That was Maria Victoria Roque, Administrative Supervisor at UNMIL’s Integrated Mission Training Centre discussing the second Job Fair held on Friday, 14 June, at Monrovia’s City Hall. There, representatives from 21 international and national organizations, companies and government institutions came out to meet with some 280 registered participants and discuss potential employment opportunities.

“We’re here to look at the job market and see if we can recruit one or two persons,” said Prosper Addo of the African Union Liaison Office in Liberia. “In Liberia, there are many challenges that have to do with the job market. Unemployment is a huge issue here, and I think this is just an ideal forum to give people opportunities, particularly with international organizations.”

Austin Nyaplue represented Living Water International Liberia, an organization, he explained, that tries to see how communities can best take care of their water from the pump to the consumption point. “We are trying to expand most of our programmes so we are looking to attract more qualified people to be involved in the operations. Currently we need a WASH coordinator to coordinate some of the programmes in the field. We are also thinking about getting an Operations Director, WASH technicians, and some drillers to support the programme.”

Nyaplue met with several of the UNMIL staff who were rotated through the Fair in four different groups throughout the day. One among them was Abraham Bantoe from UNMIL’s Procurement Section.

“Tomorrow, UNMIL will leave and we need another job to replace our career. So while I’m here, I’m looking at where I can put my CV,” said Bantoe. “The job fair is a good idea because it makes people know who we are, to let them know our potential, to know that we are fit for the next job market.”

Pewee Konie, from UNMIL’s Facility Management Unit, agreed. “People have limitations in fetching out for themselves a reputable job, but with the job fair you have the opportunity to interface with employers,” said Konie. “Some employers have said they are really interested in my CV, and at the same time they are advising that they don’t have positions open but they might have one in the future. They don’t allow you to walk away without leaving your resumé with them.”