In one way or another, the United Nations has always been a major part of my life. I grew up in Gaza where I received education and health care services through the Organization, which I subsequently joined once I graduated to help make a difference in the world.

In 1996, I started working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza, where I met people who had worked all over the world and learned more about peace operations. I then went to the United Nations Mission in Sudan in 2008 on assignment, which was my first taste of what it meant to be a part of a peacekeeping mission. This proved to be a life-changing experience for me. Despite the security challenges in the field, the idea of serving the world became even more significant for me. I later joined the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as an Information Management Assistant. It was the single most important decision of my life, and I have never looked back.

I enjoy making things happen and getting the job done. As an Information Manager, I get to do what I enjoy most – being a problem solver. Currently, I manage the Information Management Unit in MINUSTAH, which is composed of two important parts: physical and digital records management, and archives. Running these two key information components in tandem is a challenging job, but with the support of my colleagues and our local network of focal points, it is possible to create a streamlined physical and digital information environment in the mission.

I oversee a small team of national and international staff. Although working in an unpredictable environment can be challenging at times, I consider this to be a highly rewarding role. My number one priority is to help the mission organize information effectively and efficiently. I also support our substantive and administrative colleagues by empowering them in a practical way to organize their physical and digital records. We all work together to ensure the mission’s mandate is effectively delivered. I ensure staff members have the opportunity to receive the right training, and equipment to enable them to work efficiently. For example, some offices need support in archiving their physical records, while others need assistance in digitizing and migrating records into our digital store on the mission servers. I ensure our local network of information management focal points are positioned to manage their information to meet the Organization’s classification standards.

It is part of my nature to provide support and assistance whenever needed, whether as a Staff Union Representative, or helping a colleague in my office. Whatever I do, I always approach any task in the spirit of service provider.

I also think continuous education is very important and have made it a key objective to expand my knowledge and experience in many fields of work. Working and studying at the same time can be tough but I managed to obtain my Master’s degree in Business Administration while concurrently serving the Organization.

While realising the dream of working for the United Nations undoubtedly brings rewards, it may also demand some sacrifice, such as working in a field mission that is ‘accommodation provided’, which means that you will not have access to all of life’s home comforts. But working in the field is also a sacrifice that is well worth making. You need to learn how to adapt and this flexibility will expose you to many opportunities for a rewarding career.