Read about Senida Panjeta

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I started my ICT career in the UN in the Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D) branch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Senior Business Analyst, where the emphasis was to use the technology to aid the economic development of the local communities. I was proud to become a part of the international movement to help those in need through the use of technology. From UNDP I moved to the peacekeeping mission, United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB), where we used technology to help the mission deliver on its mandates, as well as to support other international organizations working in the country by providing them access to communication technologies.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

My most recent engagement on the Digital Transformation of United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is my most favorite project. I worked directly with the security experts on how to change the way we work while using technology as an enabler. After 18 years in the UN, working in various ICT capacities, I utilized my experience and technical skills to help them move away from the old ways of working and use technologies such as SharePoint to better manage and share information.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

The digital world is no longer about pursuing only the technical skills. Rather, it is also about personal skills and women are great at that. We are great at creating supportive, personal networks. We have amazing communication skills, we are tech savvy and most importantly, we are not afraid to make unpopular decisions. So, please don't be afraid to pursue an ICT career as there is much more to it than just sitting in a room and coding.