03 June 2008

Dili, Timor-Leste: I am a graduate of Electronics and Communications Engineering. Presently I am serving as a UNV volunteer Telephone Technician in the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). I operate and maintain the Mission’s communications infrastructure including both voice and data. That means I keep people in touch.

UNMIT's Integrated Mission Support Services are as advanced as they are vibrant and I contribute in no small measure towards meeting UNMIT’s communications needs. This is ensured by a continuous and systematic approach and responding to daily demands and requirements, often meeting tight and difficult deadlines.

My major responsibilities include the installation, operation and repair of the mission's telephone exchange systems, voicemail, cellphones and IP phones, plus the Ringmaster computerized telephone accounting system. I also network them to the satellite system for effective voice and data transmission.

On a typical day I complete technical work orders as raised via the UNMIT intranet e-request system, as well as through the helpdesk and on-line services. I carry out preventive maintenance of telephone equipment and ensure that, prior to deployment in the field, telephone instruments are tested and ready to go.

My role often means visiting users around the country. Hence it is imperative to engage people in such a way that there exists understanding and trust, thus inviting patience whilst the job is carried out. The overall result is a stable and functional communications system that gives UNMIT staff greater reach in calling to and from the Mission itself, or to other UN offices and families all through the corners of the globe.

The 2007 elections in Timor-Leste were very demanding on the UNMIT communications infrastructure and manpower. They entailed regular visits to the districts, driving through narrow, winding roads carved through the mountainous terrain of Timor-Leste carrying various bits of equipment to connect the electoral staff with the Mission’s communications network.

After the elections it became important to 'tidy-up' the entire system. I played an integral part in reassessing and optimizing the infrastructure. Again this meant continuous visits to the regions to effect system installations or recover equipment, devices and PABXs where they were less effective and put in different connections.

Prior to my UNV deployment, I worked in the area of ICT Services, office and business equipment sales and services in private companies in Nigeria. This exposed me to working without supervision within a given time frame to fully achieve a purpose built systems installations and networking. And that culminated in my participation in the Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) during 2002 as a UNV volunteer PABX System Technician.

Being a UNV volunteer has accorded me the opportunity to lend a helping hand in places where human capital is needed. I am glad I have contributed my little quota to the betterment of places in crisis. I have always strived to make a difference and my volunteer experience has offered me these great opportunities to work towards a better humanity.

I have been able to work and integrate into societies with diverse cultures and languages and have learnt the art of respect for the laws of the land and individuals, irrespective of class, gender, creed or country.

I have also worked with different professionals from different parts of the world, which called for deep understanding and respect for one another. I have earned tremendous on-the-job experience and training, thus enhancing my professionalism in the field.

Working as a volunteer has really taxed my capabilities, since targets have to be met, sometimes under tight schedules and difficult conditions. All the same it has always been a worthwhile experience to be part of the global effort towards peace and progress for all people.