Sara Rijavec joined the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in 2019, first in the Central African Republic, where she worked as an Access Officer, then in Cameroon, where she has worked as a Civil-Military Coordination Officer.
Throughout her career, she has witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of conflict on innocent civilians.
In this interview, she shares how, despite challenges, her motivation and faith in the humanitarian system have never faltered.
What inspired you to pursue a career in civil-military coordination?and access?
My first job was with an NGO in Pakistan, where I was part of the humanitarian response following the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir.
I then served with several NGOs across Africa and Asia, mainly focusing on demining and armed violence reduction operations, so access issues have always been close to my heart. After working in Ukraine, where I served as a Monitor for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, I finally joined OCHA in the Central African Republic.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
Being part of the Civil-Military Coordination/Access Unit often means we are the first to learn about issues in the field, whether minor or critical.
And you never really know what challenges you might encounter on the road. Regardless, we approach them as a team and do whatever we can to minimize danger.
But inevitably, there is a downside to this work: you witness the aftermath of attacks ¨C burned houses, blood, injured civilians ¨C and when you speak with the affected communities, while you try to maintain composure, you are also human. As we have all experienced fear and loss, it is difficult not to relate to their suffering.
I have learned not to fear my own feelings. Empathy is not a weakness. It is a strength - in those moments but also in life in general. You just need to ensure your feelings don¡¯t become overwhelming?and, if they do, it is OK to seek help.
What advice do you have for women who want to start a career in humanitarian work?
First and foremost, be prepared to see the best and worst of humanity. You will encounter dark moments, but also moments where you will realize hope always shines through.
And don¡¯t let the human suffering you are exposed to desensitize you. Each situation is unique and carries its own weight, and it is crucial to remember that people are at the centre?of every crisis.
Developing resilience is equally important, as you will face difficult situations. Cultivate patience, empathy, and flexibility.
This is why it is so important not to forget about yourself. Self-care is key. When I am on the ground, there aren¡¯t many social events or opportunities to connect outside of work, which can make life feel a bit lonely.
This is why I enjoy going for strolls with colleagues to unwind, even if our conversations inevitably are about work ¨C venting together can be therapeutic!
And this is why the community of dedicated colleagues I get to collaborate with is what I cherish about this work.
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