Esther Kuisch, Director of the Division of Specialized Operational Support, New York

After gaining a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies in the Netherlands, I knew I wanted a career with a strong international focus. Working in the private sector proved that wasn’t the path for me, so I joined the United Nations in 2002. I’ve worked in a number of different UN agencies, funds and programmes around the world, focusing on human rights, development and humanitarian aid, and became UNESCO representative and head of sub-regional offices. First in Iran (covering Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) and then in Costa Rica (for Central America).

Having spent most of my career in the field, including postings in Afghanistan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Southern Africa, and Colombia, I was keen to experience the security side of the Organisation, so I took the opportunity to join UNDSS in April 2021. I’m now based in New York and feel that I’m at the very heart of the Organisation as it’s impossible for the UN to do anything in the field without the right security in place. Joining UNDSS has given me a different perspective as I’m now looking at how we can enable UN operations on a global level. I love the satisfaction my job gives me: the work we do in UNDSS can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of UN personnel around the globe and it is what enables humanitarian actors to stay and deliver even when the situation is very complex.

UNDSS is still a young department, so there’s plenty of scope for people like me with field experience to improve and change things. It’s vital that we evolve constantly as security threats and technology are changing rapidly – we need to do whatever it takes to stay one step ahead. I believe there is lots of space at UNDSS for people who aren’t ex-military or ex-police and may never have considered a career in the security sector. There are many functions that do not necessarily require a security background and the Department welcomes people from a variety of backgrounds, especially those with field experience. Join us and you can play a key part in shaping the department and taking things to the next level!