In the 'Field': My Humanitarian Awakening

When I was starting my career, I dreamed of working at the United Nations . I often told anyone who would listen that I was willing to do anything, from running errands to picking up the phone, just to be a part of the UN. I believed it was my calling, but I didn't fully understand the work itself. What I lacked in knowledge, I made up for with eagerness and a willingness to learn. My goal was to contribute to the UN mandate and actively work to help people around the world. I wanted to be a part of something big, something that mattered—helping people and championing human rights. Seem familiar? Anyone else?

The Corporate Side of Things: "Close but still too far"

When I joined the UN Resident Coordinator's office, I was introduced to the highest level of interagency coordination. It was all about the Cooperation Framework and how agencies could better coordinate to work as one. The "ONE UN". Later, at UN Environment Programme , I collaborated with many partners, leading efforts in external engagement under the Decade of Restoration, the Clean Seas Campaign, and World Environment Day. We signed numerous partnership agreements and organized countless events and activities. Despite these achievements, I felt empty. Everything I did seemed distant from the people I wanted to help. I longed for a more direct connection.

My daily routine was filled with meetings, high-level engagements, briefings, and workshops, but I wanted more. I wanted to see the impact of my work firsthand, not just be a distant contributor. Far from the fancy offices and the daily business attire of clicking high heels and suits, I wanted to be where people needed us most. I wanted to find fulfillment in my work.

Finding More than I Bargained for in the Field: "Finding Myself"

I decided to make a change and started looking for opportunities to be in the field. I sought deep field operations where my daily routine would include direct contact with the people we serve. I was not picky, and I never imagined that this decision would propel me to not only be a humanitarian worker on paper—but also feel it to my bones.

I landed my first assignment with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency , in Sudan.

Arriving in 2022, I faced an underfunded refugee response in White Nile, where my routine included daily interactions with refugees living in extreme conditions. They struggled with an uncertain future, dwindling support, food cuts, and severe weather conditions, but that was about to get a lot worse. In 2023, things took a turn as the war in Sudan plunged me into an unprecedented humanitarian emergency.

Working in an emergency forged me into a true humanitarian worker. Surrounded by chaos, staying and delivering aid taught me lessons I couldn’t learn in any boardroom. The challenges I faced in the field, side by side with the people we serve, were the real deal. It was here, amidst the turmoil, that I truly found myself.

The True Meaning of Fulfillment

In the field, I wasn’t just a name on a payroll or a face in a meeting. I was someone who mattered. Someone who made a difference. The people I met, the stories I heard, and the resilience I witnessed reshaped my understanding of what it means to help others. I learned that true humanitarian work is about connection—being there, listening, and standing with those in need.

Being One With the Community - "Through Thick and Thin"

There's nothing quite like being one with the community. When you're in touch with the people you serve, you become extra aware of their humanity. This work is about more than just numbers; it's about lives.

Take this year's World Refugee Day in Cabo Delgado, for instance. While we often see daily struggles, I purposely chose a picture for this article that shows the people we serve having fun. As equals, just like you and me. It's a reminder that we're talking about people who, like us, deserve to be happy and thrive. This starts with being welcomed and included, aligning with this WRD's theme: "For a world where refugees are welcomed."

We organized a friendly soccer match with refugees and asylum seekers. The event also included advocacy discussions about the local integration of Congolese, Burundian, Somali, and Ivorian communities. But the real magic? It was in playing together, celebrating together, and standing up together for their rights. That's what makes all the sacrifices worth it.

Being with the community through thick and thin, sharing moments of joy and hardship, underscores the true essence of humanitarian work. It's not just about providing aid; it's about building connections and creating a sense of belonging.

My Advice? Give the "Field" a Try

While that was my journey, I believe everyone should consider this path.

If you're interested in humanitarian work, like I was, and dream of working in the UN, like I did, or if you're an experienced professional who has been in the field but far from the operational side of things, I recommend you keep an open mind and consider diving into fieldwork. It’s an experience that can transform your perspective and career.

For more insights and stories from the field, follow me or the hashtag #HumanitarianWork. Together, we can make a difference.