Putting knowledge to work to achieve results for children
Solange, a Knowledge Management Officer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was 10 years old, when a UNICEF team installed a water pump in her village. Today, her work contributes to changing lives of children in her country.
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Solange Nabintu Murhega
Knowledge Management Officer,
UNICEF Democratic Republic of the Congo
As a Knowledge Management Officer, Solange helps the Programme Section in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Country Office in capturing, sharing, and using the knowledge that is critical to UNICEF’s work in the country. In her position as a National Officer, she brings a unique understanding of the local context to her team's work, in addition to her technical skills and experience. In this story, Solange shares about her journey and what motivates her to work for children and young people every day.
Solange, how did you first hear about UNICEF?
In 1995, when I was 10 years old. I was in Bukavu, in the South Kivu province, in DRC. There was no water in my neighborhood. One day a team came and installed a water pump (borehole) to provide access to safe water. Everyone was curious to know who the donor was. Next to the borehole there was a sign that read Donation from UNICEF to the Congolese government.
"Our work changes the lives of children and fosters their wellbeing. Understanding the values and vision of the organization is key to achieve that."
Solange Nabintu Murhega, Knowledge Management Officer
What is your professional and education background?
I'm a computer management engineer, with a master's degree in computer science applied to geographic information systems. I have 10 years' experience in database and information system management. Previously, I was Information Manager in the Social Policy and Evaluation section, as well as a cartographer in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team. Before I joined UNICEF, I worked in the Public Administration Reform and Reinforcement Project, a World Bank project, where I was a database and open data manager.
What is the best part of your workday?
I like the start of the day in the morning: I have full energy and strength to commit to my work. I review my achievements from the day before, I plan the one ahead, and I have a morning coordination briefing with my supervisor - then I can work with confidence!
What is the least favorite part or a challenge you often face at work?
I work collaboratively with six programme sections and ten field offices. Often, I have multiple urgent requests that require my immediate support. Sometimes it becomes a challenge to manage everything. In addition, I have to be aware of everything that's going on in the office to do my job effectively. I have to read all my emails to get the information - that's a lot of emails! But I must capture all the information and propose how it should be managed.
What is your career advice to young professionals interested in UNICEF?
Our work changes the lives of children and fosters their wellbeing. Understanding the values and vision of the organization is key to achieve that and to contribute to our humanitarian cause.
In this work, we learn to differentiate between urgency and priority, but also take care of ourselves and our well-being.
When applying, learn how to present your skills and experience. Insist with your applications for career opportunities offered by UNICEF. You may want to start with an internship or a consultancy. It takes extra effort now, but it will prepare you to join the organization later. It helps to be ready for urgent deployment.
Delivering Results While Living our Core Values
If you could highlight just one, which of the six UNICEF Core Values (Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability) would that be?
Responsibility. I am individually responsible for my actions, behaviors, and work. We are committed to improving the lives of children and advancing their rights, which is a heavy task.
Knowledge Management
Learn more about UNICEF's Functional Area Knowledge Management and explore relevant vacancies advertised currently.
