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Life in the Field: Is It For Me?

This article provides insight into life in the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) missions and offers questions to ask oneself before joining. It covers topics such as working in hardship conditions, commitment to promoting peace and security, living away from family and friends, and becoming an International Civil Servant.

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Life in the Field: Is It For Me?

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  1. Life In The Field United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) December 2009

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Q&A? Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division

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