“I now have a diversified knowledge of the principles, methods and abilities necessary for the establishment of a professional and superior security force at a nuclear facility.”
Fatema Saeed Al Naqbi, Head of Security Training Programmes at Nawah Energy Company in the UAE, discusses the practical knowledge she learned in her WINS Academy course and the importance of knowledge transfer between professionals.
What advice do you have for successfully completing the WINS certification process?
WINS has provided an exceptional tool for learning and preparation for examinations through the online learning platform. The features available online allow one to quickly navigate between learning modules and associate data to practice examinations. One can utilise these options to not only conduct the lesson modules and take practice examinations, but also to navigate between individual modules and exams to identify relevant material, allowing one to learn what data to focus on throughout the training. This cross-comparison is an exceptional tool that can be repeated as many times as desired, until one is confident in their comprehension of the materials prior to taking the final credited exam.
How did achieving certification help you achieve your professional goals?
Through the journey of achieving my certification as the first site security female Emirati at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant as a Certified Nuclear Security Professional (CNSP), I was able to further enhance and grow my knowledge of subject matter relative to my career, which allowed me not only to prosper in my current job assignments but also made me more of an asset to my organisation, which has opened new opportunities for job growth and advancement. The knowledge and skills I acquired by earning my CNSP designation has greatly increased my potential and furthered my career goals.
“The knowledge and skills I acquired by earning my CNSP designation has greatly increased my potential and furthered my career goals.”
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
After completing the Foundation Module, I pursued and successfully completed the Nuclear Security Programme Management elective. After reviewing the structures of the available electives, the Nuclear Security Programme module identified information which I believed would be of great benefit to increase my abilities to excel in my current duties and to provide me further knowledge, allowing me the opportunity to advance the success of my organisation and security of the facility. The description of the Security Programme module identified such topics as government interface and organisations responsible for national security, intelligence and nuclear regulation. I believed that completing this module and gaining comprehension of these topics and the interfaces between them would greatly assist me in pursuit of being part of the development of a comprehensive nuclear security programme at my facility.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
My organisation, being the first commercial nuclear facility in the UAE and the greater GCC region, has taken a very proactive approach in expecting all security personnel to obtain their designation as CNSP in efforts to be the first commercial nuclear power plant to have a fully WINS certified security organisation. This accomplishment would not only ensure the security personnel of our facility have the skills to protect the plant but also would set a precedent for future power plants in the UAE and GCC. Assisting in this mission as its ambassador would not only further my abilities and professional development but would also be a great honour to be part of a globally recognised endeavour.
How did your WINS Academy studies help develop your understanding of nuclear security?
Through successful achievement of my CNSP designation, I have greatly increased my knowledge, expanding from nuclear security at an independent facility to understanding nuclear security at an international and national level. This increase in intellectual capacity has broadened my ability to develop, plan and implement security measures at my facility at a macro (big picture) and micro level. Instead of being siloed intellectually, I now have diversified knowledge of the principles, methods and abilities necessary for the establishment of a professional and superior security force at a nuclear facility.
“There is a huge drive towards knowledge transfer.”
How has your organisation benefitted from your CNSP status?
The knowledge gained from WINS certification enhanced and developed my perspective towards nuclear security. I utilised that knowledge in daily operations, and it gave me the confidence to encourage others to become WINS certified professionals and to further enhance the nuclear security culture at the first nuclear power plant in the Arab World.
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
My organisation is aligned well with the strategic direction of the UAE government towards creating and strengthening the working learning environment by putting the foundational elements in employees’ career development plan. Like many other nuclear organisations, we believe that our employees are the key to our success. My organisation provides its employees with several opportunities to enhance their professional career. This is especially relevant for us in the UAE, as there is a huge drive towards knowledge transfer. WINS helps us drive this objective even further by providing our employees with the knowledge and credentials they require to advance their careers.
