Dr. Paula Bulancea writes a letter of recommendation for Nanka De Vries for a position with the recipient's organization. Dr. Bulancea worked directly with Nanka as the Liaison Officer for the World Conference on Youth 2014. Nanka excelled in her role coordinating communications between the conference secretariat and various UN agencies and ministries. Nanka demonstrated incredible adaptability, establishing good relationships and creating trust. She always took initiative, anticipated challenges, and was flexible and organized. Nanka has excellent communication and multi-tasking skills. Dr. Bulancea believes Nanka will be a great asset for the recipient's organization.

1. Dr. Paula Bulancea
UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia
Lenkhnath Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 4417082 ext. 1217
E-mail: pbulancea@unicef.org
15 May 2014
To Whom It May Concern
Subject: Letter of recommendation for Ms. Nanka De Vries
Dear Madam/Sir,
I am writing to recommend Nanka De Vries as a candidate for a position with your organization. I had the
pleasure of working directly with Nanka in her capacity as Liaison Officer during the preparation and
implementation of the World Conference on Youth 2014 (WCY2014) held 6-10 May, in Colombo and her
tremendous abilities never ceased to amaze me. I was Nanka’s direct liaison person throughout the process,
and during that time, we worked together closely; thus, I fully understand her capabilities and I can
thoroughly vouch for her character and abilities.
Nanka is a pleasure to work with because her pleasant and positive attitude can make nearly any work seem
interesting. With her relentless motivation and her talents, Nanka brought a wealth of knowledge and skills
to the WCY2014 Secretariat.
Her main responsibilities included acting as the focal point of the WCY2014 Secretariat for the United
Nations (UN) Country Office in Colombo, coordinating key communications with the designated contacts at
UN agencies as well as at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development (MOYASD), the Ministry
of External Affairs etc., and providing technical support to the WCY2014 Secretariat by executing key tasks
(such as accreditation for over 240 UN staff, facilitating visa process for 50 UN and UN-supported
participants etc.).
Nanka’s incredible adaptability with key counterparts (especially the UN Country Office in Sri Lanka) has
let her excel in her task as liaison officer. Her ability to know and understand what the counterpart wants
helped her to establish good relationships and create a trust and comfort atmosphere.
Nanka always took the initiative to make sure her work was done exceptionally well. She also was able to
anticipate challenges and made sure she was thoroughly prepared to face them. Her flexibility also allowed
her to quickly switch tactics if any last minute changes occurred. Her relentless perseverance in completing
her tasks despite numerous external challenges was exceptional.
In addition, she has excellent written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, can work
independently, and is able to execute multi-tasks to ensure that all assignments are completed in a timely
manner.
Nanka is also able to work effectively with other co-workers, making her a great addition to the team. She
was always willing to offer her assistance and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by
the WCY2014 Secretariat including UN staff, MOYASD employers, volunteers and other professionals.
I have enjoyed watching the way she has excelled at the WCY2014. With her abilities, adaptability, and
dedication, Nanka will make a great asset for your organization. I have no doubts you will be exceptionally
pleased if you hire her. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the contact details
provided above.
Sincerely,
Paula Bulancea
UN Liaison Officer for the World Conference on Youth 2014
HIV and AIDS Specialist (PMTCT/Paediatric AIDS)