We conclude this OCHA series dedicated to team assistants with an interview with Shna, OCHA Iraq, who shares her journey to OCHA, the connections made through surge missions, and the heartbreak of seeing the Iraq office on the verge of closure amid regional instability.
When did your career with OCHA begin?
Before joining OCHA, I was with UNMAS in Iraq. It was meaningful work and introduced me to the humanitarian world. But after two years, I felt ready for a new challenge – something that would help me grow.
I started with OCHA in April 2022. There was something about the people, the mission – it felt like I belonged. I believed God had placed me there for a reason.
Just a few months in, on 5 August, I was deployed to Ukraine on a surge mission. It was a whirlwind. I spent three and a half months between Lviv and Kyiv – one of the most intense experiences of my life. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
The path to OCHA was challenging, both practically and emotionally. Living in a war-torn country means facing constant insecurity and limited resources. But I didn’t let that define my future. I took every opportunity to learn, pursued an MSc in Human Resource Management and Development from the University of Salford, and here I am today.
What’s the most difficult part of your job?
Managing separation cases. Iraq has been undergoing a major downsizing, and helping colleagues through that is emotionally draining. You have to be calm, empathetic, respectful. These are people who came in with hope and now face unexpected endings.
OCHA Iraq is set to close. How do you feel about this?
It’s heartbreaking. I understand the strategic reasons – funding, shifting priorities – but the reality on the ground tells a different story. So many still need us.
Personally, OCHA has been more than an employer. It’s where I’ve grown and felt truly valued. Now I’m holding onto the lessons: that belonging can be found in unexpected places, leadership is about kindness, and even in change, we can choose courage and compassion.
