What is your role and main responsibilities? 

As a part of the REACH’s Syria Mission, I conduct Area Based Assessments. The role entails analyzing data to provide a more informed and impactful project implementation. The current project focuses on multi-sectoral assistance by supporting recovery efforts in Syria at household and community levels.

How did you secure this role? 

I believe my current role had a lot to do with what I studied at Sciences Po and through my previous experiences with organizations like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), I was introduced to the humanitarian and development sector, with a particular focus on livelihoods, displacement, disaster risk reduction, and resilience and recovery.  

Having worked with the UN at the HQ level, I wanted to engage the same thematic areas at the field level. When became familiar with IMPACT Initiatives’ work and REACH’s role in the humanitarian sector, I was quite fascinated and intrigued by their projects. Having interviewed for two positions, I finally bagged this opportunity.

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

The most fascinating aspect of the role is the impact that my work has on the lives of vulnerable people. To be able to interact, coordinate and work with, and for the people in Syria is a dream come true. Our interactions with the stakeholders and project partners allow us to understand how the research is contributing to the resilience and recovery work at community levels across Syria.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

Studying at PSIA allowed me to explore courses and specializations from other Master’s programs. I could choose topics and themes of interest to pursue a career in the humanitarian field, which enabled me to receive various offers and work with different organizations. The Sciences Po Careers department was also a crucial focal point, that supported me along the way, reviewing and providing valuable insights regarding my cover letter and resume. Particularly, the sessions on networking, that helped me navigate through the dynamic job market during the pandemic. 

What advice would you give to others? 

My friends and faculty at Sciences Po bear the testimony of my struggle to find a stable and meaningful work. For the past year, I did multiple assignments with some of the most revered organizations, setting a great benchmark that helped me find a position where I can contribute and learn simultaneously. To work in the humanitarian sector has been nothing short of a dream come true and was achieved at the expense of tremendous struggle. For reference, I made 200 applications a month during the pandemic and kept telling myself this will be over soon. I would also take this opportunity to emphasize the fact that while it may at times seem easier to just give up, persistence and hard work always pays off. Indeed, although it took a while, I am truly grateful to have made it this far and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Find out more:

• About the Master in International Security
• About REACH Initiative