1. What was your role as a NETI participant with UNICEF?

I worked as a Child Protection Officer in the Country Office of Monrovia in Liberia specifically on the issue of child justice.

2. What were the daily responsibilities at your position?

On a daily basis I was responsible for the justice for children component of the Child Protection Programme. In my position I worked closely with the government and the judiciary, as well as other actors involved with the rule of law in Liberia. The aim of my position was to support the Liberian government and judiciary actors, and to put in place a suitable framework that would improve justice for children. On a daily basis there were a lot of meetings, negotiations, visits to prisons and courts, etc.

3. How do you think the NETI Programme has helped you with your career?

The NETI Programme gave me the opportunity to affirm my place in UNICEF with a fixed term position in the Child Protection Programme of the Liberia Country Office. I now work in an area which is very important to me, child justice. This position also relates to my education, expertise, and interests.

4. What were the best things about the NETI Programme?

1. The opportunity to start off the Programme in headquarters was one of the best aspects of the NETI Programme. During the assignment in NYHQ I was able to understand UNICEF's global policy perspective, as well as all the changes and recent developments that the organization is experiencing (such as the equity perspective, up streaming, etc.). Also, my experience in NYHQ provided me with an advantageous position in the Liberia Country Office as I was able to contribute more due to my broader knowledge and headquarters experience.
2. The second best aspect of the NETI Programme was the opportunity to network with other NETIs in the Cohort, due to their past professional experiences and the thoughts and ideas they shared.
3. The third best aspect of the NETI Programme was the continuous learning provided through the coaching and mentoring components, which helped to preserve the objective of the NETI as a learning year.

5. What is it like to work in a crisis situation?

One challenge of working in a crisis situation is how fast things move and how little time you have to plan adequately. When you are responding to an emergency, everything has to be three times faster than in a normal situation. Emergency situations require quick assessments and decision making. Also, you do not have the comforts and facilities you would have in other country contexts.