Young Islander To Work For UN In Kyiv

Jersey Overseas Aid is recruiting a young islander to work for the United Nations in Ukraine to help with humanitarian efforts.

The role involves working at the front of the philanthropic mission, helping those displaced by the Russian invasion.

A young islander will work in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for two years under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

It will be the island's fourth international Junior Professional Officer (JPO) working alongside the UN.

JOA joined the UN's JPO scheme in 2021 with three young islanders working in four countries, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Egypt and Sudan.

Faye Coggins, who is based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and Johnny Rebours, who is in Tyre, Lebanon, were appointed in late 2021 and have six months remaining in their roles.

Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh is the world's largest refugee camp, Credit: JOA

Faye works at the world's largest refugee settlement, Cox's Bazar, with around a million Rohingya refugees.

She says they are an ethnic minority denied citizenship in Myanmar, making them the largest stateless population.

"The Rohingya refugees live in overcrowded settlements, exposed yearly to a monsoon season with high risks of floods and landslides, two cyclone seasons and a dry season with high numbers of fire incidents.

"The opportunity to work and learn from colleagues with specialist expertise, and who have experience of responding to crises across the globe, has enabled me to strengthen my skills and understanding of how a humanitarian organisation operates on the ground."

Fundamental work Faye carries out includes improving education access, up-scaling career opportunities and skill development of young people to prepare them for life in Myanmar.

Johnny working in Tyre, Credit: JOA

Lebanon is now home to around 850,000 registered Syrian refugees, 200,000 Palestinian refugees and 16,000 others from other countries, including Iraq, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Johnny works in an area where most displaced people live below the extreme poverty line and face risks, including forced young marriages, child labour and sexual exploitation.

He started the year managing a team, inviting 135 families (400-500 people) to a Reception Centre daily to assess their needs and ensure UNHCR gave the best assistance.

The young islander says it was a steep learning curve, managing a large team with a vital task whilst navigating a new UN system and a very different culture to his own.

"I am a part of, 28 individuals who deal with some of the most vulnerable people day in, day out.

"They have a really tough job, hearing the trauma that people who have fled Syria have had to endure.

"Being a part of the team and supporting them to do their jobs better, and to see their satisfaction and productivity grow, has been the most rewarding part for me."

Rebecca Curtis, Credit: JOA

Rebecca Curtis joined in 2022, first deployed to Egypt in January, but now is working hard on the recent Sudan crisis.

Becki says ever since university, she has dreamt of contributing towards international efforts to support refugees and displaced persons.

"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with UNHCR in Egypt and to be supporting their efforts to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers receive the protection they deserve,”

Rebecca Curtis, Credit: JOA

The opportunity comes with a full salary and the chance to take 'rest & relaxation' rotations away from Ukraine every few weeks due to the intensity of the job.

A high level of security training will also be given because of the nature of the position.

Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, says she is immensely proud that Jersey stands alongside other countries, such as France, Italy, the US, Australia and Canada, in supporting the UN JPO programme.

"This programme allows us to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Ukraine whilst supporting Islanders who want to establish a career in the humanitarian sector.

"These dedicated individuals not only help some of the most vulnerable people in the world and build their own skills while doing so, they also serve as ambassadors for our caring, outward-looking Island on the global stage."

Past successful candidates are typically aged between 25 and 35, with a Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.

Someone with a journalism, communications, public administration, internal relations, political science or law background would suit the role.

The deadline for applications is 11 August 2023.