8 June 2026, Mogadishu – Twenty-three United Nations Support personnel have successfully completed an intensive four-day training program designed to advance their project management capabilities. The course equipped participants with internationally recognized project management methodologies, tools, and techniques aligned with the Project Management Institute (PMI) standards.
The participants, drawn from key United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) operational hubs—including Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo, Beledweyne, and Nairobi—strengthened their skills in project planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery. They also enhanced their ability to manage risks, make effective use of resources, engage stakeholders, and oversee budgets. This will help ensure more efficient project implementation and stronger support for the delivery of the UNSOS mandate in Somalia.
Organized by UNSOS Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), the training addresses a growing demand for professional certification within the mission by building internal capacity to empower personnel to manage complex projects independently and effectively.
“The primary objective of this training is to strengthen the project management capabilities of UNSOS personnel by equipping them with internationally recognised project management knowledge, tools, and techniques aligned with the Project Management Institute (PMI) standards,” said Natalia Chardymova, a Learning Portfolio Manager at the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC).
“The training helps participants improve their ability to plan, execute, monitor, and deliver projects successfully while managing risks, resources, stakeholders, schedules, and budgets. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure that projects directly contribute to the successful delivery of UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) mandates in Somalia.”
Joyce Mbugua, an Associate Training Officer at UNSOS, said the training is in response to survey findings highlighting a strong demand for professional certifications to strengthen internal capacity and improve project management in the mission.
“At a time when staff may be experiencing uncertainty due to transitions within UNTMIS and workforce adjustments linked to contingency measures, such initiatives demonstrate the organisation's continued dedication to supporting staff growth, resilience, and future readiness,” said Mbugua.
Participant Jenipher Obiero, a Geographic Information System Assistant stationed in Nairobi, said the training will enhance her capability in defining deliverables in the project scope and improving knowledge transfer.
“PMP will enhance my skills in the creation of quality project management plans, development of effective risk management techniques, as well as understanding cost implications of project milestones by using the cost parameters and indexes, enabling me to deliver projects more effectively,” said Obiero.
Aden Somane, an Associate Contract Management Officer with UNSOS in Mogadishu, said the training provided him with tools for stakeholder engagement, risk management, project planning, and scheduling.
“This training has helped me shift my mindset from routine contract administration to thinking more broadly as a project leader. It has also helped me understand stakeholder management, accountability, influencing skills and agile ways of working,” said Somane.
“In the future, I will be better prepared to support cross-functional teams, contribute to the successful delivery of projects, and help to move forward sustainably by ensuring that projects are planned, executed and monitored in a structure, results-oriented way.”
The certification programme reflects the UN’s commitment to investing in its people, ensuring personnel acquire necessary skills for managing complex operations and deliver tangible results for communities in Somalia.
