to me. On that day, I got the opportunity to meet with multi-cultural students who came from more than 20 countries, from different continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and North America. I was very excited to meet with fellow students and classmates, teachers, program coordinators, and mentors who were very supportive and cordial. It is an unforgettable memory, and I can still remember it vividly.

Currently, you work at a US-based humanitarian organisation as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Manager in Sudan. How does your daily routine look like? What tasks do you work with?

My regular task is to provide technical support to the country team to design monitoring tools, frameworks, information management systems, data analysis, and reporting mechanisms. My responsibilities also include conducting different assessments and studies in different locations in Sudan. I also prepare the success story, best practices, and learnings of the project and share them with different stakeholders, including USAID, for higher-level advocacy and policy influence.

Do you have any advice to offer to current students at Graduate School?

Working in the humanitarian sector is always challenging due to the short duration of the project and the complex working environment. However, developing the right sets of skills, including digital information management systems, application knowledge of different data analysis software, communication skills, and leadership skills, can be critical to navigating emerging challenges. Further, it is equally important to have a clear understanding of various developmental concepts like sustainable development, climate change, poverty, the root causes of poverty, et cetera, if anyone wants to work in the humanitarian sector.

Do you have any advice for prospective students interested in the master programme in Development Studies?

For students who are planning to work in the humanitarian sector, a master's in development studies at Lund University can be the right choice. Master's in development studies is one of the  important pre-requisities for getting a job in many INGOs and UN agencies.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I have been working for more than 10 years in the humanitarian sector, and I have implemented many projects on the ground to change the lives of vulernable people. In the next five years, I want to continue my work in the humanitarian sector with the United Nations to bring greater positive change to the lives of the most vulernable people in the global south.