Zein Tayyeb, a Humanitarian Affairs Officer with the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, plays a key role in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) access and civil-military coordination efforts in the region. Over the years, she has become determined to prove that strong, capable women can successfully and confidently lead in this field of work thanks to their hard work and personal sacrifice.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
My inspiration comes from a deep desire to help find solutions to humanitarian challenges and be part of OCHA¡¯s lifesaving work. I am passionate about making a tangible impact on people¡¯s lives, even when it requires navigating the complexities of engaging with armed and military actors often in challenging contexts.
At each deployment, the resilience and courage of the people I meet, from humanitarian workers to community members, and even children, who often bear the brunt of such brutal crises, are constant sources of inspiration. They all have stories to tell, dreams to pursue, and lives to rebuild.
Of course, there are times when the stress feels overwhelming, and I find myself on the brink of giving up and questioning my professional choices.
Still, it is in those moments that voices echo in my mind - of a mother in Idleb who gave up her job to care for her malnourished children, a child in Somalia who won¡¯t give up on his dream of becoming a doctor one day to help others, a friend who, despite being evacuated from Gaza, won¡¯t stop working around the clock to help others.
What are the best and the worst parts of your job?
The most fulfilling aspect of my job is witnessing the direct impact of facilitating humanitarian access. This is especially true when delivering assistance requires significant advocacy and negotiation.
Conversely, one of the hardest parts of the job is the feeling of helplessness when thousands of people remain unreachable despite our best efforts, when you hear their stories and you can¡¯t help but feel their emotions, their pain.
That is why you must come to terms with the reality:?that there are limits to what we can achieve?and often due to factors that are beyond my control.
What advice do you have for women who want to start a career in humanitarian work?
Approach this career with courage, resilience, and an open mind. This field is incredibly fulfilling but demands adaptability, a commitment to learning, and the ability to find strength in the face of challenges.
When needed, seek advice and guidance. Asking for help is not a weakness. Rather, it is a testament to your dedication to personal growth and collaboration.
Don¡¯t forget to prioritize your well-being! Humanitarian work can be all-consuming if you don¡¯t carve out some time for yourself.
Never forget to take care of your mental and physical health, make time for your personal activities and maintain connections with loved ones. This isn¡¯t selfish - it is essential.
And, finally, always remember?your presence and leadership truly have the power to transform lives, often in ways you may not expect.
