5 April 2023
Tell us about your UN journey.
I've been with UNDSS for 12 years, supporting security efforts in countries dealing with protracted crises such as Jordan and Ukraine. With previous experiences in UNDP, WFP, and OCHA, I gained solid knowledge in office management, administration, and humanitarian response in disaster situations. Currently, as a Field Security Coordination Officer in UNDSS Ukraine, I help enable humanitarian operations for people in need and serve as a Focal Point for enhancing security arrangements among INGOs, IOs, and the UN under the "Saving Lives Together" framework.
What skills have you gained during work that’s been most helpful?
I think the most helpful skill I gained is adaptability and ability to adjust to changing circumstances, keeping up with moving priorities and tasks, being open and willing to learn new things and take on new challenges. This is really needed especially in the fast-paced environment in Ukraine which requires prompt and innovative solutions. I would also mention my ability to establish contacts and good working relationship - close collaboration and information sharing with security colleagues within UNDSS and other UN entities, with local authorities, INGOs and IOs is of utmost importance for enabling appropriate security responses in planning and implementation of humanitarian delivery.
What's one takeaway from each duty station you've been?
Throughout my career, I have had many learning experiences. One significant realization has been that in response situations, the UN family must come together to deliver the most effective and coherent response in any given country and context, despite the diversity among UN agencies and personnel. Effective collaboration is facilitated by appreciation and understanding of each other's backgrounds and ways of life. Cultural sensitivity and awareness enable us to communicate more effectively with people.
What is your fondest memory while working for the UN or that you have from this year?
I would say my most heart-touching memory is related to my work in Jordan and missions to the north-east of Jordan, specifically Rugban area. The UN set up a clinic inside Jordan to serve Ruqban camp, one of Syria's most desperate makeshift settlements in no man's land between Syria and Jordan, where approximately 60,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, were trapped without access to basic services and any other health facility except the UN clinic. It was heart-breaking to witness these people's hopeless condition and their need for basic medical services and items. Despite the challenges of driving 6 hours daily (while on 5-day rotation missions providing security coordination once per 3 weeks) through sensitive military posts and unpaved paths in the open desert, it was somehow fulfilling and reinforced the sense of purpose of our job. I have the same feeling here in Ukraine, where providing day and night support for enabling lifesaving humanitarian missions for the frontline communities presents an opportunity to make a difference.
What does it take to work in a conflict area?
Working in a conflict area demands personal dedication and sacrifice, with 24/7 availability for enabling provision of humanitarian aid and services to the Ukrainian people. It is challenging to work in an active war zone with daily missile strikes, air-raid alarms, curfew hours, and essential service outages (electricity, water, and internet, etc). However, the most challenging aspect for me is being away from my family since Ukraine is a "non-family" duty station.