Patrick Efinda Kaso, Supply & Logistics Specialist, Unicef

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Patrick Efinda Kaso, Supply & Logistics Specialist in Unicef a Copenhagen (DK). USI Degree: Executive Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Logistics and Management, 2013

How did you start your career?

My mother infused in me various tips about stocks control and business management, like building stacks, stock card maintenance, petty cash count and managing teams. She was a business women and I used to helpher in her business during school holidays. My Journey to humanitarian Supply & Logistics Chain management started in September 1997 when I was offered my first job in an International NGO. I have worked for more than 15 years in the field of relief assistance closer to beneficiaries (affected populations), living in locations where population has been affected by various types of emergency situations (Civil unrest, natural disaster, cross border migration, war and socio-political crisis). I have gained experience working in several countries with International NGO (AICF, MSF-E, OXFAM-GB, Alisei Nuova Frontiera), and with United Nations agencies: World Food Programme and UNICEF.

Why did you choose a career at Unicef?

I choose to work for UNICEF because I simply believe in its mandate to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

What is your current role/duties?

I  am  responsible  for  ensuring  supply  response  readiness  and  tools development  in  line  with  the  Emergency  Supply  Response  Strategy, Emergency preparedness levels appropriate to respond to emergencies inline with UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action. I am also periodically required to be deployed to field locations to establish Supply & logistics systems and to train UNICEF national staff and build local partners Supply & logistics capacity.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at Unicef?

COURAGE, DETERMINATION, and PERSEVERANCE coupled to an inner PASSION. Because without the passion for the job, the job will simply be a headache for oneself or the pursuit of money.

What are USI’s positive featuresand qualities?

The learning I received at USI in the MASHLM has enable me to immediately apply in my daily work the tools and methodologies learned in class. I have made impact in supporting my organization set objectives.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

Ability to develop, formulate strategies and concepts related to Supply & Logistics Chain management.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

• Passion: if there is no call, there is no vision.
• Commitment: having a results-driven mind-set, coupled with a customer/client orientation.
• Ambition: which will trigger a decision-making attitude and, thereafter, leadership.