RSCE Newsletter - Edition 13 - December 2023

Newsletter — #13

December 2023

DEPARTMENT OF

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

NEWSLETTER RSCE UPDATES

IN THIS EDITION Message from the Director RSCE BRM Unit: A Bridge Between Service Providers and Business Partners Walking in their shoes – Women Peacekeepers in The Field IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jacqueline Greene A Planer and a Problem Solver Empowering Women in Peacekeeping: UNCAP’s Commitment to Inclusivity An Insight Into The Civilian Pre-deployment Training Team Intergenerational Parenting and the Passage of Time Reminiscences from Parental Leave My Journey with HRTMU as an Intern The Three Musketeers: Masters of Mischief at the UPSL Client Service Week A Glimpse Into the UN Games 2023 in Portugal Updates from NASA and FSU to Staff

The United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), through its Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), launched the first Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) Facility in the UN Secretariat, at the RSCE.

Photo by Elysee Niyigena R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

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Message From the Director RSCE Dear Colleagues, As we go into the holidays ending the year 2023, I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate each one of you for a great job serving our clients even during these challenging times.

A few highlights of the major activities in 2023.

The drawdown of MINUSMA is currently on schedule with successful departure of troops and civilians mainly in Northern Mali. The UN bases have been handed to the Malian government. The RSCE team on the ground in Mali assisting in the drawdown efforts has done a commendable job in processing separations, entitlements and travelling staff leaving the mission. We are also working with UNITAMS preparing the closure of the mission schedule for February 2024.

I also commend the Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH) for the successful re-direction of over 400 Purchase Orders of goods worth over U$76M that were inbound to MINUSMA, to other client missions, RSCE Reserve and UNGSC Reserve. It is a herculean task as the POs were in various stages of shipping with items scattered in many ports and supplier locations around the world.

On 19 October, we hosted the 13th session of the Client Board meeting, this is the forum where we discuss strategic matters of mutual benefit to us and our client in a bid to improve cooperation and service delivery. This time round we did not have many operational issues which is an indication of the great stride we have made in improving our service delivery and in satisfying our clients’ needs, this is majorly attributed to you and the work you do behind the scenes, and I congratulate you for that.

The Global Procurement Support Section (GPSS) held another successful Business Seminar for the global business community on “How to do Business with UN”. The aim was for the business community to increase the number of services they provide to the UN. It was also an opportunity for vendors to interact with Chief Procurement Officers from UN missions and Agencies who had concluded a week-long conference at the RTCC. The Senior Women Talent Pipeline (SWTP) returned to the Regional Training and Conference Centre (RTCC) in November. This weeklong conference sponsored by the UN Department of Operational Support (DOS) is a career programme aimed at promoting gender parity at senior level for qualified female candidates for P5, D1 and D2 level positions in UN Peace Operations.

We also hosted the 6th Joint Steering Committee Meeting on 8 and 9 November. The Steering Committee is the governing body of the RSCE and Kuwait Joint Support Office (KJSO). The Committee, headed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Support Operations,

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Ms. Lisa Buttenheim brainstormed on sustainability of both centers as we witness a reduction in footprint in client entities and a changing global political landscape.

Umoja, is upgrading Umoja BI to Umoja Analytics and the Enterprise Resource Planning Solution Division (ERPSD) were at the RSCE in October to introduce the new key features to senior administrative users of Umoja. We hosted personnel from 8 different missions for this training at the CPT Computer Lab. Some of the features of the platform include the seamless integration with the Enterprise Datawarehouse and the Umoja security roles and the ability to access analytics on mobile devices.

On 14th November, we signed an airline discount agreement with the Lufthansa Group of Airlines that has the potential to lower the cost of travel for RSCE clients. The discount is applicable to both official and personal travel for all RSCE clients and covers all regions of the world where the Lufthansa Group operates. With this agreement, depending on the route, the airline, and seat availability, we can achieve savings for the organization, improve travel times and potentially increase our client base as the agreement can extend to apply to other UN entities.

I wish to extend a word of thanks to the Legal, Audit Response and Risk Management Unit for hosting a successful Fraud Awareness Week in November. It was refreshing to see you all show up in big numbers and take an interest in understanding what fraud is and how fraud can manifest itself in the various processes and functions of the RSCE. On 30th November, UNCAP alongside NATO Communication and Information Agency launched the first ever Virtual Instructor Led Training facility in Africa at the RTCC. The facility is donated by NATO under their Defense and Related Security Capacity Building (DCB) Initiative in partnership with the United Nations. The state-ofthe-art facility will be used by UNCAP, RTCC, RSCE, Peacekeeping missions and other UN partners to deliver courses and trainings virtually. With the VILT, we will be able to handle more trainings to our clients in a much more affordable way.

What a year it has been? We expect more activities in 2024 as we engage in a journey to set our vision for the next few years and attract more business for the center. I know I can continue to count on your support.

Finally, I thank all that have contributed to 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.

I thank you and happy holidays!

Paulin Djomo, Director RSCE

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RSCE celebrated the 2023 International Fraud Awareness Week to increase awareness on what fraud is and how fraud can manifest itself in the various processes and functions of the UN Secretariat offices and the RSCE in particular.

RSCE held a series of discussions to enlighten staff members with Fraud and Fraud Prevention mechanisms by the organization and everyone’s role in fighting fraud.

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BRM Unit: A Bridge Between Service Providers and Business Partners

By Sunil Thapa, Regional Business Relationship Manager, RFTS/RSCE

business case/initiative planning and helping ensure the right project governance, as well as supporting other units for project initiation, solution delivery, and business as usual.

Recently, we developed a framework called BRM ParSets referred to as Partnering Mindsets, a framework that embraces a collaborative and cooperative approach in professional interactions. It emphasizes the significance of establishing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with others and showcases our major roles along with achievements and lessons learned. A key BRM role is reducing business and ICT barriers, so our primary goal is to create a win-win situation for both our service providers and business partners by maintaining the relationship mutually beneficial and continuously improving our services.

stakeholder expectations, and global events that could impact our relationships.

Allocating resources is another challenge that we keep addressing.

A strategic approach is needed to meet stakeholder demands while managing limited resources such as time and budget.

Furthermore, proving the value of our BRM activities to the organization is an ongoing effort. Our team is nevertheless dedicated to improving business relationships despite these challenges. We always look for creative approaches and methods to deal with these problems and improve our bonds with each other.

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Overall, my role is to ensure the successful management of relationships, contributing to the achievement of business objectives •

What is Your Typical Day as The Team Leader of BRM?

My typical day as the BRM Unit’s Team Leader is dynamic and filled with various tasks. Typically, it starts with reviewing emails and messages to identify any urgent requests or concerns from clients that require immediate attention. I often schedule team meetings to discuss ongoing projects and establish daily goals. These meetings ensure that our team is aligned and focused on the most critical tasks.

Sunil Thapa is the Business Relationship Manager at the Regional Field Technology Service of the RSCE. In his Interview with Jullian Kahara Atukunda, Communications Assistant RSCE, He had this to say about the Unit and his role, BRM Unit recently developed ParSets Framework, “Partnering Mindsets” and planning to make our site accessible to RSCE staff. I appreciate the Communications Unit for this effort.

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In your own words how would you describe BRM Unit?

What exactly do you do?

Business Relationship Management (BRM) Unit is one of the backbones of Regional Field Technology Service (RFTS). In my own words, we act as a bridge between service providers and business partners facilitating communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding, or in layman’s language, like a glue that keeps us together. We’re all about building and maintaining strong relationships with our business partners (clients), ensuring their needs and expectations align with our services. This involves ongoing client engagement, a thorough grasp of project processes, centralised management of end-users’ licenses, and a strong commitment to innovation. In terms of the project processes, we are accountable for demand shaping and analysis, developing R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

What are the opportunities available?

In my current position, there are numerous opportunities. The possibility for strategic expansion through the identification and involvement of additional stakeholders is one important opportunity. Using cutting-edge technologies and data analytics is another way we may enhance our relationship management. I also see the possibility for strategic partnership formation in order to maximize benefits.

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

Finally, I remain flexible to handle any unexpected challenges or opportunities that may arise during the day.

In my opinion, the value of open and transparent communication is the most important lesson I can learn from this experience.

The foundation of good relationship management is effective communication. It is my recommendation that staff members engage in active listening to clients, gain insight into their individual requirements and viewpoints, and uphold openness in all communication. Building and maintaining healthy relationships also requires being flexible in a fast-paced setting and always looking for ways to get better.

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A significant part of my day is dedicated to engaging with clients to understand their expectations and needs. This helps in maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that our Center’s strategies align with their requirements. Additionally, I provide guidance and support to the BRM team assisting them in developing their skills.

Who are the Clients of this Unit, Who Do you Support?

Whether internal or external, the BRM Unit supports and maintains relationships with all clients involved in the Center’s success. We usually refer to them as our “business partners”.

We follow and incorporate three key ingredients: Empathy, Creativity and Accomplishment.

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Can you tell us the challenges faced so far in your day-to-day operations?

In my day-to-day operations, I’ve encountered several challenges that are integral to the nature of relationship management. One significant persistent challenge has been the dynamic and everevolving nature of the business environment. We need to be agile and adaptable to respond to shifting organizational trends,

Lastly, if you as Sunil became the Secretary General of the United Nations, what is that one thing you would do?

This one is a challenging question, so you can imagine the significant responsibility associated with it. It’s a big responsibility with a lot on the line, like sitting in the hot seat with numerous pressing matters to handle.

If I were elected Secretary General of the United Nations, one of my top goals would be promoting and facilitating international cooperation on climate change mitigation. All countries are impacted by the urgent and linked problem of climate change, which calls for cooperation in order to lessen its effects and move toward a sustainable future. I agree that climate change is real and is not a hoax. In addition to pushing nations to fulfill and surpass their climate pledges, my goals would be to promote global cooperation and advance innovation and policy.

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Walking in Their Shoes – Women Peacekeepers in The Field

By Elysee Niyigena, Communications Officer /RSCE

“It gives me immense pleasure and pride to be a part of this peacekeeping mission, as it helps me to contribute towards global peace and security,” said Captain Seema Priyanka, one of the female engagement team members from Indian Battalion.

Captain Priyanka shared with me one of her experience and best moments of her work that keep her motivated to go to some of the hardest to reach places of Abyei.

Major Babli Pannu holds a baby for one of the learners at a school established by Indian Battalion

“It is twenty-three hundred hours local time, we are going out for a night patrol, and I am your patrol commander tonight. We will move around the perimeter fence and proceed to Rumajak village…”

These were some the words of Major Babli Pannu as she briefed her team before they went out for a night patrol in Rumajak Village of the Central Sector of Abyei Region.

Major Pannu is the Female Engagement Team Commander from the Indian Army, one of the eight Troop Contributing Countries of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. She leads different teams for night and day patrols throughout their area of operation.

I joined one of their night patrols which lasted for about two hours.

A team of men and women in uniform moved around the Indian Battalion Headquarters perimeter fence and went through the village to ensure the people in that area are safe and can sleep peacefully.

It was dark and cold with wet and muddy ground, plenty of barking dogs and mosquitos. As we moved around the village, I was scared.

They told me to keep calm and follow their instructions as they moved in two files, using their small lights to check the way. At the end of the patrol, there was no incident reported.

On the next day, I went on a day patrol with Major Pannu and her team. We went to a village far from their headquarters and this time we moved in Armored Personnel Carriers - APC as they call it. But to reach the village, we left the vehicles very far and moved through the bushes to reach the community. Major Pannu and her team’s interactions with local communities is a testament to how important it is to have females in peacekeeping missions. Women and children talked to them freely. they give them all information about what is happening in the community, including gender-based violence incidents as well as security related information that informs the mission’s next course of action.

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“In one of our patrols, a schoolgirl walked to us and asked me a question ‘what can we do to be like you? We want to contribute to peace and security of our area.’ By our presence, we are inspiring and motivating young girls and boys that they, too, can contribute to peace in their countries.”

The presence of female engagement teams in the mission breaks down traditional gender barriers and has demonstrated to the community that women are not only capable but essential contributors to the peacekeeping process.

“We sleep in shifts.” Said Captain Priscilla, Community Engagement Platoon Commander, a female dominated team for GHANBATT. “There are rumors of attacks in the community. Everyone is scared.

Our mandate is to protect civilians and that is what we do every day and night.”

On the way for the day patrol, things took another turn when we reached in one community where a family had lost a member in the previous attack. People were angry and grieving. Cpt Priscilla and her team gave their condolences and assured them that as long as UNISFA is there, they will do their best to protect civilians.

Cpt Priscilla told me how having a female engagement team has improved the interactions with the communities and information gathering.

“In a war-torn environment, women and children are more vulnerable. Having a female dominated engagement team, allows us to gather critical information mainly related to Sexual Gender Based Violence.” Said Cpt. Priscilla. “It’s hard for women to open up to men as opposed to female.”

The involvement of women in mixed patrols and community engagement activities is part of UNISFA’s strategies to implement the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security.

The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in postconflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.

I also joined Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) in the Southern part of Abyei. Captain Priscilla and her joint patrol team went in the community to engage them on the security situation which was tense due to the attacks that had taken place in the area. They were all alert due to rumors of more attacks in the community.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT – JACQUELINE GREENE: A Planner and Problem Solver In your own words how would you describe Jacqueline Greene?

When I look at things, whether it’s something I want on a personal level or something on a professional level, I really take a moment to figure out what’s the end goal that I’m trying to achieve. And then I back it up and think about what the steps are to get there. I look at life the same way, it’s like having a map to a place you’re trying to go. And if you don’t have a map or don’t know where you’re trying to go, you can waste a lot of time getting nowhere. So, Jackie’s a planner, Jackie is a problem solver.

What is your typical day as a Service Delivery Manager at the RSCE? Honestly, I don’t have a typical day. Service Delivery Manager means I’m jumping in to support wherever my team needs help, and I have Onboarding and Separations, International and National Benefits, Entitlements, Payroll, as well as Uniform Personnel. So, I can have a problem or one of my team members could have a challenge coming from any of those angles. When I look at my day, it’s trying to address issues.

For me, trying to figure out a collaborative approach to something is critical, because I’m trying to figure out how do we not only solve this problem but keep the problem from happening again.

Sometimes we need to look at not just solving X, but making sure X doesn’t repeat, or training our staff, or helping my managers think of things in a different manner.

How would you describe the Benefits and Entitlements as a section that deals with staff entitlements?

Jacqueline Greene is the Service Delivery Manager of the Benefits and Entitlements Section. She had an interview with Elysee Niyigena on her life, work and her take on the role of women in peacekeeping.

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The way I see it, if it deals with your money, it deals with us. In a nutshell, we are the service lines that you work with to join, to receive your pay, to get your entitlements and benefits, and then when you separate. We work with you from the beginning to the end. We are the people who make sure your information is in Umoja accurately, so that you get the pay and entitlements you’re due. Without us, you don’t get paid, you don’t have insurance, you are signed-up with the Pension Fund, it is all us.

How do you ensure that the people you serve get the service they need, on time?

The reality is it’s a big team and everybody must work together. We work with our clients to get information that we need to proceed, we ensure Umoja is updated, and that benefits, entitlements, and pay are processed. When I say together, I mean the client missions, the staff members, the uniformed personnel as well as RSCE because

we all have a role to play. If you think about dependents, we can’t add your dependents if you don’t give us the right information, if you don’t put that information in Employee Self Service on a timely manner, we can’t do anything. If the mission doesn’t verify the documents before they are submitted, we can’t do anything.

We all must work together to achieve the goals of effectively and efficiently making sure people are in the system, their dependents are there, they are being paid in a timely manner. But it’s a collective, it requires all of us working together.

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

I am very much into pampering myself, walking around in Entebbe, seeing all the different animals. I find it fascinating. Travel is critical for me; I love seeing the world. One of the main reasons I joined the UN was to see other cultures and experience other places. I also, love jazz and action movies as well as talking to my family and friends and having a good reason to laugh. Things of that nature.

Why Uganda?

When I was looking for my next opportunity, I really took a moment to figure out where could I contribute, what would be a stretch assignment, but not too far out of my realm of possibilities. I think it’s important to be in a position where I can grow, but not one where I’m overly stressed, and I really can’t handle it. I’m a firm believer to thine own self be true. You got to know who you are and what works for you. You got to know what your skill set is, and you got to manage and be realistic about that. So, when I was looking at the opportunity, I was looking at what did the job description say?

What were the details? What were probably some of the problems that I would encounter? Could I contribute, could I grow, but also could I do it without being overwhelmed because quality of life is important to me.

Before Joining RSCE Before I joined the UN, I spent approximately 15 years or more as a consultant. I was with one of the world’s largest human resources consulting firms at the time. I’ve had the pleasure of setting up centers of excellence or doing system implementations that are HR focused. So, I had a lot of experience in project managing and planning, which ends up being part of why I believe in planning. Then I joined the UN. I started out in the Health and Life insurance section in New York. I had the chance to go to ONUCI in Cote d’Ivoire as an HR officer. I’ve worked in recruitment within the UN, I’ve worked for UNFCCC, the climate change body out of Germany and UNRWA in Jordan that provides support for the Palestine refugees. I’ve had a nice opportunity to move around and see what the UN’s made of. I think each U.N. entity has its own flavor.

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Some things are the UN and it’s the UN, no matter where you go. But other things are different such as the atmosphere, the personality of an entity. A lot of that is dictated based on whoever’s running the show, the senior management. Different entities definitely have a different flavor depending on who is in senior management.

Women in Peacekeeping I’ve enjoyed my time moving throughout the UN. I think peacekeeping in and of itself can be challenging because you’re normally away from your family and sometimes you’re in a less than ideal situation. I think for places that are experiencing conflict or have had conflict, it can sort of change the dynamics in the country.

As a woman, you have to be cautious and understand where you’re going, you have to figure out how are you going to navigate the environment you’re going into. One of my main things is staying in touch with my family, making sure I’m connected with my family and my friends back home. I have a few friends that I talk to basically every day. So, for me, that ends up being critical, and that’s part of being able to enjoy where I am for what it offers, but not losing touch with what I really value, and those who love me and who I love. That has been critical, but I have to be honest, I think these matter for males and females alike. I think sometimes people go and they get caught up in whatever the atmosphere is in that mission or in that area, and it’s great to enjoy it but you also got to understand that you’re a visitor in someone else’s country.

Advice to Women who wants to Join Peacekeeping Be realistic about what it is they want. I think sometimes people hear an idea about something and it sounds good, but they aren’t honest with themselves about whether or not that is an environment that they can deal with, is that a situation that they would like to learn from?

When I was in ONUCI, it was right as they were gearing up for their next election. So, I was realistic. I’m in a new city. They’re gearing up for their next election. Hopefully it will be peaceful, which it was. But you know, when you’re gearing up for it, you don’t know how things are going to go. So, when I went home before that next election, I took my laptop and anything that I might have had a concern about leaving, home. I simply bought myself an iPad and I used that. And it’s not that I felt it was overly dangerous, but you have to be able to plan and be realistic about a situation. And I do sometimes feel we are not always ready to accept a situation for what it is, versus frustrating ourselves with what we would like it to be. I do think change is important, but I also think a certain amount of realism is needed as well, and that’s for everybody. I think that would be my advice. Be practical about where you are and what you’re doing, your environment and what you want. For example, if you say you are interested in a promotion, are you have to be honest with yourself, are you really going to do that extra work that it takes for that promotion? Are you really going to try to learn and be engaged?

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I think change is important, but I also think a certain amount of realism is needed as well, and that’s for everybody. That would be my advice. Be practical about where you are and what you’re doing, your environment and what you want.

Advice to RSCE Staff especially Women Figure out how you are looking to grow. Are you looking to be in Management, or to spread your wings and be in different areas and get very good at a variety of things, are you looking to be an expert in one line and hoping to grow that way? Are you trying to increase your skill set so that you can apply for NO jobs or eventually maybe FS jobs, P jobs? You really need to think about what is your plan, what are you trying to do? I would also tell them that the UN offers a lot of learning opportunities and people really do need to take more of an interest and put more emphasis on understanding how the organization is changing and what areas do you need to be trying to figure out. Even for myself, I am coming to the end of my career, the courses, and webinars they have been having on AI, I am taking them. AI is coming whether we like it or not, so I am taking these courses to try and understand more about AI and specifically what the UN is doing with AI. I would assume anybody coming up would be doing that as a minimum. For example, when DOS sent out their plan for the next 5 years, everybody should have been studying that because we are all part of DOS. What does that plan say, how might it impact you?

What are you doing and what are you planning for the future. I think men and women, regardless of the level have to think about having a plan for the future. I am not sure if someone is just doing the job with an “if nobody asks me then, oh well attitude” will excel. I do not know if that is a good way to go for longevity.

What is your most memorable thing in Entebbe?

I went to the Chimpanzee Island, and I love animals. Also, all the different animals that are around when I am walking. When I walk from my house to here, I go past cows, goats, these little monkeylike things, and a cran or two. There is a Vulture that hangs out on the pole going towards my home that I like to watch. I love the animals and the nature and the greenery. I just find it fascinating. It reminds you that we are all in this together.

If you were stranded on Lake Victoria, what would be on your mind about Entebbe?

If I was on a boat in the middle of Lake Victoria, I think it would be a beautiful sight. The islands, the city and the area, Kampala, Entebbe…I think it is a beautiful, very serene, and calming place.

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Empowering Women in Peacekeeping: UNCAP’s Commitment to Inclusivity

By Uchechukwu Patricia Emodi, UNCAP, Entebbe

In the realm of peacekeeping operations, the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity. With a dedicated focus on empowering women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), UNCAP has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at bridging gender gaps and fostering diversity within peacekeeping missions.

Breaking Barriers: UNCAP’s Women-Centric Approach UNCAP’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its tailored training programs, specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in peacekeeping missions. The Women’s Outreach Course (WOC), a flagship initiative in its 11th edition, is a testament to UNCAP’s dedication to breaking gender barriers and promoting equal participation.

The heart of UNCAP’s success lies in its ability to identify and address knowledge gaps. Through meticulous training modules in Command, Control, Computer, Communications - (C4) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance – (ISR), participants are equipped with the latest technology, including UN-owned equipment (UNOE), enhancing their capabilities in the implementation of C4ISR systems. This knowledge transfer is not only empowering women individually but also fostering a more inclusive and technologically proficient peacekeeping community.

Challenges Addressed, Opportunities Created Global Collaboration for Impact UNCAP’s impact goes beyond borders, thanks to the collaboration of expert trainers from various Member States and Peacekeeping Missions. Trainers from France, Ghana, Belgium, United Nations Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Integrated Training Service (ITS), and the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) bring a wealth of experience from diverse peacekeeping missions, ensuring the delivery of top-quality content and the effective transfer of knowledge to participants.

Nurturing Future Leaders The academy’s emphasis on women’s empowerment extends beyond training programs. UNCAP is actively involved in nurturing future leaders through initiatives that encourage women to take up leadership roles within peacekeeping operations. By addressing not only the immediate skills gap but also the gender disparity in leadership positions, UNCAP is shaping a more equitable and effective peacekeeping landscape.

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UNCAP acknowledges the challenges that women face in peacekeeping, from language barriers to potential mismatches in participant qualifications. However, these challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth and improvement. The academy’s commitment to overcoming obstacles ensures that women participating in UNCAP programs emerge not only skilled but also resilient in the face of adversity.

A Call to Action As we celebrate the strides made by UNCAP in empowering women in peacekeeping, it is also a call to action for continued support and collaboration. By championing inclusivity, breaking gender barriers, and fostering a community of skilled and empowered women, UNCAP is not just training individuals; it is shaping the future of peacekeeping.

In a world where diversity is our strength, UNCAP’s dedication to empowering women is a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration. As we look towards the future, let us stand together in support of initiatives like UNCAP that pave the way for a more inclusive and effective peacekeeping community.

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The United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), through its Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), launched the first Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) Facility in the UN Secretariat, at the RSCE.

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An Insight Into The Civilian Pre-deployment Training Team

Meet the Dynamic Team Masters in Human Resources Management (MS) and Certified Training Professional (CTP).

Experience in private sector (Sears, Roebuck and Co.), as well as long-term staff member working in UN missions in Kosovo, Liberia, Sudan, New York, Brindisi and Entebbe. Her newest hobby is running and participating in run races.

By Milena Stepanovic, Team Leader, Civilian Pre-deployment Training

Background

Milena Stepanovic

The Civilian Pre-deployment Training (CPT) Team is part of the Integrated Training Service (ITS) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The CPT Team delivers CPT as one of the primary tools to generate competent, institutionally knowledgeable, and ethically aware civilian peacekeepers to serve in dangerous and complex environments.

CPT is mandatory for newly deployed civilian staff. It enhances readiness, safety, and security awareness plus knowledge of field conditions and fundamental peacekeeping policies and procedures.

It also ensures that newly deployed staff integrate safely and quickly into missions.

WHo is Eligible for CPT? Staff members up to and including D-1 level deploying to a DPOled or DOS-led field mission for the first time as international civilian staff members. These include former national staff members; United Nations Secretariat staff members, including those who served in non-DPO or DOS-led field missions but have not yet participated in the CPT; former United Nations police and military officers employed on civilian contracts; and former staff members of United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies; and Civilians who have not served as international civilian staff members in a DPO/DOS-led field mission within the three years prior to their new appointment. RSCE OSSL and Human Resources mission partners review and determine eligibility of staff.

Our core business Our core business is to train staff to: • • •

Enable new staff develop better understanding and orientation of working in the UN. Prepare new civilian staff members to undertake responsibilities with confidence and adapt to complex mission life.

Improve performance and capabilities of the staff members for efficiency.

CPT Facts Since its inception, CPT has trained 5,717 participants with 136 courses held in Entebbe and 235 in Brindisi. The Africa region remains the largest client while former UNAMID is our largest mission in terms of staff trained from a single mission.

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in Business Management and a Master of Management Studies (MMS) in Business Administration. Certified Project Manager (PRINCE2 and IPMA), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified for quality, risk and administrative management, CBI trainer and Certified Training Professional.

Avid reader with emphasis on strategic management and technological developments.

Lokesh Kumar Holds a Master in International Affairs and Defense Studies, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Human Resource Management). Previously a Military Officer with the Ghana Armed Forces. Experience in UN and Regional Peacekeeping with missions in MONUC, MINUSCA, UNIFIL and ECOMIG. Loves adventure.

What else can we do?

The CPT Team is capable of delivery and supporting training in the following areas; • • • • • • •

UN Competency Based-Interviewing Skills for Panel Members.

Performance Management and Development Supervisory Skills Training Tabletop Exercises Crisis Management and simulation exercises Peacekeeping core thematic sessions such as Protection of Civilians, Conflict-related Sexual Violence, Women, Peace and Security, Human Rights.

Working with Interpreters and Negotiations.

Jeremiah Bukari Holds a Master of Arts Development Administration and Management, PGD Project Planning and Management and Certified Training Professional.

Has experience in academia in human rights and development and over 7 years with the CPT Team in Entebbe.

Grace Bakyaita R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

11

Intergenerational Parenting and the Passage of Time

By Mark Kaheru, Public Information Officer, RSCE

Speaking of thrashing, going to school in Uganda in my days was a nightmare!

One thing was for certain, all our teachers were young, hungry and angry. I say young because even after all these years I meet some of them and they do not look like they have aged a decade.

Going to school was a process on its own.

First there was the waking up. Many times, I was woken up with a cane or a cup of cold water thrown over my face. There were no water heaters at my house…actually, there were but they had not functioned in years. I think because there was also no guarantee that you would have the electricity to run the appliance.

Then the journey to school. My dad would announce that if you wanted a ride to school you had better be in the car when he got there. If you missed the ride, you had to walk. Fortunately, school was not 16 miles away.

Intergenerational transmission of parenting is defined as the process through which, purposively or unintendedly, an earlier generation psychologically influences parenting attitudes and behavior of the next generation.

In this rapidly changing world, I wonder if this still holds water as a theorem.

When I was growing up, things were a bit different from today. Every parent or adult I had access to at the time came off as ruthless, unsmiling and a terror to be around.

Compared to today, I can only say I grew up at a time when there was general scarcity. I remember if I asked my dad for a new pair of shoes, he would remind me that he had just bought me a pair of shoes the year before and would ask me where they were. This is before he would inform me how lucky I was because in his day he had to walk 16 miles (I wonder when we started using kilometers) to school and another 16 back and all the while barefoot. And this was after he had collected firewood and water for the home.

In my request I would simply ask for shoes. Today, my son specifies.

He asks me for laser blue Retro Air Jordan 1s. And check this out, he only wears them to go to the mall with his friends. I feel like telling him “Look here boy, back in the day, we only used sneakers to play sports and even then, you had to be lucky to own a pair. Most of the time we played barefoot!” – which was true. We played soccer barefoot because if you tore those shoes, you were not sure when, after the thorough thrashing, you would get another pair.

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If you go to school after the gate was closed at 7:30am, you had to wait for 8:30am to be caned and then let in. At the door to the class, more canes from the teacher awaited you. Every incorrect answer resulted in a stroke or two of the cane or ruler on your hand, head or back. No homework? Canes. Bad handwriting – canes. Talking out of turn in class or speaking another language that was not English… you guessed right – canes.

But the worst canes were given after tests or exams. Noone was spared.

Teacher would walk in with a bundle of sticks and announce that anyone that came in outside the top 3 would be caned. On conclusion of that roster of caning, he would the announce the next caning for those that got below 95% which would more often than not, rope in the top 3.

Try this today and you have a lawsuit pending.

I have even seen videos where pupils barrage insults and blows on their teachers who merely look on in bewilderment and call the authorities for support. Students talk back to their educators and nothing is done to put them in their place.

It would appear we have gone soft on our parenting and that is why I question the intergenerational transmission of parenting.

I have never raised my hand to any of my children which is the direct opposite of my experience as a child. Every time I see my parents with my children, I wonder what changed. They have never even raised as much as their voice to the grand- children and which is contradictory to what I experienced.

After the football made from milk pints, my next best toy was the ream of a bicycle that I would roll down the road. Children of today cannot get their eyes off the Playstation 5 to just go outside and get some sunshine. I doubt many know that mangoes come from trees and cows produce the milk they consume and not the magic box that keeps things cold.

Now with AI…I cannot wait to witness my children’s parenting challenges in the future.

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Reminiscences from Parental Leave

By Andrew Mfitimukiza, Archives Assistant, ARM Unit/RSCE

16 weeks of Parental leave for a man? It sounded too good to be true, given that about 2.5 years ago, I was only given 3 days after the birth of my son. I wasn’t sure what to do with all the time, so I only asked for 25 days to begin with. The 25 days have been amazing and set me on a personal reflection journey I thought I should write. But the truth is, I have struggled to keep journals, I mostly prefer to scribble bullet points on my phone or keep mental notes.

I don’t advise the latter though, so, pray for me on this journey.

Have a read into some of my reflections. Maybe you are already on the same journey, or you will be inspired to join the journey.

Will I be his hero? My son quickly adjusted from being the baby to big brother. Watching him excited about the baby sister, looking out for her, running to respond whenever she cried (of course he couldn’t handle carrying her) was so heartwarming. As we continue training him to be kind to his baby sister, I hope he will do the same to his wife, daughters, and women in general (respect and honor them). On this training journey, it seems natural for him to do what he sees me doing, rather than what I tell him to do. He finally attempted to brush his teeth after watching me brush mine for like a week. All previous attempts from Mom and Dad had been frustrating that we had paused it.

Will I love them? From the time I knew my wife was expecting our second child, I wondered if I would be able to love them both the same. Is the human heart capable of loving two different people equally? Carrying my daughter after birth, it felt the same as I felt when I first carried my son.

But I know love is more than just a feeling, and these two will grow up to be different. Will I learn to understand their different needs, adjust, and express this love to them? I trust in God to help me on this journey, because sometimes there seems to be a lot competing for my time and attention.

How much do you appreciate your spouse? Parental leave was long enough for me to eventually slow down, pause and enjoy every moment. Some moments were not as fun though, especially the waking up in the night to pick the baby from her crib and hand her to my wife for breastfeeding. This time I had no excuse; I was on parental leave and was not required to wake up early the following day to go to work. How does she manage to wake up 3 times in the night every day for at least 6 months? Mothers will never be thanked enough.

I may still not be able to keep a real journal, but I have become intentional at keeping a record of the memories I cherish. I now record videos and take lots of pictures, after all a picture speaks a thousand words. 20-30 years from now, as I look through the pictures with my wife, kids or grandkids, I am sure the feelings and memories will be fresh, and I will have a story to tell about each picture or video.

Are you making every moment with your loved one’s count? Are you keeping a record of these memories? Parental leave is a good time to make these memories.

R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

13

My Journey With the HRTMU As an Intern

By Yvette Martha Nankunda , HR Intern, HRTM Unit/RSCE

an interview. To prepare for the interview, I did my best with little hope of success. Once the good news of my selection as an intern at the RSCE with the HRTMU had been delivered to me by email, you can imagine how overwhelmed, shocked, elated, and stunned, I was.

For me the RSCE has been a totally new and rewarding experience, since it has contributed significant knowledge, skills, and exposure to new cultures and work ethic. There has been no room for regrets as every day I gained and learned something new. I have learnt diverse ways to approaching a problem; truly many ways to “skin a cat”! During my internship with RSCE, I have seen improvements in professional life, areas like my writing skills, research skills, coordination and planning and interpersonal skills. I have therefore gained tremendous exposure which will benefit me wherever I will go.

The RSCE is a community with diverse personal and professional cultures, and I have managed to blend in successfully. I have resolved to take from here, the best practices and habits for future success. As my internship ends, some of the important virtues in a workplace that I will walk away with include demonstrating: politeness, kindness, and respect for all irrespective of position or status, a culture of genuinely celebrating a colleague’s success as a team, the collaboration/teamwork and mentorship. I appreciate the support of the leaders / managers at RSCE towards the whole staff (and interns). I found this to be surprising, yet I came to find this is the expected normal and minimum standard.

I am Yvette Martha Nankunda, a 24-year-old who hails from the western region of Uganda; but born and raised in Entebbe. My education background has been a twirl between the western and central region of Uganda. The highest peak of my education is a bachelor’s degree in the field of Arts with Education (Literature and English language) attained from Makerere University.

I truly hope I will find an opportunity to join this inspirational place and team on a permanent basis. Hiring Managers looking at you!!!

When my time is up, I will miss this unique environment.

To be honest it never occurred to me that I would have the opportunity to work at the United Nations, not even once did I ever imagine it. I imagined it to be completely out of my reach.

Shortly after my graduation from university, I saw a link advertising an internship with the UN in my Entebbe ‘backyard’ and thought to myself “they can only reject my application”; and I gave the application in Inspira, the best shot. The position I was applying for, was Intern HRTM (Human Resource Talent Management) in RSCE. The Job Advert outlined competences that were befitting my areas of specialty, as obtained in my bachelor’s degree and the little internship exposure I had earlier participated in at Merryland High School and St. Joseph’s Centenary Secondary School. Once my application had been submitted, my first shock was being called for R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

14

The Three Musketeers: Masters of Mischief at the UPSL Client Service Week

By Mariam Namakula, UPSL/RSCE

Amid the endless spreadsheets, personnel actions, UPSL office shenanigans, and RSCE workplace wonders, a trio of the UPSL office mavericks managed to transform the client service events into an unforgettable fiesta.

Allow me to introduce Sassy Schemer, Prankster Planner and Captain Curator. The remarkable trio decided that their client service events could use a bit of spice, quite literally, and decided to take things to a whole new level.

We have Vicky “The Creative Genius” Akech, our Sassy Schemer.

Firstly, this creative dynamo’s enthusiasm rivals kids in a candy store.

With Sassy’s endless stream of bizarre ideas and choreography skills, client service events were transformed into something you would only see on a big stage. For those of you who enjoyed the “Zangalewa Waka Waka” performance, we trusted this energizer bunny to create a whirlwind of excitement. Who knew that we have a colleague who carries around a whistle and incorporating it into our final act in such a formal event could be so entertaining?

“The Daredevil”, Moses Ondizi Munduga was the Prankster Planner.

The fearless jester who knew how to keep everyone on their toes.

Picture this: merging different beats to create the sound for our final performance, box files turned into war shields, spoilt curtain material turned into spears, and during the final event, everyone at the townhall found themselves on their feet, laughing and screaming thanks to his MCing skills.

R S CE N E WSLE TTE R # 13

Surprise!

With a penchant for daring escapades, he has mastered the ability to liven up events in ways that leave everyone slightly bewildered but thoroughly entertained.

Then we have “The mastermind”, Mariam Namakula. Our story begins with Captain Curator, the meticulous planner with a knack for turning ordinary events into extraordinary extravaganzas.

unforgettable parties. They remind us that laughter is the best teambuilding exercise and that a joyful workplace is a productive one.

Stay tuned for the next Client Service Week experience. Until then, carry a piece of the UPSL merriment with you, continue finding joy in the small moments, and may your team be as wonderful as the UPSL team.

Her brain seems to reside in a parallel universe where unicorns and flying teacups are the norm. Armed with wildly creative themes, costumes, coordination skills, and a heart full of determination, Captain Curator was ready to conquer the world of client service, her mission - to spread positive energy in an RSCE engulfed by deadlines and serious discussions.

But what made “The Three Musketeers” truly special was their ability to blend their unique personalities and engage the entire team to create an unforgettable experience for our clients. We can’t forget to mention that during every event, “The Three Musketeers” made sure to sprinkle in a touch of surprise, whether it was the colorful costumes or Chief Anis exercising his two left feet.

If you are looking for some inspiration in your client service event planning endeavors, remember “The Three Musketeers”.

These masterminds proved that with creativity, vigor, and a lot of humor, even the most corporate events can be transformed into 15

A Glimpse Into the UN Games 2023 in Portugal

By Dejan Stepanovic, Chief of Communications Unit/RSCE

From the vibrant streets of Vila Real Santo Antonio in Algarve region of Portugal, echoed the spirit of unity and athleticism as the United Nations Inter-Agency Games unfolded from 18 to 22 October 2023.

Set against the backdrop of our collective mission for global peace and development, the UN Interagency Games, this, and every year, bring together staff from various UN agencies, departments, and offices across the world. This annual event is never just about competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork, and the UN’s core principles brought to life on the playing fields.

More than 1,200 UN staff arrived at a breath-taking Algarve region ready to demonstrate athleticism in more than 20 Olympic sports, complemented with darts and pétanque. UN comrades from Entebbe fought hard and long against four country champions in table tennis.

Reflecting on the games in Portugal, Sanaa Chahine highlighted the essence of the event. “The competition was fierce. Teams from various UN agencies displayed their prowess on the field, reflecting the diversity and talent that makes the UN a global powerhouse.

The event showcases that when people from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together for a common goal, they can achieve greatness.”

50km winds and two days of flash flood rains were unable to deter committed UN Entebbe Golf athletes to reach 9th position in the competition. Maybe you are now thinking, but how many teams did compete? This is not as important, as the fact that UN Entebbe will be back next year and years to follow until the trophies from the UN Games travel back with us to Uganda.

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The UN Inter Agency Games transcend sports and celebrate UN men, women, and others. They serve as a profound demonstration of the core principles the UN stands for – unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for a better world.

As we reflect on the spirited moments of competition and camaraderie from the UN Inter-Agency Games in Portugal, let us carry forward the passion, unity, and commitment in our UN work.

Together, we stand stronger, in our efforts to create a world that truly embodies the values and principles of our organization.

16

In October of this year, 2023 the Field Staff Union-FSU saw a change in leadership.

• • •

Mr. Milan Dawoh Elected President of the FSU Ms. Jackline Sarah Ojwang Omondi Vice-President of the FSU Mr. Paul Smith Vice-President of the FSU

FSU-Entebbe sent their congratulatory messages to the new FSU leadership and at the same time, wholeheartedly thanked the outgoing president Mr. Mark Polane, Vice-President Ms. Leila Manly -Spain and Vice-President Liliya Galieva.

The Year 2023 has been and an eventful year for UN peacekeeping and for the UN staff in Entebbe. A lot of uncertainties were created with the unexpected MINUSMA closure, the pressure from the Congolese government on MONUSCO to accelerate their withdrawal, and UNITAMS mission significantly downsizing.

FSU-Entebbe has been proactively working with the management of the RSCE, MONUSCO, as well as the National Staff Association (NASA) to mitigate the impact for the international and national staff triggered by the closure and downsizing of these missions.

The FSU-Entebbe received assurances from the MONUSCO leadership that the staffing complement of MONUSCO in Entebbe will remain unchanged in the 2024/2025 budget. Changes that affect MONUSCO staff in Entebbe will be UN Security staff (UNDSS) and FTS staff, contracted by MONUSCO will be absorbed by RSCE in the 2024/2025 budget, with minor modifications to fit into the RSCE overall structure.

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At the same time, we should be realistic, that the closure of MINUSMA, the downsizing of UNITAMS and MONUSCO will have an impact on the RSCE in 2024/2025 budget, and the RSCE staffing complement. Changes should be expected in that regard. To this effect, FSU-Entebbe has gotten assurances and have witnessed an immense effort from the RSCE management, to ensure there is no impact to staff who are sitting on RSCE posts.

During the 2023, FSU Entebbe also raised number of important and practical issues affecting the UN staff welfare and working conditions at the Entebbe duty station that you, the staff, brought to our attention. These issues were: • • • • • •

Inflation affecting our base salaries and pension.

Flexible Working Arrangements.

Working hours in Entebbe.

Residency Permits.

Red Plated Vehicles.

Several other important issues.

We shared all this information captured in the official minutes of the meetings with international staff. As with all collective bargaining processes, FSU-Entebbe was successful in some respects while we were less successful in others.

As we get closer to the end of the year, FSU-Entebbe would like to thank you for your confidence in the FSU and wish you a Merry Christmas and fondest wishes to you and your families in the New Year. May the best of 2023 be the worst of 2024.

As we go into 2024, FSU-Entebbe assures you that we will continue to tirelessly work on the important issues for the UN Entebbe Staff. We will continue to raise the important issues with Management, which have an impact on the staff performance, motivation, staff retention and potential loss of institutional memory. All which are critical for UN Entebbe Campus to operate efficiently.

Dejan, Irene, Rabindra and Brian

17

Updates From the National Staff Association Dear Esteemed National Staff team, As we bid farewell to 2023, I find great pride in recounting our shared journey. Your unwavering commitment and dedication have served as the foundation for our successes of the past year.

We extend a warm welcome to the new national staff colleagues who joined the UN team in 2023.

Management’s commitment to nurturing the growth and capabilities of our national staff has led to several reassignments and temporary assignment with eight of our national staff colleagues promoted to National Officer positions.

In recognition of our hard work and dedication, substantial salary increments were implemented in April. This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team and management’s commitment to fair compensation.

Responding to the evolving needs of our staff, the Global General Service Test (GGST) was discontinued, streamlining our recruitment processes and ensuring a more equitable selection.

Conscious of the importance of family planning and support, In vitro fertilization coverage for mothers is now included in our health benefits providing crucial support to our team members.

Our active engagement in the NSU Global meeting in Bamako (March) and the ICSC workshop in Nairobi (September) amplified NASA’s presence on the international stage. I am honored to have been voted as Assistant National Staff Coordinator for NSU, a testament to our leadership.

Our engagement with the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and the subsequent Staff Compensation Package survey were crucial in addressing staff concerns. We advocated for the Education Grant (EG) for National Staff, and the matter was presented before the ICSC for consideration during the Global meeting.

Initiating the NASA-Fund contribution marks a significant step towards achieving our financial goals as a Union. As of now, we have achieved a quarter of our target.

Regrettably, we acknowledge the departure of valued members and their immediate family members. Our thoughts are with their families during these challenging times.

As we anticipate the challenges and triumphs that 2024 will undoubtedly bring, our focus remains steadfast on the following key plans and initiatives: 1. Continued Engagement with MONUSCO to create an environment where the interests and needs of each party are effectively addressed and aligned, ensuring a positive and beneficial outcome for everyone involved.

2. Building the NASA-Fund and we kindly urge each one of you to contribute promptly, as your timely payments significantly contribute to the success of our collective efforts.

3. Expanding our involvement in global events for sustained and meaningful engagement with international forums.

4. Prioritizing staff wellbeing and we strongly encourage your active participation in the organization’s welfare programs.

5. Exploring and advocating for benefits and opportunities for our national staff.

The unexpected closure of MINUSMA and UNITAMS presented a significant challenge. As management navigated the complexities of scalability, our focus on ensuring our staff not only retain gainful employment but also receive enhanced benefits to cope with the continuously rising cost of living underscores our collective commitment to adaptability and resilience in the face of unforeseen changes.

Addressing any potential decline in morale and fostering a sense of unity among the staff is a continuous challenge that demands ongoing attention and innovative solutions.

In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to each member and leaders of the NASA team for your dedication, passion, and hard work throughout 2023. Special thanks to our Director RSCE, Mr. Paulin Djomo Metanhi, and Director Mission Support MONUSCO, Mr. Ebrima Ceesay for championing our cause and fostering a collaborative working environment. This level of engagement is essential for creating a better working relationship.

As we embrace the holiday season, I wish you all joy, peace, and a prosperous New Year. May our collective efforts continue to brighten the path to a brighter future for NASA and UN organization.

Warm regards,

Let us observe a moment of silence as we collectively remember and honor our departed colleagues and their family members. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

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Madinah Mbabazi Baker, NASA President

18

Welcome

Isaac Kyaligonza

Deborah Aceng

Awatif Talbaoui in the Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH)

Finance Officer

Human Resources Intern

in the Accounts Unit, Financial Reporting Service Line

in the Human Resources and Talent Management Unit

Christopher Kaweekwa

Katja Kuivanen

in the Global Procurement Support Section (GPSS)

in the Communications Unit

Procurement Assistant

Communications Officer

Logistics Officer

Mark Polane

Telecommunications Officer

in the Regional Field Technology Services (RFTS)

Farewell

Idah Korugyendo

Naomi Amongi

Jean Michel Kergoat

William Musoke

Esther Kivuna

Happy Festive Season!

Find us on:

@unrsce rsce.unmissions.org This Newsletter is brought to you by the RSCE Communications Unit: Dejan Stepanovic, Mark Kaheru, Elysee Niyigena, and Jullian Kahara Atukunda. © *Cover photo by Mark Kaheru Participants of the Women Talent Pipeline walks through the RSCE buildings.