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Aygun Gurbanova

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Head of International Relations and Projects

Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social

Provision (DOST)

Republic of Azerbaijan

Public Policy Program (’18)

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Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

Before applying to study at GRIPS, most of my experience was in the government institution responsible for regulating international trade. For me it was exciting to work in this field and I planned to deepen my focus on international trade after successfully graduating from GRIPS. However, while studying at GRIPS, the authorities in my country prioritized social protection and urged the need for certain social reforms, and appointed my previous supervisor to the position of Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population. As soon as I graduated and returned to Azerbaijan, I joined his team and had the chance to take part in new challenges and make my contribution. I was briefly appointed as the Head of the Division of Cooperation with International Organizations at the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population before being appointed as the Head of International Relations and Projects at the newly established Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision (DOST Agency). For almost 5 years, I have concentrated my efforts on the success of the DOST Agency.

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You are currently serving as Head of International Relations and Projects at the Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision. Please tell us about your main roles and responsibilities.

As the Head of International Relations and Projects at the Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision, my main responsibilities include coordinating projects with international organizations such as UNFPA, UNDP, and EU specialized instruments. I also work on achieving international recognition for the Agency, harmonizing its service standards with international models, and representing the Agency in various platforms. Additionally, after graduating from GRIPS, I had the opportunity to work as an adjunct lecturer and share my knowledge of microeconomics at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, which I consider to be a valuable contribution thanks to my GRIPS education.

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In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges for the Azerbaijan over the course of the next five to ten years?

Our agency currently provides 155 services to the population, but we aim to expand our capacity to cover the needs of vulnerable population groups more comprehensively. With our institutional potential, we have the opportunity to improve the living conditions of elderly people, children with disabilities, war veterans, and women from vulnerable groups. However, achieving this goal will require overcoming the challenges of limited resources, competing priorities, and changing societal needs. Overall, I believe that with strategic planning, effective collaboration, and a commitment to social welfare, we can make significant progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Azerbaijan.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

The biggest challenge I face is identifying social needs since it is not always easy to distinguish between human desires and true needs. Although Azerbaijan was part of a socialist country in the past, today's society is different, and past solutions to social problems may no longer work. Our agency provides a novel approach, and we are pleased to see our experience being recognized as effective by an increasing number of countries. Becoming a benchmark is a real challenge, but it is also rewarding to see the results of satisfaction surveys and the smiles on the faces of the elderly people who benefit from our services.

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I would say that being able to make a positive impact on people's lives has been the most fulfilling aspect of my career thus far.

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What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavors?

I was recommended to apply to GRIPS by a senior colleague at my job. Studying at GRIPS was a valuable experience that significantly improved my skill set and provided me with many tools for analysis, especially quantitative approaches, which are highly prized in policymaking. I also learned important skills in academic writing, which, together with quantitative analysis, enables me to prepare effective reports. I believe that the ability to conduct proper analyses and forecasting and present them in a well-organized, well-composed report is the most important professional quality for any policy analyst to get noticed and promoted.

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The exposure to different perspectives and cultures also broadened my horizons and prepared me to work in diverse teams. I am grateful for my time at GRIPS, and I believe that the knowledge and skills I gained will continue to serve me well in my future career.

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Have you had any involvement, professional or otherwise, with Japan since your graduation?

I have maintained regular contact with the Japanese Embassy in Azerbaijan and the Japan Alumni Association since my graduation. I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of meetings with them, but unfortunately, due to the restrictions related to the pandemic, we have not been able to fully realize our ideas and enhance our cooperation. However, I am looking forward to intensifying our meetings and coming up with new ideas to determine areas of cooperation in the future.

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How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

The importance of maintaining a balance between work and the rest of my life became evident after I became a mother to a wonderful boy. I realized that every additional hour I devote to work is time taken away from spending with him. If I come home later than usual, he would already be asleep without seeing me that day. He is just two years old and needs to feel the support of a strong family around him during his early years. Therefore, it is my responsibility to do my best to spend the most available time with him and prepare him to be a decent member of society. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is now a rule of time management for me. When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.

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What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?

Memories… I have so many fond memories of my time at GRIPS that it's hard to believe they all come from just one year of intensive study. Most of my time was spent on campus, and my memories are mainly of my classes which were intense but rewarding. They are among my most cherished memories, although others might say they are nothing extraordinary. I also enjoyed exploring Japan, visiting historical and modern cities and places like Toyota City, Honda factory, disaster-stricken Fukushima, and Mie Prefecture where the first cultured pearls Mikimoto was founded. I was also deeply moved by my visit to Hiroshima and Shirahama. Like to most foreigners who have visited Japan, these places have left a lasting impression on me. Of course, I also remember my ordinary moments in Tokyo. Even though it was a daily routine, these moments are now things I miss.

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If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

If you are considering studying at GRIPS, my advice would be to apply without hesitation. GRIPS offers high-quality education and is a prestigious university in Japan with famous faculty members who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science and passing their knowledge and achievements to students. In addition, the student support staff are very kind and will assist you in any difficulty. GRIPS provides excellent study conditions and a peaceful atmosphere to focus on education.

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How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

I am grateful to be a part of the GRIPS alumni network. Through the network, I am periodically updated with the latest news from the university and get to read about the fascinating success stories of other GRIPS alumni. I am satisfied with the format of activities organized by the GRIPS alumni network. Although the pandemic has undoubtedly changed our lives, and some of us have unpleasant memories from this period, I believe that as time passes, the alumni network will become more active and help us make up for the lost time.