RSCE Newsletter Edition 12

Newsletter — #12

October 2023

DEPARTMENT OF

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

NEWSLETTER Navigating the UN: Ensuring Smooth Onboarding and Transition

RSCE Celebrates the Client Service Week 2023 in Style

My Journey to Paradise....

In Loving Memory of Moureen Michelle Musonge

Message from the Director RSCE Dear Colleagues, This quarter has seen significant changes to our operation.

Our budget for 2023/2024 fiscal year was approved with an amount of 43.64 million United States Dollars with staffing total of 402 posts. Due to the financial crisis, we have moved from doing more and better with less to doing better with what we have.

A few highlights from the last quarter that are still pertinent to this quarter.

On the Request from the government of Mali, the UN Security council approved resolution 2690 mandating the withdrawal of MINUSMA by the end of the year 2023. Closure of the mission in Mali has significantly increased the workload for the RSCE. Nine RSCE staff have been deployed to Mali to support the liquidation and closure of the mission.

The closure of one of the largest clients of the Centre will inadvertently impact the staffing of the RSCE in the next financial year because MINUSMA represented 15% of the RSCE operations. I count on each and everyone of you to increase efforts in supporting not only Mali closing but other missions as well who are going through different challenges.

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On September 4, we hosted a delegation from the International Civil Service Commission led by chairman Mr. Larbi Djacta, who were in Uganda to assess and collect data on issues related to staff benefits and entitlements, duty station hardship classification, and post adjustment among other things. We introduced to them the Centre’s operation and support to the client. They also met with the Entebbe staff representatives who discussed issues affecting UN personnel in Entebbe as well as classification of the Entebbe duty station which is linked to the Kampala classification.

In September, we hosted Mr. Kelvin Ong, Director of the Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD), who visited the Regional Service Centre Entebbe from 13th to 15th September. I briefed him on the Centre’s financial and budget situation including the scalability model used to determine the transactional staff of the Centre. He was equally briefed on the overall operations and current activities including the center’s involvement and support to MINUSMA as they close operations in Mali. Mr. Ong met all finance and budget staff of the RSCE and applauded them for their work in ensuring UN personnel in field missions receive their benefits and entitlements on time.

At the start of this month, we celebrated the Client Service Week under the theme TEAM: Delivering as ONE. Once again, the theme spells out what we do here at the RSCE which is working together to ensure that our clients have the peace of mind to carry out their mandates.

I want to commend each and every one of you for your deliberate participation in affirming our commitment to client service and I want to commend the committee that put the week together on a job well done. Kudos to you all.

Finally, I am very pleased to announce that the USG DOS upon our recommendation has endorsed the selection for the position of the RSCE Deputy Director, and Ms. Nalini Contreras has been selected for the position. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Contreras and wishing her all the best in her role.

On a sad note, the RSCE has once again been struck with tragedy. The unexpected death of our colleague and friend, Ms. Moureen Musonge has left us all with a heavy heart.

Moureen was a cherished member of the wider UN family, with many years of dedicated service first with MONUSCO and then RSCE/FSDH. She is survived by a husband and two children.

Please keep Maureen’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

May she rest in peace.

Finally, I thank all that have contributed to all the previous editions of the RSCE Newsletters and the communications team for their efforts to make it happen. If you have an interesting story, contact the RSCE Communications Team through rsce-communications@un.org.

Thank you!

Paulin Djomo, Director RSCE R SCE N EW SL ET T ER #1 2

Navigating the UN: Ensuring Smooth Onboarding and Transition Joanna Remzi, an Administrative Officer at RSCE, who journeyed all the way from England to Entebbe, Uganda, shared her sentiments about the experience, stating, “It was a nice feeling to receive confirmation of selection and embark on a new chapter. Any change can be somewhat anxiety-inducing, especially when it involves relocating continents. However, the OSSL and HR teams proved to be efficient, responsive, and proactive, ensuring that everything went smoothly without incident.”

By Carolina Lessa C. de Souza, Communications Officer, RSCE

Joining a new organization, especially one as vast and impactful as the United Nations (UN), can be a transformative journey. Often, individuals leave their homelands and loved ones behind to play their part in serving the global community and advancing peace efforts. With this significant step, come numerous questions and uncertainties that demand the right answers.

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For those embarking on this remarkable path and entering the UN’s dynamic world, the onboarding process can be a source of both excitement and anxiety. Before touching down in their new duty station, candidates may grapple with doubts about the security of their UN career. Will their journey with the UN be as promising and progressive as they hope? These concerns are perfectly natural for newcomers.

The Regional Service Centre Entebbe’s Onboarding and Separation Service Line (OSSL) stands as the vital gateway for individuals joining one of the 17 UN peacekeeping or political missions across Africa. Comprising a dedicated team of 18 staff members, OSSL holds the responsibility of issuing appointment letters, facilitating candidates’ travel arrangements to their designated duty stations and processing off cycle payments.

For Theresa Aciro, a Finance Assistant at RSCE, securing a job at the UN was indeed a moment of great relief. Nonetheless, the prolonged onboarding process had left her feeling like she was enlisting in a military camp, as she vividly recalls.

Beyond the administrative tasks of issuing documents and granting approvals, OSSL staff plays a pivotal role in providing accurate and timely information to new hires, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience. According to Uchenna Okoduwa, OSSL manager, the journey from receiving the confirmation letter to joining the mission typically spans an average of 50 to 60 days.

Uchenna emphasizes that OSSL staff is trained to high standards to effectively manage candidates’ concerns, saying, “We are dedicated to providing client-oriented solutions, resolving issues promptly, especially concerning off-cycle payments during onboarding and separation processes.”

Candidates often express their apprehensions in various areas, including compensation and pay scale, accommodation, medical insurance, family installations, airport pick-ups, and the timely acquisition and navigation of UMOJA accounts and portals in Employee Self Service.

These concerns often carry emotional weight, especially in an environment where the mission requires prompt staff deployment. The OSSL team is trained to handle candidate issues empathetically, recognizing the significance of emotional well-being in their mission’s success.

“We all understand the potential impact of uncertainty,” Uchenna adds. “Therefore, we strive to connect emotionally with our clients, seeing things from their perspective to provide them with the right responses consistently.”

The onboarding unit’s focus extends to the integration of new employees, setting them up for success in their UN careers. Simultaneously, the separation unit ensures that employee departures are managed with professionalism and compliance, contributing to a positive overall employee experience and bolstering the UN missions’ efficiency and effectiveness.

In a world where every member of the UN family plays an essential role in shaping a better future for all, the dedication of teams like OSSL in facilitating smooth transitions becomes invaluable. With their unwavering commitment to ensuring that newcomers embark on their UN journeys with confidence, we can look forward to the continued success of the United Nations and its missions across Africa.

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The Future of UN Peacekeeping – The UN Secretary General’s Vision

By Elysee Niyigena, Communications Officer, RSCE

“We are on the verge of a new era. The post-cold war period is over, and we are moving towards a new global order and a multipolar world.”

Said the UN Secretary General (UN SG) Antonio Guterres while presenting the Policy Brief on a New Agenda for Peace which outlines his vision of multilateral efforts for peace and security.

He says that the world is facing a crisis and threats that ‘require urgent, united action.’ The policy brief offers a blueprint for reshaping UN peacekeeping to meet the evolving needs of a changing world.

The UN SG suggests that in order to achieve peace and prosperity in a world full of threats and conflicts, “we must adapt to the geopolitical realities of today and the threats of tomorrow.” He calls on member states to update the multilateral peace operations for today’s world.

In the New Agenda for Peace, he proposes twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas, that if implemented by member states, it would help to solve many problems and gaps currently in peace processes.

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Strong measures to bolster prevention at the global level, by addressing strategic risks and geopolitical divisions. This calls for the enforcement of the regional and subregional organizations to tackle geopolitical challenges.

Preventing conflict and violence and sustaining peace that applies to everyone in all countries, at all times. It calls for a paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence. Focuses on mediation, promotes social cohesion, prioritizes the links between SDGs, climate action and peace, and that is anchored in full respect for human rights.

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Update our approach to peace operations, recognizing the realities of today’s conflicts.

Calls for nimble, adaptable models with appropriate exit strategies in place.

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Prevent the weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promote responsible innovation.

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Updating our collective security machinery to restore its legitimacy and effectiveness. Calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council to make it more just and representative, and the democratization of its procedures.

Secretary-General has been at the forefront of advocating for a more agile, adaptable, and effective UN peacekeeping system. He acknowledges that the current landscape of conflict is vastly different from what it was when UN peacekeeping missions were first established.

He also stressed the importance of adequate funding for peacekeeping operations to ensure that peacekeepers have the necessary resources and equipment to carry out their missions effectively.

UN Peacekeepers put their lives on the line every day to ensure peace and security in the countries they are assigned to. But they face challenges including losing their lives because the meaning of peacekeeping has changed.

The SG emphasizes the need for regional organizations enforcement and involvement of African nations to finding home grown solutions.

“Peacekeeping operations cannot succeed where there is no peace to keep,” he says.

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My Journey to Paradise...

The flight from Entebbe was smooth and easy but things changed when I arrived in Wau. We waited for some hours and then boarded a helicopter. One of the instructions was to wear headsets. I didn’t know why but when we took off, I immediately understood why. Boy, was it loud! We couldn’t talk to each other for one and half hours.

In Entebbe, when you are in a meeting and hear a plane landing, or taking off you say, let us wait a bit because it’s too loud. Well, it is too loud, but you should board a helicopter at least once, if you have never done it!

The UN peacekeepers who are based in Abyei, use these helicopters at least twice a month or even more when they are going to different areas of operations.

When I arrived, the first thing I saw is ‘Welcome to Paradise’ signpost near the helipad. Yes, it’s paradise.

By Elysee Niyigena, Communications Officer, RSCE

It was early in the morning when I set off on a UN flight from Entebbe to Wau, a city in northwestern South Sudan, on the western bank of the Jur River. I was excited as it was my first time boarding a UN flight.

On reaching the airport, as photographer, I wanted to take a photo for memory and record purposes, but I was warned that If caught taking photographs I would be arrested. I took it anyway.

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From my very first day at UNISFA, I was struck by the friendliness and hospitality. They warmly welcomed and took me around. Their kindness, despite the hardship and how remote Abyei is, was a testament to me that ‘life is what you choose to make.’

Each patrol was a unique experience, as it allowed me to witness the diversity of the Abyei landscape, from the savannahs to the villages, and to interact with the people living in these areas.

During one of the patrols, we reached a place where vehicles couldn’t move. They decided to do a foot patrol. After walking for about 1 km, we couldn’t continue because it was muddy and slippery. We had to use another route which was very far. The journey was longer than expected so I started to get tired and thirsty. I took off the helmet and later when I wanted to remove the flak jacket, the lady who was the patrol leader warned me that I was with military personnel and my safety was under their responsibility, so I had to keep the jacket on or go back. With the military, you don’t argue. They are used to commands.

These men and women are amazing.

Sometimes they don’t sleep for many days due to the nature of the security situation in Abyei.

Some of my trips were cancelled or postponed for another day. Regardless of all the hardship, they keep their spirit and commitment. Every day, I witnessed their dedication and hard work.

They left their comfortable homes and their families to ensure the people of Abyei are safe.

Abyei is a disputed area between the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan, with an area of over 10,000km2 of desert, farmland, and oil fields.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established in 2011 by the UN Security Council Resolution as a response to the renewed violence, escalating tensions and population displacement in the Abyei region as Southern Sudan was preparing to formally declare its independence from the Sudan on 9 July 2011.

One of the most exciting aspects of my role was the opportunity to travel to different locations within the Abyei region. I joined our peacekeepers in their daily activities including day and night patrols, community engagement, humanitarian activities. That’s when I understood what peacekeepers go through daily.

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Together Everyone Achieves More

By Mark Kaheru, Public Information Officer, RSCE

The International Client Service Week at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) is held every 1st week of October and is one of the most engaging events of the year.

It is an opportunity for the RSCE to reaffirm their commitment to client service and for staff to bond with each other as they engage in several activities.

As is now tradition, the week starts with a ‘Meet & Greet” where Managers line up and say a hearty good morning to each staff member as they come into the office. An event that many look forward to as it is a chance to interact with Managers they would normally never do.

This year, a marching band led a procession of all Service Lines to a Townhall event at the Kofi Annan Hall to mark the official start of the week. The week’s schedule was laid out and the Deputy Director RSCE, Ms. Nalini Contreras, urged all staff to take time and participate in the planned team building events.

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“I have been in several offices, and I have not yet seen an event like the Client Service Week where we take time out and appreciate the work we do and appreciate each other for the work we do to serve our clients. This is a good opportunity for us to keep thanking and encouraging each other to deliver client service excellence.” She said.

Every day of the week had its own dress code that included formal Monday, denim and all shades of blue, twinning with teams dressing up in similar colors, cultural wear complete with a fashion show and sportswear to round up the week.

Staff took well to the dress code idea with some notable service lines like Uniformed Personnel, Education Grant and Vendors Service Lines going above and beyond.

Some of the week activities included team huddles where they each took turns to appreciate their colleagues verbally.

The team bonding experience put a smile on everyone’s face as they felt the genuine remarks from colleagues. Another team bonding exercise was a jigsaw puzzle competition.

show off the different flags of the UN through their clothing and it was much fun. A good way to unwind and celebrate each other.” Said one staff member.

Each team was given a jigsaw puzzle to complete in the fastest possible time to be able to win.

The sounds of laughter and camaraderie could be heard all over RSCE. The winning team was announced at the end of week Townhall, and winners rewarded with branded mugs.

Friday too was a fun day as Service Lines delivered very innovative live and pre-recorded presentations on how they work as a Team to deliver as one.

Other activities included team lunches and potlucks, distribution of eThank You cards and the launch of the first Kudos Board for staff to continue with individual appreciation.

On Thursday cultural wear day, staff put on a fashion show to show off their cultural dress.

The colorful event was held at the cafeteria dubbed Place2Be and staff came out in big numbers.

“It was refreshing to see everyone come out proudly celebrating their culture. This is reminiscent of the UN Day when staff usually

The highlight of the presentations was the Uniformed Personnel Service Line who put on a colorful musical and very energetic skit demonstrating peacekeeping in Africa pre1930.

Friday was also Family Day. Some staff brought their children to the UN Base in Entebbe to participate in the week. Children participated in team activities as well that included arts and crafts and there were mentors on hand to talk to them. They also toured the campus and were given a walk through on what the RSCE does for peace in Africa.

The theme TEAM: Delivering as ONE was surely lived during this Client Service Week.

To catch up with the week’s activities, pictures and presentations, please follow link to Client Service Section Page: here

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In Picture: CSW 2023

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matters even if it is as short as, “I have received your concern, I will get back to you later.”

Endeavor to respond appropriately thereafter.

Be courteous: Be polite, respectful, and professional in all your interactions. This will not only earn you respect back but it will also help calm the nerves of any agitated or difficult client.

Effective Client/Customer Experience: A must in Every Organization

By Jullian Kahara Atukunda, Communications Assistant, RSCE

For a major part of my career, I was employed in Customer Service or Client support or what is known as Client Experience today. There is so much to learn with client experience.

Philip Kotler, father of Modern Marketing, defines Customer Satisfaction as a ‘person’s feeling of pleasure or disappointment, which results from comparing a product’s perceived performance (or outcome) against their expectations” 26 Dec 2019 My Research for MBA centered on Client Service a case study of MTN-Uganda as the leading multi-national in Telecommunications.

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To offer excellent service to customers, it is important to understand their needs and provide solutions to meet those needs. Here are some tips that can help you offer excellent service to your customers: Listen actively: Listen carefully and ask questions to understand the client’s needs better. Not many people are good listeners, especially when they feel they are an authority on the subject matter. They rush into giving solutions and advice but, as someone once said, the reason we have two ears, and one mouth is so that we listen twice then speak once.

Be responsive: Respond promptly to inquiries and concerns. Quick response to client issues

Show empathy: Employees that try to understand a client’s point of view make them feel valued and can turn an angry client into a happy one. This is therapeutic. Human beings feel better knowing that what they are going through isn’t a unique experience. We all feel touched when someone puts themselves in our shoes, therefore even if you have never stepped foot in a rural field mission, try to envisage how difficult life must be there and help the client as fast as possible.

Be knowledgeable: Have a good understanding of your products or services so that you can provide accurate information. You can’t give what you do not have, if you are being asked about a particular STAI, be sure you have the latest update on what it says to avoid giving false and mis-leading information to a client.

At the RSCE we are blessed to work in teams and have free access to our supervisors, when in doubt, please cross-check facts with other team-mates or supervisors for guidance prior to giving feedback to the client.

Be proactive: Anticipate customer needs and offer solutions before they ask for them. This is very relevant to the work we do at the RSCE and the UN. We have “Frequently Asked Questions’ that are answered generically but used by many because clients face similar challenges in the field.

Follow up: Follow up with customers after an interaction to ensure their satisfaction. You do not know the value of follow-up until you do it.

One time in my first year in the UN while serving with the International Benefits and Payroll Service Line, I followed up with one client in the field mission and her reply gave me the motivation to serve better to date. She was so appreciative and referred to me as an Angel!

Given my faith background, that still means a lot.

I wish we all strive to be Angels.

Remember, excellent client service is about building relationships with your client and providing the best possible experience.

According to PETE Blacksaw in his book Running a Business in Today’s Consumer-Driven World, satisfied customers tell only 3 (three) Friends while Angry Customers Tell 3,000. This is true because the adage says, ‘bad news travel faster’ which means we must be careful to have as many satisfied clients as possible if the impact of our service is to be felt.

That said, we also must always know that there are clients that are difficult, and even while applying the principles mentioned earlier, they will not appreciate, they will grumble, they will complain and even send emails to all and sundry copying in even the Secretary General.

Handling difficult customers can be challenging, but it’s important to remain calm and professional. Here is one simple tip for you: SMILE: Whether the client is online, on phone or physically with you. This will generate positive energy to keep you calm.

Therefore, Smile! Smile! SMILE!

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How Do You Deal When The Shoe Is on The Other Foot?

By Mark Kaheru, Public Information Officer, RSCE

I grew up in a world where I was told that to retain customers and build my business, I needed to practice good, no, GREAT customer service. Over the years I have learnt that I need to exercise the same even in relationships with friends and peers.

Many of the ingredients of customer service are the same.

Listen, be honest, show empathy, know your stuff and build trust.

Sounds easy enough.

When we are faced with difficult customers. The ones that always have something to complain or shout about, can we always keep our cool, listen, empathize and be honest? Some people will respond with a “yes, I can.” Others will say they will excuse themselves, go and calm themselves down and come back to handle the situation.

This is all fine and dandy and maybe works. But what happens when the shoe is on the other foot.

What happens when you are the customer, and your data service provider slows down or even loses connectivity in the middle of an important Teams call or just as the plot twisted on that Netflix show?

I live in Najjera, a suburb of Kampala and we have the worst road. In fact, we have more pothole than road so much so that the community recently asked the Town Council to downgrade the road back to murram. We are still waiting on their decision.

Now, you have to understand something here, there is very little reason to have bad roads in Najjera as we have very many top government officials residing in the area and the city of Kampala is steadily growing that side.

The number of shopping complexes and apartment blocks cropping up every day should require better access roads.

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On one of the neighborhood WhatsApp groups, I am on, belongs a very vocal gentleman who has always had kind words for the powers that be and who has always declared his undying love for the land and governance. Even when people have made complaints about noise or insecurity, he has always been the voice of reason, asking people for patience and understanding. He has always volunteered to represent the voice of the people to the ones in authority. We have appreciated his efforts, even when they never yield anything.

Recently, he moved his business from One side of the suburb to Najjera.

His stripes have changed into spots.

Now that he is a daily user of the Najjera road, he too has questions. Being the vocal one that he is, he cannot help but voice his displeasure in the group.

Recently he even called for a sit-down strike and asked us all not to go to work so the Council can work on the roads, another time he asked the community to storm the Parliament and demand for better services. He is now the angriest person in Najjera.

The shoe is firmly on the other foot, and he is not taking any prisoners.

I ask you again, how do you deal with difficult customers?

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Empowering Women in Peacekeeping: WOC’s Training at the RSCE

The United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) concluded the 11th edition of the Women’s Outreach Course (WOC) at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe which ran from 11 to the 22 September 2023.

The 11th edition, supported by the Canadian government, upskilled trainees from 12 member states, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cote D’Ivoire, Jordan, Madagascar, Morocco, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, and Uganda.

The Women’s Outreach Course (WOC) is a specialized training program aimed at preparing female uniformed personnel for deployment in UN peacekeeping operations.

The course was led by a team of eight dedicated trainers from Ghana, Belgium, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), the Integrated Training Service (ITS), and RSCE.

By Uchechukwu Patricia Emodi, RFTS, RSCE

This initiative is a direct response to Security Council Resolution 2122 (2013), which encourages troop and police contributing countries to increase the representation of women in military and police roles within UN missions and address gender imbalances.

The academy has meticulously designed this training program to empower female uniformed military and police officers with essential knowledge and skills related to Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4), and Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations (C4ISR). This comprehensive training also encompasses planning systems, relevant UN policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures. These elements collectively provide participants with the foundational background required to prepare for deployment in UN peacekeeping and political missions.

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Trainers shared their extensive expertise in United Nations-Owned Equipment (UNOE), C4ISR domain, and experience in various peacekeeping missions, ensuring the delivery of top-quality content and the effective transfer of knowledge to the participants.

The course’s closing ceremony was chaired by Mr. Paulin Djomo, the Director of RSCE, Brigadier General David R. Gonyi the Chief of Staff Air Force, Ugandan People’s Defence Force, as the guest of honour and Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Wood the Deputy Canadian Defence Advisor to High Commission of Canada, Kenya.

The international collaboration on this important issue only highlights the global commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and technological advancement in peace operations.

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Important Things To Know About The Incoming Mobility Exercise In the event that it is not possible to match you to a position that you have expressed interest in, you may be matched to another position in the compendium in which you had not expressed interest but for which the head of entity has determined you to be suitable.

By Dejan Stepanovic, Chief of Communications Unit, RSCE

The new administrative instruction on Staff Mobility, ST/AI/2023/3 came into effect on 1st October 2023, and will commence as of 1st of November 2023.

The global mobility exercise is for staff members in the Professional and higher categories up to and including the D-2 level and staff members in the Field Service category.

If you are a currently serving staff member who entered on duty before 1 October 2023 (effective date of ST/AI/2023/3), you will not be subject to mandatory mobility or to the respective maximum duty station occupancy limit.

Mobility is voluntary for currently serving staff members (staff members who entered on duty before 1 October 2023) until they retire. If you are interested in this Mobility exercise you will need to opt in.

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As of 1st of November 2023, there will be a 4-weeks opt-in period during which you may request participation in the mobility exercise by logging into Inspira with your staff member account and navigating to [Main Menu –> My Career and Learning –> Mobility –> My Mobility].

The mobility positions into which the staff could be placed are across the global UN Secretariat. This includes UN offices in various duty stations, including Headquarters, Regional Commissions, subsidiary offices, special political missions and other field missions.

Only the positions of participating members will be included.

staff

No vacant position will be included in the compendium. Vacancies will continue to be advertised and filled through the established competitive process.

Important: as the movements are dependent upon each other, you will be expected to move, even if you are not automatically matched. We will make utmost efforts to match staff members to positions they expressed interest in.

If you choose to opt into the mobility exercise, you may only cancel participation during the opt-in window. Once the opt-in period is over, you will not be able to request participation or cancel participation.

If you however have valid reasons preventing you from participating in an annual mobility exercise, you must raise your concerns to the Special Constraints Panel.

If you fail to assume duties or to vacate your position following the reassignment decision, the head of the receiving entity may reassign another suitable participating staff member to the position you did not take up. Further, the heads of the releasing and receiving entities must inform the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources of any staff member’s failure to take up their duties within the time frame specified above.

If you do not comply with the reassignment decision, you will be subject to the appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures.

Staff members participating in a mobility exercise may apply and be considered for vacant positions advertised through the staff selection system.

As the Exercise results in lateral reassignments, heads of entities may, but are not required to, administer competency-based interviews and/ or other assessments.

If you are selected for a vacant position through the staff selection system while your mobility exercise is ongoing, you will no longer be considered for the current mobility exercise.

However, the position you vacate will remain in the compendium for other staff members to express interest in.

You may only express interest in positions located in different duty stations from the one in which you currently serve.

Also, at least one of the positions you express interest in must be in a duty station with a different hardship classification than your current one.

One global mobility exercise will be conducted once a year.

The annual mobility exercise is expected to begin in the fourth quarter each year and final decisions will be made in the second quarter of the following year to allow staff members to prepare for moves throughout quarter three.

Learn more about mobility from these Frequently Asked Questions by clicking on the link here

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Snippets from Liquidity Situation Presentation by ASG Chandramouli Ramanathan, Controller missions allowing focus on programme delivery instead of liquidity management meaning spending restrictions will not be needed during 2023 and most probably 2024 also.

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Monthly regular budget collections continue to fluctuate significantly each year, making it more difficult to implement the budget efficiently or effectively.

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For peacekeeping operations, the total amount outstanding at the end of April 2023 was $2.8 billion, compared to $2.1 billion at the end of both June 2022 and the year before. Assessments for the current peacekeeping fiscal year were issued at a level of $6.3 billion, compared to $6.2 billion for the previous fiscal year. Collections for the current fiscal year, up to April, totaled only $5.6 billion, resulting in an increase of outstanding assessments.

By Mark Kaheru, Public Information Officer, RSCE

HIGHLIGHTS:

CHANDRAMOULI RAMANATHAN, United Nations Controller and Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Finance and Budget in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC), briefed UN staff on the current financial situation.

He said that the Secretary-General works actively with Member States on the Organization’s liquidity situation and the lagging monthly collection rates for the Organization’s 2023 regular budget require careful monitoring.

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Large inflows of payments by Member States in April and November 2021, along with controlled spending, meant the Organization’s regular budget ended 2021 with a cash surplus of $307 million. The cash position at the end of 2022 improved slightly in relation to 2021.

In June 2022, Member States agreed to a $100 million increase in the Working Capital Fund, using a part of the surplus returnable in 2023. The General Assembly also approved the use of the surplus cash in closed Tribunals for regular budget liquidity, while approving the return of the surplus cash in closed peacekeeping

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The $2.8 billion outstanding as of 30 April comprises $2.3 billion owed for active missions and $516 million for closed missions. For active missions, out of the $2.3 billion, $1.8 billion relates to the current fiscal year, while $531 million relates to assessments in prior fiscal periods.

By 31 December 2022, 51 Member States had paid all peacekeeping assessments that were due and payable, 5 fewer than 31 December 2021.

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The status of peacekeeping cash over the last three years, as of 30 April 2023, cash balance consisted of approximately $1.5 billion in the accounts of active missions, closed missions, and the Peacekeeping Reserve Fund.

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First-quarter collections were 43 per cent in 2021, dropped to 42 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 and remained at 42 per cent for the first quarter of 2023. By the end of the second quarter, collections were 80 per cent in 2021 and 58 per cent in 2022. Collections in the third quarter are usually the weakest and in 2022, more money was collected in December than November, an unwelcome reversal from the pattern of collections in 2021, where larger collections were received in November than December.

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For most of 2022, cumulative monthly collections trailed estimated collections and caught up only at the end of the year. At the end of April 2023, collections had fallen short of estimates by $370 million.

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In 2021 and 2022, the full amount of the Working Capital Fund was borrowed towards the end of the year, but it was not necessary to use either the Special Account or the cash available in closed peacekeeping operations.

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For information media. Not an official record.

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UN Volunteers: Catalysts of Change and Peace Across the DRC and Beyond Vimukthi Caldera, Coordination Officer, UNV Support Office

In the vast and complex landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), United Nations Volunteers (UNV) play a pivotal role in supporting the UN’s efforts within MONUSCO. The Programme is a beacon of positive change in a region that has faced immense challenges over the years. Their impact extends beyond the borders of the DRC, resonating strongly at the Entebbe Support Base and the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE).

The UNV Programme is a unique and vital initiative, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, committed to contributing their skills, expertise, and unwavering passion to support the UN’s peace and development endeavors through volunteerism, worldwide. UN volunteers serve on the frontlines of some of the world’s most complex humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, working tirelessly to bring about meaningful change. At MONUSCO, the UNV Field Unit operates across three main Duty Stations - Kinshasa, Goma, and Entebbe, reporting to the UNV Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROWCA).

UNVs perform an indispensable role in the pursuit of sustainable and lasting peace and stability, which is one of MONUSCO’s key objectives. Their contributions span various sectors, including air operations, warehouse and logistics support, communications, welfare, and procurement.

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As Ingemar Bjöernfot, Chief of Centralized Warehouse Section for the Entebbe Support Base, aptly notes, “The UNV Programme and our UNVs are the heart and soul of the support we provide to people and communities in need.”

These volunteers build bridges between diverse communities, fostering an environment conducive to lasting peace. At the RSCE, they form an integral part of the support structure for all missions such as MONUSCO as well as many others.

The strength of the UNV Programme lies in its diversity. UN volunteers hail from all walks of life, representing a multitude of cultures, languages, and professions. This diversity enriches the UN with fresh perspectives, and innovative solutions. Currently, the UNV Field Unit boasts a nearly equal gender balance of 49.5% females and aims to surpass this figure by year-end, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Further emphasizing the unique experiences and growth opportunities that UN volunteers encounter, Nusrat Shaheen, an Environmental Engineer in Goma, shares her perspective. She highlights how her UNV journey provided her with a unique insight into the operations of a large peacekeeping mission in highly volatile locations like the DRC.

It equipped her professionally and personally to tackle challenges, implement diverse projects, and celebrate diversity and pluralism.

To ensure sustained support for UN Volunteers serving on the ground, the UNV Field Unit recently conducted a planning workshop in Bukavu, DRC. This was complemented by a Townhall meeting with UNVs based in Bukavu, facilitating in-person interactions.

The workshop also offered an opportunity to engage with partners on the ground, address ongoing challenges, and strengthen volunteer management efforts. One aspect is clear, UNVs of MONUSCO and RSCE exemplify the incredible impact that dedicated individuals can create when they come together to make a positive change in the world.

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My Journey As a Human Resources Intern at The United Nations RSCE Why the United Nations?

By Emmanuel Ntale, HRTMU Intern, RSCE

My name is Emmanuel Ntale, and I come from Bugolobi, a town in the vibrant city of Kampala in Uganda. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Makerere University Business School and embarked on an unforgettable journey as a Human Resources Intern at the United Nations Regional Service Centre (RSCE).

At the start of my internship, I encountered a lot of curiosity from my colleagues since I was the first intern. Initially, I felt a bit disoriented as people questioned my presence and had doubts about my abilities, which was understandably frustrating. However, this experience served as motivation for me to conquer my apprehensions and validate my capabilities, particularly in my dream workplace. Over time, I successfully integrated myself among my colleagues, dispelling any misconceptions and insecurities that initially existed.

Choosing to intern at the United Nations RSCE was a carefully considered decision rooted in my aspiration to build a meaningful career path.

The United Nations, with its global reach and commitment to positive change, presented an opportunity to not only build my skills but also contribute to a larger purpose. Being part of the Human Resource section has been particularly appealing as it offered an invaluable chance to engage myself in many HR operations within an international organization.

Professional and Personal Growth Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of gaining insights and experiences that extended far beyond the classroom. On a professional level, I have built my knowledge of HR functions, from recruitment and onboarding to staff welfare, career development and performance management. The exposure to diverse cultures and backgrounds within the United Nations community enriched my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of diplomacy, trust, and integrity in a global work environment.

Personally, this journey has been a transformative one. Working at the United Nations RSCE instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and the importance of safeguarding the well-being of program participants and employees. The opportunity to contribute to a workplace that upholds codes of conduct reinforced the values of respect and sensitivity in my professional life for competitive advantage in the job market.

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What I Will Miss As my internship period draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the aspects of this experience that I will miss the most. The joyful family identity among colleagues, each dedicated to a common mission, has been inspiring. The vibrant exchange of ideas, the multicultural environment, and the sense of purpose that is seen in every task have left a huge mark on me. I will miss the daily opportunities to learn from different units (RTCC, UPSL, CSS, RFTS and communications), grow, network from colleagues and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

My internship at the United Nations RSCE has been an enriching and enlightening chapter in my journey. It has reinforced my passion for human resources and reaffirmed my commitment to a career that makes a difference.

As I bid farewell to this remarkable experience, I carry with me not only newfound skills and knowledge but also cherished memories and a profound sense of purpose.

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Cargo Support: Canadian Military Aircraft Assists UN Peacekeepers in South Sudan On 17 August 2023, a Canadian military aircraft landed in Entebbe, Uganda, kicking off a two-week operation in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). A total of 68,000 kg of cargo was transported from Entebbe to Juba, Wau, Malakal, and Bentiu, where 20,000 UN peacekeepers work towards peace. Vehicles, medical supplies, and UN uniforms and helmets were among the cargo transported by the C130 Hercules aircraft.

The flight services were coordinated by the Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH), based at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe, and operated by 20 Canadian military personnel commanded by Major Samantha Behm, Detachment Commander of the Royal Canadian Airforce.

“For most of my team, this was their first deployment into the African region, a unique opportunity for us as aviators to support peacekeeping operations. We are thankful for contributing to the stabilization efforts UNMISS is leading in South Sudan”, said Major Behm.

“We were able to move large amounts of cargo, otherwise difficult and expensive to move, during seasons where road access is limited due to flooding”, added Major Behm who is currently the only female pilot in charge of the Royal Canadian Airforce C130.

The C130 Hercules has been used in military and humanitarian missions since the 1950s to transport troops and equipment to remote locations. With a maximum cargo capacity of 19,000 kg and 30 meters in length, the C130 is known for its ability to operate in remote areas without road connectivity, such as South Sudanese cities.

For Sanjay Khanna, Chief of Logistics at FSDH, the partnership with the Canadian government has been crucial to supporting the mandate delivery of UN missions.

“In field missions, there is a lot of cargo that accumulates and can’t be transported to other locations since they aren’t accessible by road.

The UN-Canadian partnership In 2019, Canada agreed to provide air transportation services in support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The formal agreement was signed between the Canadian Government and the United Nations in the form of a Letter of Assist 2019-103.

The first port of call in 2023 was to facilitate cargo movements for UNMISS. Currently, the Canadian C-130 operates on a monthly rotational cycle between Entebbe and other assignments in East Africa.

This is when mission representatives came to FSDH with their demands. UNMISS had many vehicles and equipment that needed to be transported from Juba to other remote locations,” said Sanjay.

By Carolina Lessa C. de Souza, Communications Officer, RSCE

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HEALTH CORNER

HIV Self-Testing: A Useful But Challenging Tool In The Prevention Box

By Yusuf Kaggwa, OIC, Health Promotion and Infectious Diseases Prevention Unit, Formerly HIV/AIDS Unit, Entebbe

An HIV self-test is an antibody test that can be used at home or in a private location by yourself with results being available within 20 minutes.

According to (UNAIDS 2020), one in five people living with HIV globally remain unaware of their HIV status yet there is an urgent need to identify these individuals and link them to HIV treatment services and support them to modify behaviors that contribute to HIV transmission and prevention. HIV self-test kits have the potential to increase testing rates around the globe, and thereby lead to reductions in HIVrelated incidences and mortality.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a convenient and confidential option for HIV testing. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended HIVST as a safe, accurate and effective way to reach people who may not otherwise test, including people from key populations and those who would feel some stigma or discrimination at health facilities or have extremely high demands for privacy.

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Most self-test kits require either an oral swab or simple finger prick to draw a sample. It is important that individuals improve their knowledge and skills to perform accurate selftests.

Some key basic steps are: 1. Read the kit’s instruction manual, check the expiration date, remove the test stick from the packet, swipe your upper and lower gums once with the pad, Insert the test stick into the test tube and set a timer for 20 minutes or as recommended by the manufacturer if using an oral test.

2. For finger pricks, clean the finger area to be pricked, puncture your finger with the lancet, wipe away the first droplet of blood with the alcohol swab, squeeze two drops

of blood on the testing kits and apply a buffer, then read your results between 5 to 20 minutes or as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Remember, YOU MUST go to a testing center for a confirmation test if you get a positive reading. If the HIV self-test is invalid, then the test did not work. You will need to use another HIV self-test kit or go to a health center.

4. You should always interpret HIV self-test results according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In instances where one is unable to read the manufacturer’s instructions, it is recommended to go to a health or testing center.

HIVST are well-suited for key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs) because it addresses additional barriers these populations face at facility-based testing. There is high acceptability by individuals who fear the stigma of receiving a test at a clinic, convenience for those who may struggle to find time to visit a testing center and oral kits have made HIVST more attractive to individuals who do not wish to have blood drawn or fingers pricked.

A case in point is where Uganda’s Leading Daily, The New Vision published a lead story “Fake Testing Kits Flood the Market: HIV selfTesting Kits Spark Alarm (Saturday Vision 24th June 2023).

Other challenges include lack of pre- and posttest counseling, linkage to care, increased unplanned pregnancies and the need for confirmatory testing, and the “window period” during which any antibody test for HIV may show a negative result if the individual has been very recently infected.

In conclusion, it is important to know that the ability to self-test for HIV is vital to preventing transmission especially in this era where it is recommended by WHO that HIV screening be made part of general routine healthcare.

The United Nations continues to avail free Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing (VCCT) services and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for those who are exposed. Individuals seeking HIVST, however, must be cognizant of the limitations of self-testing especially with pirated testing kits aggravated by inadequate knowledge and skills to conduct accurate tests.

HIVST opportunities should not be looked at as an opportunity for risk behavior.

Among the major challenges that are likely to affect the uptake of HIV self-Testing initiatives include: Fake testing kits available on the market placing a huge burden on users to be cautious of where they purchase their kits.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Moureen Michelle Musonge, who departed this world on the evening of 15th October 2023.

Moureen was a remarkable individual whose presence touched the lives of many. She began her professional journey with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) as a MOVCON Assistant on the 25th July 2017, where she contributed tirelessly until 30th June 2021. Later, she joined the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) under Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH) as a Logistics Assistant on the 27th of August 2021, where her unwavering commitment continued until her demise.

In Loving Memory of Moureen Michelle Musonge

Moureen was not only a dedicated professional but a soul full of warmth and kindness. Her love for God was evident in the way she conducted her life. She exuded positivity, a vibrant and playful spirit, and an ever-present smile that could brighten even the darkest of days. She had a special gift for making everyone feel like a friend even strangers. Her boundless support made her a joy to work with, and her exemplary work ethic inspired those around her.

She was not just a colleague, she was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many. Moureen brought hard work, thoughtfulness, and kindness to her tasks, and her infectious positive energy was a driving force in our team. Her dedication and contribution were pivotal to our collective success.

Moureen, fondly known as “Momo” was more than just a beautiful soul, she was a shining beacon of light in our lives. As we bid farewell to her, we take solace in the belief that she is now smiling down on us from heaven, her radiant spirit forever watching over us.

May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that she made the world a better place with her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

You will be dearly missed, Moureen, and your memory will live on in our hearts.

Rest well, dear one.

By Terry Sarah Ngudo Tumushime and Sharon Twongyeirwe

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Welcomes and Farewells Farewell

Welcome

Elise Metougue

Head, Legal, Compliance, Audit Response & Risk Management Unit

Susan Oliaka Abeso Protocol Assistant

in the in the Protocol Unit, Office of the Director

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Hope Kirabo Ainebyoona

Racheal Jama

in the Travel Service Line

in the Vendor Service Line

Travel Assistant

Betty Adumo-Herman

Sanjay Khanna

Addisu Tesema

Rebecca Akello

Alex Kayiza

Stella Iwoku

Tajamul Shah Khilji

Harriet Oryem

Npakrprawi Kridaratikorn

Rita Agaba

Agnes Nannozi

Carolina De Souza

Finance Assistant

Hildah Atukunda

Paul Agaba

in the Accounts Unit

in the Human Resources and Talent Management Unit

Finance Assistant

Maria Grekova

Intern

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Find us on:

@unrsce rsce.unmissions.org

This Newsletter is brought to you by the RSCE Communications Unit: Dejan Stepanovic, Mark Kaheru, Elysee Niyigena, Jullian Kahara Atukunda and Carolina de Souza.

© *Cover photo by Elysee Niyigena A delegation from the International Civil Service Commission walks through RSCE buildings during their visit to RSCE.