Francesco De Simone Specialist for the Modernisation of the State, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

What is your fondest childhood memory?

My best childhood memories are tied to the summers back home in southern Italy, where I grew up, particularly spending time at the sea with family and friends, which is one of the reasons why I was very excited to be assigned by IDB to Jamaica, a few months back. In addition to the exciting professional challenge, and the privilege to be able to support the country at a critical point in its history, I also have the opportunity to reconnect with the sea and, on weekends, enjoy a beach culture that has few peers around the world.

When did you move to Kingston, and why?

I was assigned by IDB to our Kingston office back in April and moved here in July. The IDB regularly rotates its 26 staff among country offices every few years. Staff are assigned to different countries based on a variety of factors but mainly matching IDB’s portfolio of projects with suitable professional skills across the region. I work with the IDB department that focuses on institutions, and we have a large portfolio of projects here in Jamaica, reflecting the recognition by the Jamaican Government that an efficient and modern public sector is a key driver of economic growth and human development.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend in Kingston?

At the beach or in the mountains with my family, enjoying Jamaica’s natural beauty.

Which five words best describe you?

Committed

Curious

Compassionate

Social

Nature-lover

What has been your most memorable meal in Kingston?

Ackee and salt fish for brunch at one of our preferred local restaurants. It is such a distinctive flavour! I didn’t even know it existed until I moved to Jamaica and now it has turned into a favourite dish for our family!

What is the mission of the Inter-American Development Bank?

To improve lives by creating vibrant sustainable climate-smart economies where people are safe, productive and happy!

What are two projects that the bank is supporting locally?

In the portfolio of projects I supervise, I would like to highlight particularly the Public Sector Transformation Programme, which encompasses an ambitious set of reforms aimed at modernising Jamaica’s public sector; and the Citizen Security and Justice Programme, which focuses on the prevention of violence in Jamaican communities — a project I had the opportunity to visit a few times, meeting some of the incredible people who work on it.

Briefly describe your role at the IDB.

I am the specialist for the modernisation of the state thematic area. In essence, my role is twofold: first, to provide technical assistance to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in the implementation of the projects funded by the IDB that deal with institutions building; for example, by bringing to Jamaica experts or other resources in areas where the GOJ has not yet developed its own expertise; and second, to monitor and support the implementation of those projects, and help ensure that, despite any obstacles and unforeseen circumstances, they reach the goals and objectives that were established in the design phase.

What led you down the career path of international policy, development and public financial management/transparency?

The initial push for me to get interested in an international career and pursue an education in that sector was the curiosity to know different cultures and countries, and a passion for geography, history and travel. However, once I had the opportunity to work and explore widely countries in South-East Asia, Africa and Latin American and the Caribbean, I became more aware of the importance of the development mission of the institutions in which I have worked, particularly by seeing first-hand the inequality and poverty that are widespread in the developing world. My initial area of expertise is transparency and anti-corruption, which I think is key to ensure that resources, be those of the government or those provided by donors, are used for their intended purposes.

Which other cities have you lived in? How do they compare to Kingston?

I have lived in various cities, including Salerno, Italy, where I was born; Naples, Italy; in Washington DC, USA; in Bergen, Norway; and briefly in other cities and countries. These are all very different cities. What I like about Kingston that compares well with my hometown of Salerno is the laid-back attitude of the people. Bergen, like Kingston, is a city stuck between the sea and the mountains with natural beauty everywhere — although the weather is at the opposite extreme of Kingston, with over 300 days of rain per year, located just a couple of hundred miles from the arctic circle. Washington and Kingston — being both capitals — have in common the constant gossip and focus on politics and large population of civil servants.

Were you stranded on an island with five individuals, who would they be? Why?

I don’t like to idolise individuals in general, but if I have to answer, Barack Obama seems like the kind of person with whom you could talk about serious issues, but would also be a lot of fun to just hang out with. I would also bring one of the writers that helped me understand the Americas and world history better — and thus the development mission of IDB — such as Jared Diamond ( Guns, Germs and Steel) or Charles Mann ( 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus). Among my Italian countrymen I would pick one of the renaissance men who could talk about any topic — maybe Leonardo da Vinci? I think a good musician is needed, maybe Nina Simone or Ella Fitzgerald or Aretha Franklin. And perhaps Michael Jordan as a sparring partner for basketball games. Of course, I am assuming that my wife and kids are stranded with me as well!

Where’s your preferred hangout spot?

In Kingston, I am becoming very fond of the spots on the Blue Mountains, such as EITS Cafe. I am also a big fan of JoJo’s Jerk Pit, perhaps because it was one of the first places to which I was taken by IDB colleagues, and one where we have had numerous conversations about Jamaica and the importance of our work in this country.

Finally, what’s your personal credo?

I like to think that a positive attitude towards the present and the future can go a long way in determining your happiness in life (more so than the other way around). I also like to think of myself as a person who always looks ahead, trying not to linger too much on the past. Both attitudes are key in my work, I believe: sometimes our counterparts in emerging countries can get disillusioned and demotivated by looking at the trajectory of their governments and what often seems like poor results; but institutions-building, which is what I work on, is always a long-term process, in which progress and results can most often be appreciated better over the long term. And a positive attitude is needed to be able to face and overcome the obstacles that this job constantly throws at you. I feel sometimes my role is also to have my counterparts in government to look at that bigger picture.