DUTY STATION:  Papua New Guinea
POSITION:  Chief of Mission

"Humanitarian work for me combines three elements that define my professional interest: reaching the most vulnerable, working with different cultures, and operating in complex emergencies." 

WHAT DOES HUMANITARIANISM MEAN TO YOU IN ONE WORD? 

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WHY DID YOU BECOME A HUMANITARIAN WORKER OR VOLUNTEER? 

Humanitarian work for me combines three elements that define my professional interest: reaching the most vulnerable, working with different cultures, and operating in complex emergencies. 

WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing how our operations positively impact the most vulnerable people in the field, helping with transition and recovery of local societies. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK?

When there are disasters or emergencies it is vital that the appropriate help arrives as soon as possible to affected people. Often due to the nature of the emergency and the location, there are many obstacles that slow down our response and directly impact on those people in need. 

For example, when Cyclone Ita ripped through northern PNG in February 2014, we wanted to move in immediately, conduct an assessment, provide relief items and humanitarian assistance, but weren’t able to due to red tape and bureaucratic barriers. 

The most challenging aspects are the obstacles we encounter that slow down our response in the field.