Working in Protection for UNHCR has provided me with the unique opportunity to understand in-depth the challenges of those forced to flee to Egypt, and to work alongside talented humanitarians to strengthen UNHCR's strategy for protecting those most vulnerable. Furthermore, I take with me a wide array of professional experience; from developing and operationalizing the strategic delivery of life-saving services for people seeking protection, to scaling up infrastructure amidst a humanitarian emergency, to working with colleagues and partner organisations to enhance data sharing as we endeavoured to further harmonize the refugee response in Egypt. I oversaw a team that conducted over 15,000 protection assessments in 2024 alone, I volunteered as a registration caseworker at weekends as we endeavoured to respond to the high numbers of Sudanese new arrivals, I represented UNHCR in interagency coordination forums (even chairing the Protection Working Group on occasion!), and I led tours of the Cairo Reception Centre for donors, embassies, and partner organisations. I also had the opportunity to learn Arabic and acquired some basic, protection-themed, Sudanese sign language along the way. I have loved being part of an active team that is monitoring an evolving context, and I have developed a unique insight into the region as a result.
Most of all, I will take with me many memories; joyful, heartbreaking, hopeful. I remember the woman – who I was registering as an asylum seeker one weekend – who wanted to gift me Sudanese perfume that she had brought with her as she fled. Whilst I kindly declined, she insisted on applying some to my wrist, so I had a part of Sudan with me too. Or the look of relief on a woman’s face, as she sat anxiously with her children, having fled domestic violence, when we told her that were had been able to arrange emergency housing and cash. The team members – whether colleagues, interpreters, or volunteers – who brought life to the office with a smile, laughter, or moments of solidarity. I developed a love for Egyptian breakfasts, accompanied by lemon juice and good humour, and I adventured to unique places across the country with some great friends.
As this chapter closes, I also find myself reflecting on the personal changes in my life, including those who have passed away during these two years. It is not always easy to be overseas, particularly in a frontline position where your presence is essential. My grandparents’ stories of a childhood under occupation sparked my interest in working in humanitarian response at a young age and I know that they were proud that I was following my passions. I also always imagined that at this point I would be meeting JOA Director Simon Boas somewhere in the world, where we would drink a beer in the sun and share stories of Egypt. We first met in 2016, when I had just returned from a trip to the West Bank and was inspired to learn more about professional opportunities in the humanitarian sector. It was his warm and motivating careers guidance that led to the beginning of my international career over six years ago, and his energy and creativity that launched the Jersey JPO Programme that enabled me to work with UNHCR Egypt, for which I will always be grateful.
For anyone interested in a career in the humanitarian sector, and is perhaps considering applying for the JPO Programme, I have just a few takeaways. Respect people; there are a wide range of organisations, professionals, and local community groups working globally to respond to some of the most complex and challenging crises in the world. Listen and learn from their experiences and allow your work to be genuinely informed by the wealth of knowledge available, it will be more meaningful if you do. Build community; humanitarian work can be challenging and having people who you can rely on and who understand your experiences will help more than you realise on the difficult days. Take on new responsibilities; you will feel out of your depth at times but widening your remit can be an amazing opportunity to strengthen your professional expertise and discover new fields of work. Never stop aspiring for better; the UN is a largescale system and it can sometimes feel difficult to effect change. However, with perseverance you can bring new approaches and agile solutions that can result in substantial and large-scale benefits for refugee communities and could genuinely save lives.
These past two years have been truly transformative, and it has been a genuine privilege to serve refugees in Egypt. With an ever-rising number of conflicts and climate-related crises, alongside significant cuts in humanitarian and development funding, the aid sector is going through a period of substantial change and transition. However, as I look forward, I hope to be able to continue to utilise my skills and professional expertise to support marginalized communities and strengthen ongoing responses to complex humanitarian crises, how and where I can add the most value.
