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

2. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division2 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? Is It For Me?

3. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division3 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 Before You Arrive in your Field Mission

4. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division4 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 Daily Work Life

5. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division5 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” Take Security Seriously

6. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division6 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 Social Life

7. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division7 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 Other Things to Remember

8. Department of Field Support/Field Personnel Division8 Q&A?