Noelia Blascovich joined the?Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)?in 2020, first in Geneva, then in the Central African Republic where she has been a?Humanitarian Affairs Officer?since June 2023:
What is a typical day at work like?
A day at work is always hectic! I am currently the focal point for liaising with the Humanitarian Coordinator?and the Humanitarian Country Team, so I prepare and report on high-level meetings.
I am also the focal point for durable solutions and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, since OCHA Central African Republic?is the co-lead of the Durable Solutions Working Group.
This year, the President of the Central African Republic signed a document on the national strategy for durable solutions 2024-2028. OCHA played a key role in achieving this goal.
My role as focal point for the Cash Working Group can be very challenging, sensitive, time-consuming but worthwhile. In the Central African Republic, we have strengthened the new cash coordination model’s pillar of localization by organizing cash trainings targeting local partners.
This was really appreciated by NGOs. I wish there was more funding to increase the opportunities we can offer.
I am also part of the Together?mentoring programme as both a mentor and mentee.
How is OCHA supporting the Humanitarian Coordinator?
We do so through Humanitarian Country Team meetings that the Humanitarian Coordinator chairs?and that we help organize, including the preparation of meeting agendas, briefing notes, presentations,?and minutes.?
We also submit weekly updates on hotspots in the Central African Republic.
What are the skills someone who aspires to become a humanitarian needs?
Flexibility is key. It gives you the ability to adapt and take on new responsibilities in a constantly evolving and very demanding environment.
You must also have commitment. It helps you stay strong, believe in the cause, and navigate challenges.
Being a team player is equally important. Teamwork is what helps you meet set targets and achieve OCHA’s organizational goals while working towards our?raison d’être: to save and improve the lives of the people we serve.
And finally, humility. It?is not about us. It is about the people we serve.
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