“The biggest challenge is when I have to put on big shoes and walk the same way I do with my normal size shoes,” says UN Volunteer Elisha Laizer. By this I mean: “When my clients expect quality service regardless of the in­adequate resources I have on the ground.” Read

Dili, Timor-Leste: Last week, the UNV Field Unit welcomed its 20 newest members who reported for their assignments as UNV Electoral Officers and Advisors in the country’s 2012 national elections.

These fast approaching 2012 elections are a vast undertaking, requiring a  great deal of preparation, much of which needs to be done well in  advance. The newly arrived UN Volunteers will be supporting the  electoral process. Read

Oecusse, Timor-Leste: During my six-month stay in Oecusse, Timor-Leste, I travelled to conduct assessment surveys of proposed new polling centres. Due to the frequent rain, most of the polling centres can be reached only by crossing a number of rivers. This is one of the most challenging aspects of my work - the slippery and winding roads and river beds make it dangerous and difficult to drive during rainy season. Read

Ndjamena, Chad: Since assisting in Chad's presidential elections in April 2011, 21 UNV Electoral Agents have been supporting local branches of Chad’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in organizing the country’s first municipal elections which will be held later this year. Read

Khartoum and Juba, Sudan: Currently, 214 UN Volunteers from 70 countries are deployed throughout Sudan to directly support the Southern Sudan Referendum. The referendum scheduled for 9 January 2011 gives Southern Sudanese the opportunity to choose between unity with the north or secession. Read