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OMT Retreat Drives Efficiency Agenda Forward in UN Reforms

22 March 2024

Caption: OMT Retreat 2024.

Photo: © UN Samoa | Aterina Samasoni

The Operations Management Team consists of Operations Managers and Administrative Officers from the UN agencies in Samoa.

The Operations Management Team (OMT) of the United Nations Country Team for the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau recently gathered for a one-day retreat facilitated by the Resident Coordinator Office.

This retreat was all about enhancing the OMT's role in driving the Efficiency Agenda, a key aspect of the broader UN Reforms.

At the retreat's opening, Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua emphasized the OMT's critical role in streamlining operations, reducing duplication, and lowering administrative costs.

Caption: Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua leading discussions on the Efficiency Agenda and the role of the OMT.

Photo: © UN Samoa | Aterina Samasoni

He engaged with participants to understand their experiences with UN operations and their vision for a more coordinated and effective OMT.

One of the central discussions during the retreat was the Business Operations Strategy (BOS), a pillar of the Efficiency Agenda focusing on improving how UN business operations are planned and managed.

Niraj Shrestha, the UNDP’s Operations Manager and the chairperson of the OMT, led discussions on identifying areas where the OMT faced challenges, such as accessing and reporting on the BOS through the UN Info platform, particularly for smaller agencies in Samoa.

Samu Risatisone, the Administrative Officer for the Resident Coordinator's Office, highlighted the importance of streamlining processes among staff to ensure timely and effective reporting to the BOS, especially with the support of agency representatives based in Samoa.

The OMT's responsibilities span various areas such as travel arrangements, security protocols, health issues, procurement, financial management, and operational coordination. They also focus on supporting and empowering their human resources, recognising them as frontline workers serving the UN's aspirations globally.

At the end of the Retreat, the OMT has outlined key areas for its Work Plan for 2024 and will continue to collaborate in the delivery and achievement of their tasks contributing to the Efficiency Agenda and its goal to drive impactful change and optimising resources for a better world.