In January 2002, while deployed in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo as a Movement Control Officer for the United Nations, I awoke to the sudden eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano that swiftly swathed a large part of the town and prompted a massive evacuation to neighbouring Rwanda. With lava creeping behind us, we drifted into Kigali where I was involved in quickly establishing movements and logistic capability on-site to execute the emergency withdrawal of United Nations civilian and military personnel, equipment and heavy vehicles from Goma. Simultaneously, I organized the transport of emergency humanitarian aid from various UN agencies on the mission’s road convoys to Goma. It was at once a difficult, dangerous, life-altering and profoundly humbling experience.

Serving in the United Nations is a life-changing experience. It can be difficult to work in post-conflict environments, which may lack security and basic infrastructure, so significant flexibility and adaptation are required. As an international civil servant, you need to be selfless and often this may come with significant personal sacrifice, but it also brings tremendous satisfaction to be part of the ambitious goal of facilitating peace in the most troubled areas of the world.

Since my primary school days when I lived in Rome, I have felt deeply motivated and passionate about working for a non-profit organization in field operations. I clearly remember feeling inspired by seeing people from many different cultures go in and out of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on my way to school. I can recall my curiosity at the work they did as if it was yesterday. I knew then that one day, I would become engaged in peace and development work. Consequently, I targeted my studies, apprenticeship and professional experience to acquire the technical skills and competencies that would enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the Organization.

Today, as Chief of Technical Services, I manage logistics services for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. My primary objective is to ensure that the logistics support structure’s material and financial resources, procedures and strategy are aligned with the mission’s requirements. This means that air and ground transportation resources are provided for staff to safely move throughout the mission; effective and secure communications are in place; premises, construction, maintenance works and service contracts are forecasted, designed and expedited; and supplies from fuel and water to office equipment and catering are anticipated and delivered to all elements of the mission. In response to frequent fluctuations in the mission’s mandated activities due to the critical security landscape, I ensure that the logistic support strategy is continuously re-shaped, re-defined, re-prioritized and effectively translated into our service delivery. No two days are the same when you work in peace operations.

Working in peace operations demands high standards of professionalism in often unpredictable and volatile environments where you need to be ready to respond quickly and effectively with limited, finite and at times inadequate resources. My foresight, innovation and problem solving abilities have been continuously tested in challenging situations throughout my career with the Organization. Regardless of the type of situation, no matter where you serve, you need to be ready to deal with competing demands, multiple priorities, time and budget constraints and unforeseen external events to ensure the continued availability of technical services. It is critical to ensure that the mission’s mandated activities can continue.

Throughout my career, I have been keen to invest in achieving and maintaining a gender equitable work environment within my team so that the Organization I work for truly reflects its values in achieving gender parity. Technical Services are generally thought of as disciplines that do not traditionally attract women, so I am particularly proud to hold the position of Chief of Technical Services, which I hope will help to encourage more women to undertake a similar career.