In the KCO Admin Section, it's team work, shared ... - Unicef

UNICEF KCO NEWSLETTER, MAY 2012
I SHARE, YOU SHARE, WE SHARE
They have also learnt to set up an emergency plan in
advance for early response and preparedness,” says
Roumani.
One of the first priorities was to establish an
office in Dadaab, in north eastern Kenya,
for UNICEF programmes in the refugee
camps and host communities.
At the height of the emergency, an average
of 10,000 Somali refugees was seeking
refuge at the camps every month. These
families had fled famine and conflict in their
country, and some had walked for days to
reach Dadaab. Children and pregnant
women were the most vulnerable with many
arriving acutely malnourished and fatigued,
while others perished along the way.
UNICEF staff from the Kenya Country office,
surge staff from other UNICEF offices,
standby partners and consultants were
deployed to the drought stricken regions in
response to the crisis.
For the team in the Administration Section, it
was an opportunity for them to a take an
active part and also learn from the
emergency.
Regina Gitau, who works in Registry says
“When I was deployed to Dadaab, it really
enabled me to see first-hand how UNICEF
operates in an emergency. When you have
such an experience it makes you work
differently. Now when I am seated behind
my desk and receive a call from someone in the field I can
relate to my colleagues and how my role is impacting on
the programme and the women and children out there.”
Her sentiments are shared by colleagues who have had
field experiences that have brought a better understanding
Group photo of UNICEF Kenya Country Office Administration staff members. Photo by Daisy Serem
of the vision for vulnerable women and children in the
country. Working in the field, especially during
emergencies, requires a quick thinker who offers solutions
and takes on responsibilities.
For administration staff, however, the greatest asset when
faced with challenges is one’s attitude. The
section is often faced with negative
criticism and complaints that can dampen
the spirit and demotivate the team.
Nonetheless, they each strive to focus on
the positive aspects of their work that
brings out a cheerful and pleasant persona.
“I know that the work we do in the
Administration Section is often a thankless
job,” says Emily Chebunye, an
Administrative Assistant in charge of
travel. “Since I joined the Administration
Section, I was never ready for a thank you
but ready to support people and that is the
motto in our unit. Otherwise if you
concentrate on the negative then you can
never move on, so it is better to focus on
the positive no matter how small it is.”
The team encourages all staff in the Kenya
Country Office to appreciate the efforts of
all colleagues and offer constructive
criticism where necessary rather than
complaints.
All in all, in the midst of their busy days, it
is their love for their jobs and the vision
for the children of Kenya that keeps them
going.