I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago where I grew up before migrating to England. In London I worked for a non-governmental organization that dealt with family planning and related issues. As they were affiliated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), I became familiar with the work of the United Nations as a whole. In 1989 I moved to New York and pursued a career with the United Nations as I was motivated by the idea of working for a non-profit organization that seeks to resolve humanitarian issues worldwide.

My first assignment was with the Procurement Division at Headquarters in New York. The Division provides procurement services and business advice to United Nations global Secretariat.

I have since had the opportunity, to serve in peacekeeping mission assignments in Cambodia (UNTAC) and Lebanon (UNIFIL). The goal of UNTAC was to ensure implementation of the agreements on the Comprehensive Political Settlement that ended the conflict in Cambodia. The UNIFIL mandate is to assist Lebanon and restore international peace and security.

My assignment with UNTAC was very fulfilling as I was initially assigned to the Civil Administration Team whose role was to assist displaced Cambodians who had lost their homes and or property during the civil war. This was not an easy task since most records were destroyed and establishing rightful ownership was difficult. It was very satisfying that we managed to assist many people and correct the wrongs that were inflicted on them. Working as a team, alongside Cambodians, made the job achievable and the assignment meaningful.

In Lebanon, I was assigned to the Contracts Section handling service contracts for the troops serving UNIFIL which at the time numbered approximately 14,000. Having to deal with different cultures in two different countries, while working simultaneous in two languages on a daily basis and sometimes in two different time zones was indeed a challenge. Despite this, I had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their history and causes for the disputes.

Here at the United Nations it is a mini world comprised of every nationality, language and ethnicity. The Organization provides opportunities in an environment that is multi-cultural but with a workforce that has a common goal and a variety of career choices. Working as a team to get things done and finding solutions to problems is key when you work at the United Nations. Overall, being able to make a difference in the lives of people and countries that are less fortunate inspires me to want to do more, especially for the young and elderly who are the most vulnerable.

Currently, I work with the Air Charter Team of the Procurement Division at Headquarters in New York, handling long-term air charter contracts that provide air operations support services in all peace keeping missions of the United Nations. I deal with vendors worldwide that approach doing business in different ways. Although challenging at times the work is interesting and fulfilling. 

Working in New York, one of the most exciting cities in the world, has given me the opportunity to meet people of different nationalities, learn about their cultural traditions and to spend time with them. This city also offers a great deal of opportunities for education; since my arrival in New York I have obtained an undergraduate degree in Sociology as well as certificates related to my work from various institutions.

The United Nations is a dynamic and exciting place to work. The prospects are bountiful. The people are many and diverse. I would tell anyone considering working here that the opportunities are great as you are able to pursue careers in almost any occupation. You have the possibility of exploring other fields and to also travel to many different locations. If you like working in a multi-cultural environment, and know your work is helping others then you should consider the United Nations. To any prospective applicant, I would say have patience with the recruitment process, as the work experience you will get will be well worth it.