Birgit Lia Fain

After graduating from SSE, Birgit Lia Fain built a career across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Today, she works at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in Mexico City, focusing on economic development and regional policy.

Birgit's role combines economic analysis with regional advisory work. She serves as the desk officer for Nicaragua, monitoring economic developments and producing regular reports, while also researching trade and foreign direct investment trends across Central America. In addition, she contributes to consulting projects in the region, including initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goal financing in Cuba and support for Costa Rica’s medical device sector.

“I chose to work for the United Nations because I strongly believe in its goals and values,” she says.

Alumni perspective

SSE is a well-known university in the area of economics with a strong focus on strengthening its students’ quantitative skills. It was those skills that I believed were necessary to start a career as an economist in international development organizations. Apart from the quantitative education and the network of students, a key aspect for me was my exchange at Sciences Po Paris, where I took a range of classes on development economics
Birgit Lia Fain
Economic Affairs Officer at ECLAC (United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean)

After graduating, Birgit gained experience across several countries and institutions. Her career path included roles at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Botswana, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Iraq, and the German Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin. She later joined the United Nations through the Young Professionals Programme, working in Chile, Switzerland, and now Mexico.

Looking back on her journey, Birgit encourages students to explore careers in international development.

“The field of international development is exciting and needs well-qualified people with innovative ideas who want to make a difference,” she says.