Eight years ago I joined the United Nations and UNOPS family. And I am so happy to say that these have been among the most meaningful years of my working life.

I am so proud and honoured to see how hard wonderful colleagues work all over the world to deliver on the UNOPS mission. But my term in office will be completed in March. And thus, 2022 will be my final year with UNOPS.

Many factors have influenced my decision. As an organization, we have never been in better shape. Our achievements in gender parity, our larger and higher quality delivery, the levels of demand for our services - we have grown close to threefold in size since 2014 - and the endorsement from our board in agreeing the new direction in our strategy, are indications of the current health and prosperous future for UNOPS.

I must also add that my personal experiences throughout the pandemic, my family and health, and an increasing recognition that retirement is on the horizon, have also played a role.

As has timing. When I arrived at UNOPS, we were in the same stage of our strategic cycle as we find ourselves today. To introduce new leadership at this point allows time for a newcomer to learn and understand UNOPS, before introducing new thinking and direction through the process of a mid-term review.

I am extremely proud of our many achievements, and I am confident that my successor will experience an organization that is eager and fit to continue its remarkably successful journey.

To contribute to a smooth transition, I have agreed to remain with UNOPS until 30 September 2022, in order for the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Executive Board, to identify and appoint UNOPS next leader.

It has been a true privilege to serve.