Lord Mark Polane
Lord Mark Polane
(a.k.a. The MightyDutchman)
Deputy Chief, Regional Field Technology Service at the United Nations
Regional Service Centre.
Entebbe, UgandA
MY MOTTO
“TRY TO BECOME NOT A MAN OF SUCCESS, BUT TRY RATHER TO BECOME A MAN OF VALUE” –
ALBERT EINSTEIN.
EXPERIENCE
Regional Service Center
Regional Field Technology Service
Entebbe, Uganda
Deputy Chief, RFTS
2023 – Present
Serving as deputy to the Chief Regional Field Technology Services. I manage the chief's front office. Dealing with Human Resources related issues, Budget and Procurement, and contract management.
I also oversee the ICT Operations for the Regional Service Center.
United Nations International Civil Servants' Federation (UNISERV)
Brindisi, Italy
President
2021 - Present
As UNISERV, we work on bringing together the member unions and staff associations of the UNISERV Federation.
Currently comprising of the UN Field Staff Union (UNFSU), the UN Staff Union New York (UNSU), the UNDP/UNFPA/UNWOMEN/UNOPS staff association, the UNESCO staff union and the UN office in Vienna (UNOV) staff Union. Working collectively towards defending and improving the conditions of service of our collective constituency.
This work involves high-level engagement with governance bodies such as the International Civil Service. The High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM), the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), the UN HR Network and various other actors and stakeholders related to UN system-wide policy development and implementation.
I participate in thematic working groups organized by the ICSC, which deal with issues such as parental leave, standards of conduct, review of hardship classification of duty stations, issues related to post-adjustment matters, benefits and entitlements for staff of the UN common system.
We prepare and submit proposals for policy changes and/or adjustments where needed and participate in debates in the ICSC and HLCM. Additionally, we engage with UN Member states and address the UN General Assembly's 5th committee on UN common system issues that are important to the staff we represent.As UNISERV we work on bringing together the member unions and staff associations of the UNISERV Federation, currently comprising of the UN Field Staff Union (UNFSU), the UN Staff Union New York (UNSU), the UNDP/UNFPA/UNWOMEN/UNOPS staff association, the UNESCO staff union and the UN office in Vienna (UNOV) staff Union, working collectively towards defending and improving the conditions of service of our collective constituency.
This work involves high-level engagement with governance bodies such as the International Civil Service. The High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM), the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), the UN HR Network and various other actors and stakeholders related to UN system-wide policy development and implementation. I participate in thematic working groups organized by the ICSC, which deal with issues such as parental leave, standards of conduct, review of hardship classification of duty stations, issues related to post-adjustment matters, benefits and entitlements for staff of the UN common system.
We prepare and submit proposals for policy changes and/or adjustments where needed and participate in debates in the ICSC and HLCM. Additionally, we engage with UN Member states and address the UN General Assembly's 5th committee on UN common system issues that are important to the staff we represent.
Skills: Change Management · Management · Government · Teamwork · Nonprofit Organizations
United Nations Field Staff Union
Brindisi, Italy
President
2019 – Present
As president of the UN Field Staff Union (UNFSU), I lead, together with two Vice Presidents, a United Nations Staff Union that represents the interests of some 5000+ international United Nations personnel that work in the United Nations Peacekeeping and Special Political operations.
Together with the chairpersons of our UNFSU committees in the various missions, we help to identify issues related to conditions of service, welfare and general well-being of our staff and help resolve issues with the interests of the staff and the United Nations at heart.
As part of the so-called Staff Management Committee, we also examine and propose policy changes or propose new policies to improve work and life conditions for the UN staff that work in some of the harshest environments and in conflict zones.
We engage with multiple stakeholders both in the peacekeeping missions as well as UN Headquarters to help resolve personal or systemic issues, aiming to make and keep the UN as an employer of choice.As president of the UN Field Staff Union (UNFSU), I lead, together with two Vice Presidents, a United Nations Staff Union that represents the interests of some 5000+ international United Nations personnel that work in the United Nations Peacekeeping and Special Political operations. Together with the chairpersons of our UNFSU committees in the various missions, we help to identify issues related to conditions of service, welfare and general well-being of our staff and help resolve issues with the interests of the staff and the United Nations at heart. As part of the so-called Staff Management Committee, we also examine and propose policy changes or propose new policies to improve work and life conditions for the UN staff that work in some of the harshest environments and in conflict zones. We engage with multiple stakeholders both in the peacekeeping missions as well as UN Headquarters to help resolve personal or systemic issues, aiming to make and keep the UN as an employer of choice.Skills: Change Management · Management · Government · Teamwork · Nonprofit Organizations
Regional Service Center - Regional Information Technology Service
Entebbe, Uganda
Business Relations Manager & Innovation Management
2017 - 2019
Business Relationships Manager and innovation, Telecommunications Officer in The Regional Field Technology Service (RFTS) part of the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE).
As part of the Regional Field Technology Service in Entebbe, Uganda I am responsible for the defining and implementing a "Business Relationship Management" capacity within the United Nations Regional Service Centre and in the United Nations Africa Region's Peacekeeping Operations. (Business Relationship Management stimulates, surfaces, and shapes business demand for a provider's products and services and ensures that the potential business value from those products and services is captured, optimized and recognised.)
Developing and conducting Professional Training in BRM through the Business Relationship
Management Institute (BRMI) for regional BRM's and establishing an implementation roadmap. Establishing Performance Targets. Managing and coordinating a virtual team of Peers in the regional UN Missions.
In addition to these main activities I am also actively involved as part of the senior management team in the reform of the Regional Field Technology Service, introducing a more streamlined and efficient organisational structure.
I am also involved to some extent in some regional technology projects such as Low Latency Satellite Internet provision (O3b/SES) to remote sites.
Additionally I am part of Technology Innovation Unit, responsible for fostering and developing Innovation capacity.
United Nations - UNGSC
Brindisi, Italy
Deputy Chief Technology Infrastructure Support
– 2017
Managing the Technology Infrastructure Support section in the UNGSC-B site as part of the Services for Geo-spatial Information and Telecommunications Technology.
United Nations Headquarters - Information Communications Technology Division, Department of Field Support
New York, USA
Strategic Support Officer
May 2013 – Feb 2015
Providing strategic ICT guidance and support for the Middle East Peacekeeping Operations. Also served as ICTD Audit focal point.
United Nations - UNTSO
Jerusalem
Field Service Officer - IT Assistant - Service Support Supervisor
– May 2013
Peacekeeping operations - ICT Projects and management, as well as Service Desk Supervision.
United Nations Headquarters - Field Personnel Division, Department of Field Support
New York, USA
Field Service Officer - Temporary Assistance to Occupational Group Manager ICTS
Feb 2011 – Jun 2011
Working for Field Personnel Division. Assisting Occupational Group Manager with Expert Panel exercise in order to facilitate recruitment & Placement of ICTS staff on pre-cleared Roster.
Temporary assignment for 4 Months.United Nations - UNTSO
Jerusalem
Field Service Officer - Officer in Charge of Information Technology Unit
Jun 2008 – Feb 2011
As part of the Communications Information & Technology Section (CITS) I am responsible for the management of the Information Technology Unit. Managing and supervising 5 staff in the unit. Developing, implementing and maintaining policy. Responsible for budget preparations as well as purchasing. Guiding and implementing ICT Projects.
United Nations - UNTSO
Jerusalem
Field Service Officer - IT Assistant - (Disaster Recovery Business Continuity)
Jan 2004 – May 2008
Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of the ICT DRBC management in the mission.
United Nations Field Staff Union
Jerusalem
President, Field Staff Union
– 2003
Responsible for the representation of some 6000+ International Civil Servants working for the United Nations Peacekeeping operations.
Defending the rights and endeavoring to improve the conditions of service for the people that work for peace.
Conducting high level negotiations on behalf of the Union's constituency in order to create positive change through a collaborative effort with senior management representatives in UN headquarters.United Nations - UNIKOM
Umm-Qasr, Kuwait/Iraq
Radio Operator (Team Leader)
1998 – 1999
Radio room operations team leader, cryptography operations.
United Nations - UNPROFOR
Zagreb, Croatia
Radio Operator (Team Leader)
1995 – 1996
Radio room operations team leader, cryptography operator.
United Nations - MINURSO
Laayoune, Western Sahara
Field Service Officer - Officer in Charge Property Control & Inventory
– 1994
Responsible for the accurate tracking and reporting on United Nations Assets within the mission area.
United Nations - UNTSO
Jerusalem
Field Service Officer - Radio Operator
1992 – 1993
Radio room operations.
Royal Netherlands Navy
Den Helder, Netherlands
Able Seaman First Class - Telecommunications Specialist
1986 – 1992
Operational, tactical communications on board HNMS Bloys Van Treslong and HNMS Tromp, also served in the communications centre of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt.
EDUCATION
University of Liverpool
Masters of Science International Management 2010 - 2012
- Strategic Organisation
- Managing Finance
- Marketing Management
- Managing in a Multi-Cultural context
- Managing Strategic Operations
- Strategy and Organisational Learning
- International Business and Emerging Markets
- HR Resourcing
Lagere Agrarische School
Diploma "C" Levels, Math, Physics, English, Dutch, Agricultural Processes 1981 - 1984
REFERENCES
Lior Hay
Account Manager at Cisco System
Mark is very professional with a lot of knowledge he is a success driven and energetic leader with proven abilities in bringing people, processes and infrastructure together to achieve the highest operational standards .
I worked with mark for several years and I was impressed by his exceptional insight , work ethic and great team work with a great sense of humor .
Alejandro C Henning
Executive Coach,Leadership and Management Advisory Services
During Mark's tenure as President of the FSSU we had initiated a number of reform initiatives, this required the active participation of the FSSU. Throughout that period Mark demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity. While he may have taken strong opposing positions on a number of issues he did this in a very open and frank manner displaying a full understanding of the issues at hand. In his participation of the negotiations he was an active listener and when he discussed he did it in a respectful, constructive and professional manner. It was a pleasure to have him at the negotiating table .
Gabriël Jobse
Senior Contract Auditor at NLD Government Central Audit Service
I've met Mark while working for UNTSO in '07/'08. He is a "true" colleague and a friend i.e. a very generous person who's always there for you to help or to give advice.
He radiates positive energy and his sense of humor makes it great to work with him.
Therefore I really hope that we can become colleagues again in the near future.
Jaana Sareva
Chief, Risk Management and Legal Services Section at UNJSPF
I worked with Mark for several years in the context of staff-management consultations, where he represented the Field Service Staff Union and I (as an Administrative Management Officer) the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (human resources related issues). I am pleased to endorse Mark as a negotiator who demonstrated highest level of integrity and professionalism. Before the regular meetings, Mark had done his “homework” and prepared issues, as well as the union position, in advance for the management to review. He always placed the interest of the constituency before any personal goals and was passionate about the issues to be pursued. Mark was able to see the point of other side and therefore collaborated effectively, aiming at a solution both parties could accept, without comprising important issues he had committed to. Mark was genuinely interested - and indeed talented - in human resources management, the zeal of which reflected well on his way to conduct business. His IT skills were also enormous advantage, and indeed he was able to elevate some of the work habits of the Union to a modern era. Mark kept in touch with the management regularly, formally and informally, and was truly devoted to make a change and reform the conditions of field staff. Mark was a pleasure to work with, his approach was always highly professional, concentrating on issues and setting aside personalities and differences of opinion. I am pleased to recommend him and happy to provide any additional information required.
Liam Drumgoole
Security Training Coordinator at United Nations
I worked alongside Mark as a fellow member of UNTSO Headquarters Staff during a period of my military service with the United Nations. It became quite apparent from an early stage that Mark was the ‘Go-To Man’ for all ICT issues as time and again he produced solutions which consistently demonstrated his thoroughly practical approach to problem solving and continuity of top grade service provision. Since then I have observed from a remove his most recent academic achievements and applaud him for his dedication and perseverance in this regard. Apart from those attributes which distinguish Mark as a true professional, he also personifies the innate qualities of integrity and respect for all forms of diversity which serve to further enhance his work outputs in a multi-cultural work environment. It was an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Mark Polane and I look forward to the opportunity to work with him again in the future.
David M. Dror
Chairman & managing director at Micro Insurance Academy
I met Mark when he was the President of the union of UN Field Staff and I was President of the Staff Union of the ILO. Mark has been a go-ahead, open-headed, action oriented person, with good common sense and a clear notion of fairness in dealing with people. The fact that we have remained in contact so many years since, is in itself proof that we have been able to find enough to talk about, and share. Mark is a great chap; and if he would consider a career move, I would not hesitate to recommend him to those who want someone pleasant, effective and solution oriented on their team.
David Dror
Alexis Del Rio
Security Engineer at First Data Corporation
I got to know Mark while working for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. During that period of time Mark demonstrated his leadership skill in finding ways to improve team development and improvement of IT business processes in combination with his excellent communications skills. I am confident that Mark experience and leadership skills would be beneficial to any organization.
El Houcine Chairi
Administrative Specialist at United Nations
More than 21 years have passed since I worked with Mark. He has been a dynamic staff member with a wide institutional knowledge that enables him to swim in all th oceans. Mr. Mark cemented his knowedge with various trainings and academic degrees that will certainly stand him in good stead for the rest of his career with the United Nations or elsewhere.
Mark Fletcher
UN Official at United Nations
Mark is a true professional, with high level of integrity and dedication to the United Nations. With a sound base of overseas experience in multicultural environments, Mark is an extremely hard worker, dedicated until the project assigned to him is completed. Mark is a good manager and team player. I would work with him anywhere any time
- Judy Kirshner
- Chief Information Systems Officer, Regional ICTS - East Africa
Mark is a very forward-thinking manager. Always open to new ideas and exploring new technologies, Mark encourages his staff to "think outside the box" to provide broader, more reliable and more secure services to clients.
- Eduardo Artigas
- Chief Business Relationship Management, Operations Support Division at United Nations, Office of Comm. and Info Tech.
I have worked with Mark in several capacities. If I have to use one word to define him it will be "innovator". He makes a difference inany team he works on. And Mark pursues the innovation initiatives to completion, not just staying in cool ideas. This makes a great difference.
Melanie Doulton
- Digital technology solutions
- I've been privileged to be Mark's colleague for several years through the evolution of his career in the organization. Given this, in my view, here are the main things to note about Mark: He is authentic to himself and therefore to others, he is straightforward while being empathetic and kind, and he will take the time to listen no matter the difficulty of the conversation in question. I cannot recommend Mark enough, just know we are all lucky to be around him.
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