IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Anis Saddique:

How would you describe the UPSL as a Service Line?

The Service Line can be best described as caretaker of the Uniformed Personnel in the missions, who provide services equitable to services provided by staff personnel. It’s uniqueness stems from the fact that it takes care of both the HR and the payroll components of International Uniformed Personnel management. The services line’s support to the needs of the Uniformed Personnel helps the IUPs to perform their duties without concerns; in a sense they are confident that the USPL team will satisfactorily manage their entitlements and benefits in a timely manner.

When you are not at work, what activities do you like to involve yourself in to keep your mind off the job?

I like to read and watch documentaries especially on history and philosophy. Occasionally, I also enjoy poetry and fiction but mostly from the classical era.

Anything you would like us to take home from you? What advice do you have for the staff of RSCE.

Anis Siddique is the Service Line Manager Uniformed Personnel Benefits & Payroll Service Line. He had a interview with Jullian Kahara Atukunda on his life, work and his role in supporting Uniformed Personnel in the RSCE Client Missions in Africa

In your own words how would you describe Anis Siddique?

I would like to describe myself as an unassuming professional who places much emphasis on my professional achievement rather than personal achievements. My work is the sole source of my daily motivation and joy.

What is your typical day as a Service Line Manager at RSCE

A typical day is spent in supporting my team to resolve their challenges. My team is quite proficient and can work independently and I tend focus on working with them on complex issues where my support is required in terms of policy and process guidance and coordination with other stakeholders is required. Our focus is always on meeting the clients’ needs proficiently and expediently.

Who are the clients of UPSL and what exactly do you support them with?

In an indirect way whole of UN is our client and in a narrow sense International Uniformed Personnel (IUP) are our clients. A broad understanding will demonstrate that we work in coordination with the mission HR/management, other service unit in RSCE like Travel, Cashiers, QABI, Financial Service and Compliance Monitoring, Client Service Section and RSCE senior management; in this sense, these are our clients and our work directly provides input to their work and success.

Can you tell us more about your professional life journey before you joined the United Nations/ RSCE?

My professional life before joining United Nations is not extraordinary. I began my career in the private sector but it was not my first choice, I wished to be an academic and a researcher. Yet, I was always drawn to development and was volunteering for NGOs since my youth so a career in international development was always on the cards.

I do not prefer to dispense wisdom. I would like to ask everyone to be proud of their work and be empathetic to the work of others, the world has seen too many conflicts, we did not decide on those and may not have direct control over them. But we can ensure that we do not become enablers of conflicts and disputes in our societies; this can be achieved through empathy and understanding.

Any message for the UN peacekeepers in the field?

Be proud of your work, you are contributing to the creation of a peaceful and egalitarian global future. This might not be immediately evident, but the seeds are being sown and cultivated by you and future generations will reap the benefits, they will be grateful to you who have enabled history without being mentioned in it.

Lastly, what would you say will be your most memorable time in Entebbe?

The experience in RSCE is itself memorable and has affected me deeply. It has created a remarkable etch that can never be washed away.