Administrative Associate, Thessaloniki
How would you describe your work?
Since joining UNHCR in 2016, I have served in four field offices within the Greece Operation. Currently, I work as an Administrative Associate, supporting the Field Office in Thessaloniki and the Field Unit in Evros. In this role, I play a vital part in ensuring operational efficiency. I manage administrative tasks, coordinate logistics and provide essential support to our field teams. My responsibilities include handling office communications, maintaining records, assisting with budget management and facilitating travel and procurement processes. By ensuring these functions run smoothly, I enable our teams to focus on their critical mission of protecting and assisting refugees and displaced persons. Every task I undertake is driven by a commitment to ensuring safety, dignity and hope for those in need, contributing to the protection of fundamental human rights and building better futures.
What made you decide to become a humanitarian worker?
My decision to become a humanitarian worker was profoundly influenced by my undergraduate studies in Foreign Languages. These studies offered me the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in diverse multinational and multicultural environments, particularly during my time abroad. This exposure nurtured in me a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and diversity – traits that are essential for understanding and advocating for the rights of all individuals.
Witnessing the challenges faced by people forced to flee and the complexities surrounding human rights issues, I developed a strong commitment to their protection and advocacy. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and effective communication as catalysts for social change. Driven by a passion for human rights and a dedication to making a tangible difference, I chose the path of humanitarian work, where I strive to uphold the dignity of those most vulnerable. This vocation allows me to align my professional skills with my core values, turning every effort into a step towards a more just and compassionate world.
Share with us a story from your work in the field, that has been engraved on your mind forever.
As a Field Assistant with the Cash-Based Interventions team in Greece, I had the profound privilege of helping single-headed families avoid harmful coping methods while raising their children. One particular experience stands out vividly. We provided cash assistance to a single mother who had fled conflict in Iraq with her three young children, offering her the chance to prioritize and choose what her family needed most. This form of assistance was not only immediate and practical but also deeply dignified.
Witnessing her relief and gratitude as she used the funds to secure essentials for her family was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced for me the importance of empowering vulnerable individuals to make their own decisions, preserving their dignity in the most challenging times. This experience highlighted the impact of our work, reminding me that even in the face of adversity, the ability to maintain dignity and hope is a powerful and unforgettable testament to human resilience.
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