Naïma Abdellaoui is a name that resonates with passion, dedication, and determination. As a concerned international civil servant, she has spent her entire career working towards the betterment of society and advocating for the rights of her fellow colleagues. Her unwavering commitment to her work and her colleagues has made her a respected figure in the international community.
Abdellaoui is currently a member of the Executive Bureau of the UNOG Staff Union, representing the interests of over 5,000 staff members at the United Nations Office at Geneva. Her role as a staff representative is crucial in ensuring that the voices of the staff are heard and their rights are protected. She has been a part of the Executive Bureau since 2015 and has made significant contributions in her position.
Born and raised in Morocco, Abdellaoui had a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world from a young age. She pursued her studies in law and political science, and her passion for human rights and social justice only grew stronger. In 2004, she joined the United Nations as a legal officer and has since then worked in different departments, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Abdellaoui’s work as a legal officer has given her a deep understanding of the inner workings of the United Nations and the challenges faced by its staff. This knowledge and experience have been invaluable in her role as a staff representative. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of staff members, particularly in areas such as fair working conditions, career development, and gender equality. Her efforts have led to the implementation of policies that have greatly improved the working conditions for staff members.
In addition to her work as a staff representative, Abdellaoui is also actively involved in various initiatives and activities aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the United Nations. She is a strong believer in the power of diversity and has been a driving force behind the organization’s efforts to create a more inclusive workplace. She has been instrumental in organizing workshops and training sessions on cultural competency and unconscious bias, and has also been a mentor to many young professionals within the organization.
Abdellaoui’s dedication to her work has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious United Nations Secretary-General Award for Outstanding Performance. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and unwavering commitment to the organization’s values and principles. Her colleagues describe her as a role model and a source of inspiration, and her passion for her work is infectious.
Apart from her professional achievements, Abdellaoui is also a devoted mother and a strong advocate for work-life balance. She understands the challenges faced by working parents and has been a vocal supporter of policies that promote a healthy work-life balance for staff members. She believes that a happy and fulfilled workforce is essential for the success of any organization.
In her role as a staff representative, Abdellaoui has been a bridge between the staff and the management. She has been a fierce advocate for the rights of her colleagues, while also maintaining a constructive dialogue with the management. Her ability to find common ground and bring people together has been crucial in resolving conflicts and finding solutions to issues faced by the staff.
Naïma Abdellaoui is a shining example of a concerned international civil servant who has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the world. Her passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to her work and her colleagues have made her a respected and admired figure within the United Nations community. As she continues her work as a staff representative and a champion for diversity and inclusion, she will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the organization and its staff members.
