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Life In The Field. United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) December 2009. Is It For Me?. Questions to ask yourself.. Are you willing to work in hardship conditions?
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Life In The Field United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) December 2009
Is It For Me? Questions to ask yourself.. • Are you willing to work in hardship conditions? • Are you committed to promoting peace and security around the world, by helping peoples and countries recover from conflict and rebuild their societies? • Are you willing to be living away from family and friends for prolonged periods of time? • Are you ready to become an International Civil Servant? Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Before You Arrive in your Field Mission • Prepare yourself, mentally and physically • Be committed to your location • Be prepared for conditions on the ground - Stock up on essentials (will I need a mosquito net?) • Take time to read about the culture • Look after your money and think about how you will present yourself Pre- deployment training in Brindisi, Itlay – 1 week Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Daily Work Life • Every location is different – compound, container, office building • Long hours • Casual atmosphere • Be aware of Security every day (always think about how you are getting from A to B) • Desk work environment (not always at the “grassroots” level) – report writing, meetings, taking notes • Engaging at the Inter-Agency level and with other international and regional organizations for maximum effect Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Take Security Seriously • Different security rules in each Mission • Listen to Security Officers • Always be aware of local situation changing daily • Take security seriously – demonstrations, evacuations, shelling happen frequently! • Think about where you live – guest house, compound, family, curfew • Carry a radio and/or cell phone • Report your whereabouts • Carry flashlights, batteries, etc. • Always act “low key” Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Social Life • Small social outlets in most Missions • Welfare Clubs • Support Networks • Hire Vehicles and explore • R&R every 8-12 weeks Think about reputation of UN and what you represent • Interacting in restaurants, bars, nightclubs • Engaging with local community • Spending money - be “low key” • Clothing Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Other Things to Remember • You are an International Civil Servant, first and foremost • You are working within unique, legitimate and unparalleled processes that provide a bridge towards peace and security • You are creating history and making a difference in the lives of peoples Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division
Q&A? Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division