Sinan Aldemir is the non-programmatic co-chair for the Northwest Syria Cash Working Group, overseeing cash coordination in the region for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
What does your role entail?
Over the past year, most of my work has focused on transitioning to the new cash coordination model.
Because OCHA plays a critical role when it comes to meaningful inclusion of affected communities, gender, and inclusion of people with disabilities, our work brings a new level of accountability and?improves cash coordination.
Over time, I have seen firsthand how cash assistance helps families improve their quality of life, while receiving a more dignified type of support. I am proud to be part of this new step for cash coordination and to be on the frontline of the response.
How is this new system going to impact OCHA’s work?
The new system will significantly increase our workload as it will impact all sectors of humanitarian response.
With the new system, cash programmes will become more cost-effective, and easier to track for all humanitarian sectors.
As most of the communities we serve in Syria prefer cash support, we must also ensure that all parties have the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out their roles smoothly.
What are the biggest challenges you are facing?
On the bureaucratic side, the biggest challenge is communicating and coordinating with the government, its institutions, and the authorities.
It has always been difficult, but nowadays, as OCHA and other UN entities' presence and work are better known, things have become a bit easier.
Your work comes with a large amount of stress…
We are all working around the clock, by giving 100 per cent every day.
Although we say we need to find the motivation inside us, feeling recognized and valued by those around us, especially our managers, is hugely empowering and keeps you going.
Everyone faces internal pressure, including managers and senior leaders. However, the onus is on senior managers to create a safe and empowering environment for their staff to thrive and feel included. Without strong leadership, it can quickly become insurmountable, and motivation may fade.
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