People by nature are inspired by their true passion. My true passion is helping people. The United Nations allows me to pursue this by working enthusiastically with challenging tasks alongside visionary leadership while immersed in a multicultural environment. We are here to help people and I am proud to have been a part of this Organization for as long as I have.

My 20-year career at the United Nations has been quite interesting to say the least. I started working for the United Nations in 1990 after having just served with the Organization of the African Unity (OAU). The OAU (now the African Union) was a body that worked to enforce human rights while striving to raise the standard of living for the African continent. I loved its mission, but the idea of working with people on a global scale intrigued me. This idea drew me to the United Nations, an international organization that strives to build peace and cooperation for the global community.

I started my career right here in Ethiopia, as a Staff Assistant before taking on a more challenging role as an Associate Administrative and Finance Officer (AAFO). With this new position, I moved down to Kigali, Rwanda and worked in the Sub-Regional Office of the East Africa. It was a very rich experience. I learned a great deal about management, especially with sensitive matters. As an AAFO I often came across complex tasks; I collaborated with people to work out the sensitive material while accomplishing the task. I was in Rwanda for almost four years before coming back to Ethiopia at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Today, I work as a Programme Management Assistant where I keep myself very busy. A typical day may include a variety of different tasks. I review journal vouchers, approve allotment requests, and control expenditures to ensure funds are distributed accordingly. I also respond to the needs of my director, as well as the colleagues in my office. I get the opportunity to interact with so many people each day; it is really enjoyable. While working at the ECA I experience a vast number of cultures, personalities, and nationalities right here in my homeland.

As Ethiopia is my home country and my office is right here in Addis Ababa, I do not have to travel too far to find myself in such a diverse working environment. Although I love the aspect of interacting with people and colleagues here at UNECA, I also love working under its inspirational multi-cultural leadership. My director empowers the staff and encourages them to be an integral part of the Organization. This fosters a great work environment.

For anyone interested in working here with the United Nations, the one thing I would stress is the importance of a positive attitude. With optimism, you can accomplish anything, especially when so many people around you have experiences that can help you address any problem and reach a solution that accommodates all.