I first started working for the United Nations in Guatemala in 1994 as a Radio Telecommunications Officer. I took the position because of my love for communication and satellite networking. I had a great educational background in Telecommunications infrastructure, which included Data, Radio and satellite network engineering. At the United Nations, telecommunications is an integral part of the day-to-day activities.

I have learned so much about information systems from my “hands-on” training with the United Nations. During my first mission with the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), I further developed my expertise in implementing network connectivity in conjunction with the various offices at the mission. The exchange of information is so vital to the United Nations; it helps staff to fulfill their objectives to help those in need as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

I love working closely with United Nations missions, especially in the field of communications. When I served in support of the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET), I contributed to the advancement of communication technology within the mission. I participated in a major deployment of the satellite “Network Infrastructure” to interconnect the regional offices to the main office in UNTAET. While information technology helps keep the United Nations connected across the world, the management of these systems is quite a daunting task. It requires constant vigilance to ensure that staff members can exchange information quickly and conveniently.

After working closely with the United Nations missions in Guatemala and East Timor, my career took me to Brindisi, Italy, first as a Satellite Telecommunications Officer, and then as a Satellite Network Supervisor at UNLB. As a supervisor, I manage a team of nine engineers and technicians who operate the major Satellite Telecommunication Hub in support of the Department of Field Support (DFS) and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) Satellite Network; this entails a huge responsibility for reliability, system modernization and keeping abreast of updated technologies.

The past few months have been extremely busy; my team and I are constantly responding to the demands of current changes to our information infrastructure. We are also working in support of developing, planning, and implementing a new DFS Satellite Telecommunications hub in Valencia, Spain and the reengineering of the existing hub in Brindisi. There have been many challenges that we have met with enthusiasm and dedication to our role in servicing the field. Our team is proud to be a part of the “ICT” family. We recognize that our services and commitment are critical to the sustainment of peace; and we are at the forefront of connectivity. I love what I do here, and I love the feeling I get when I see the impact the Organization has on the lives of others.

My long career with the UN has also allowed me to continually upgrade my ICT expertise and skill set. I have completed courses in Engineering and Business Administration and achieved several other certifications in areas such as: Cisco (CCNA), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Project Management (Prince 2). Additional I have completed a wide variety of courses in subjects including: Advance Satellite Network Engineering, Cisco Networking, Ericsson PABX, Fiber Optics and many others.