Happy holidays message to UN staff by the Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi (December 2021)

Dear colleagues,

It has now been two years since the world has been gripped by the novel Coronavirus pandemic. This unprecedented crisis has since adversely impacted our lives, changing how we work, how we interact with each other, and even how we see our future.

We all have suffered the brunt of the health impact—we have cried with our communities, colleagues, and families as our loved ones were taken from us. Yet, time and again, we have continued to push through despite these challenges.

As international civil servants, you my dear colleagues, have displayed your relentless conviction to support others and respect the rights and privileges of all. Despite the pandemic, its socio-economic and psycho-social ramifications, you have continued to deliver care to those around you. 

This commitment is exemplified by the fact that around 90 percent of UN personnel have been fully vaccinated. You have also encouraged your dependents to get vaccinated, and we have extended these protections to non-UN support staff, including security and ‘office assistants’ at our offices.

I commend your steadfastness and good work thus far. However, as we commence the holiday season, with the threat of a fourth wave, and now, with the country reporting its first case of the Omicron strain, I entreat UN colleagues to celebrate cautiously, being mindful of necessary health, safety, and security precautions.

Let me use this opportunity to recognize your role in making the UN Country Team an important and strategic partner to the Government of Sierra Leone in its strides to realize the country’s development priorities. 

We clearly feel our support for the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019- 2023) through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) and the SDGs is making impact.

However, as we get to the end of the cycle of the Plan and with eight years remaining to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, we would be required to accelerate our delivery rate. On this, I will continue to count on your dedication in our quest to deliver as one, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Lastly, colleagues, a few days ago, I shared with the Heads of Agencies the result of the Comprehensive Local Salary Survey with the slight increment of 15.8% and 16% depending on your grade level. I note that the expectations were high considering the state of the economy. This is the best we could get given that staff got a 100% increment from the same process about two years ago. Let us be hopeful for a brighter silver lining the next time this process is repeated.

Finally, as the country effectively enters the 2023 elections cycle, please be reminded about your obligations and code of ethics as international civil servants. Be mindful of your action and or inactions on social media and elsewhere. Remember, you are first and foremost a staff of the United Nations.

Happy holidays and wishing you the best of 2022.

Babatunde