Associate Programme Officer
Antuaneta (right) during a cash card distribution exercise in 2017 to refugees staying in Northern Greece. The cash assistance programme implemented by UNHCR and partners in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Migration and funding by the EU, offered vital support to thousands of asylum-seekers and refugees, allowing them to manage their own expenses according to their individual needs. From October 2021, the Greek government took over the management of the cash assistance programme for asylum-seekers in Greece. © UNHCR/Yorgos Kyvernitis
“Working in field operations has given me a unique opportunity to directly see the importance of lifesaving humanitarian work through any function”.
How would you describe your work?
So far, I have worked with UNHCR in Greece, Mexico, Lebanon, and currently I am based in Moldova. My work entails a variety of tasks relating to UNHCR’s interventions and partnerships, strategic planning and decision making, and managing financial resources, while ensuring compliance with the organization’s policies in all the above. Even though my function includes mainly back-office tasks, through my experience in the monitoring of projects with NGOs, I have been lucky enough to observe the impact of our work. Working in field operations has given me a unique opportunity to directly see the importance of lifesaving humanitarian work through any function, and of course the overall positive impact of UNHCR’s work.
What made you decide to become a humanitarian worker?
Ever since I was a kid, I aspired to have a meaningful job that would support in making our world a more equal, safe and bright place for today’s and future generations. During my studies, I got to know better the work of UNHCR and in 2014, I joined UNHCR in Athens, as an intern. I felt that UNHCR’s mission was compatible with my own values and dreams. I believed my skills and eagerness could also contribute to meaningfully supporting refugees and displaced people who experience the effects of war, persecution, loss and trauma. All the above, together with the solidarity and empathy that have been growing inside me since my first years in UNHCR, have reinforced my belief that becoming a humanitarian worker has been the right decision.
Which is the greatest challenge you have faced working far from Greece?
As a UNHCR international staff member, I would say that the distance from our loved ones, and the high level of uncertainty that comes with our work, are sometimes difficult to manage. Even though uncertainty can bring positive surprises and an opportunity to start afresh, it can also create stress, as it requires a lot of energy in coping with the unknown, finding a balance between our professional and personal lives and creating a meaningful new daily life. Additionally, as I highly value my friendships and links to my family, being away from Greece can become challenging, during both tough and happy times. On a positive note, I have been lucky enough to have met colleagues and friends abroad that have helped me create a sense of community, providing a great support system.
Ukrainian refugees arrive at MoldExpo refugee accommodation in Chisinau, Moldova. MoldExpo is an exhibition centre which was converted into a refugee accommodation centre to host refugees from Ukraine after the war broke out. © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell
Please describe an experience you had working in the field, that you will never forget.
I will forever remember one of my first missions when I was working in the operation in Greece. A big team from the office in Athens went to Volvi in Northern Greece to undertake the first card distribution, as part of a new cash assistance programme for asylum-seekers and refugees in the country. The community that was staying in the accommodation building we visited was very welcoming to all of us and full of positive energy, despite what they had been through. At the end of the exercise, they unexpectedly offered us the most amazing and tasty lunch, making sure that we had enough food and that everyone was satisfied. The sense of hospitality, resilience and community that I felt in that place will forever stay in my heart as a very special moment in my career.
What does solidarity mean to you and how could we foster it further?
Solidarity to me is the utmost form of empathy and understanding. It is an emotion and a drive that unites and brings people together by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, while showing support to a cause in a tangible way. It means to care, create connections, minimize divisions and break individualistic patterns. I strongly believe that we, as a connected community, can be very powerful when we come together through compassion. When we create links through schools, universities, local and municipal structures, and use those spaces to exchange views, to listen to other experiences and offer support. This can bring broader change and impact. We just need to truly engage and believe in the power of unity, joint action, compassion and love.
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