Mogadishu – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has completed a four-day Supervisory Skills Training (SST) for 25 national staff members in Mogadishu, significantly boosting the mission’s leadership and management capacity. 

“UNSOS is firmly committed to strengthening the capacity of our national staff. This training represents one of many ongoing efforts by the Mission to invest in skills development, foster professional growth, and reinforce the strong foundation essential for Somalia’s continued progress. We will continue to prioritize opportunities that empower our national colleagues and support the long-term sustainability and resilience of national systems” noted the Officer-in-Charge and Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai.

Organised by the Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), as part of the ongoing National Staff Capacity Strengthening Plan, the course, held from 1-4 December, provided practical learning in effective communication, understanding supervisory roles, leadership approaches, conflict resolution,  providing constructive feedback, and work delegation. These sessions supported the National Staff Capacity Strengthening Plan, which prioritises national personnel in the mission’s long-term transition.

IMTC Trainer, Ms. Leila Manly-Spain, emphasised UNSOS’s ongoing commitment to developing the capacity of the workforce, saying continuous learning is key to the mission’s success.

“Continuous training is essential for UNSOS because the mission operates in a dynamic and evolving environment that demands adaptability, strong leadership, and consistent service delivery. The UN culture is like no other and this training provided participants with the understanding of what is expected from leadership within the UN, noting that the skills gained extend beyond the UN and to every aspect of life. Investing in ongoing learning ensures personnel remain equipped with the latest skills, knowledge, and best practices required to support the mission’s transition goals,” said Ms Manly-Spain.

UNSOS Mogadishu Contract Management Officer, Hassan, and Garowe-based Facility Management staff member Abdimahad said the sessions will help them strengthen their managerial approach, adding that patience is an asset in leadership. 

For Rahma, a young UN Volunteer at the Asset Control Unit in Mogadishu, the training was life changing. 

“The Rahma that started this training and the person that I am now, four days later, are completely different ... I now know how to handle pressure; I learnt effective communication and many other things. It was a very good training,” said Rahma. 

As UNSOS continues preparing national staff for greater roles, programmes like the SST course remain crucial to strengthening leadership and supporting Somalia’s stabilisation and development goals. 

In addition, IMTC has also facilitated the below courses as part of the National Staff Capacity Strengthening Programme: