A Day in the Life of a Communications Officer at the RSCE

By Elysee Niyigena

“What do you really do?”

Every morning, as the sun rises over Lake Victoria, I prepare for another dynamic day as a Communications Officer at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE). I start the day with a strong cup of coffee and a quick scan through emails.

“What do you really do?”

This is the question I have been asked consistently in the past eight years of my career in strategic communications. Some people think I am just there to snap photos, shoot videos and update social media. Well, maybe that’s all they know about strategic communications.

As I reflect on my time at the RSCE since 2019, I am proud to say that the role of strategic communications extends far beyond that. We are the bridge between the RSCE’s work and the global community. Using different channels, we help to foster a more informed and engaged world, by telling one story at a time. The task is multifaceted, demanding a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and an acute awareness of global issues.

As I pen this down, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude that when people see me with a camera, they don’t see a mere photographer, but rather, a storyteller. One who tells a story of what they do through the camera lens.

In a world full of mis/disinformation, one of my roles as a specialist in communications involves creating and sharing trusted, objective information and inclusive messaging that enables the public to engage in the work of the RSCE. When we move around the campus, we see stories everywhere, and we share them with the world, through the popular RSCE Newsletter, website and iSeek, as well as social media.

Joining the RSCE in 2019 marked the beginning of a rewarding chapter in my career, one that has been defined by professional growth, remarkable experiences, and a deep connection with colleagues at the UN Campus and people in Entebbe community.

When I traveled to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), my interactions with peacekeepers not only provided me with a new layer of professional experience but also generated a lot of interesting stories to tell. It was an eye opener and offered me a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of peacekeeping in one of the most volatile regions in Africa. I will continue to share these stories even when I have left the RSCE.

Having said that, I am reminded that I have been here for almost five years. How time flies! As I look back on these years, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and the people who made my time at the RSCE memorable. The RSCE has been more than a workplace; it has been a community where I have forged lasting friendships and professional relationships.

I look forward to my new endeavors, where I hopefully won’t be answering that same question over and over again. I am excited about the future, but I will always look back fondly on my time at RSCE.

Hasta la vista!