Humanitarianz

How Humanitarianz can help you in the Field

Humanitarian work is hard. Specially in the field. It’s complex, hard, stressful work and more often than not, it’s dangerous. 

Of course, it is also extremely satisfying. Being able to help others is a really great feeling.  

But, most humanitarian workers pay a price for this satisfaction. In stress and burnout. Or trauma due to incidents or so much exposure to human suffering. Or worse still  by not having their work recognised by their hierarchy, colleagues or organisation.  

Because of the tough places, situations and contexts that characterise humanitarian work, of course it will always be hard. No matter how many years of experience you have.

But, does it have to be so hard? I don’t think so. 

Let me tell you why I think that.

People are often not trained or supported enough to do their jobs effectively or to support the people they manage or supervise. 

Most people have followed “the learning by doing” method of many organisations that don’t have adequate training or support resources. It’s “cheap”. (this is not true by the way – it is actually very expensive in the mid to long term)

This is a method where you are supposed to just understand your role and other people’s roles plus the context plus the programmes plus the organisation by just “doing it”.  

The sink or swim “model”. This is the most stressful operating model out there. 

Also, this model doesn’t work very well because it depends on people being able to learn from more experienced people. Like how apprentices learn the trades of carpentry for example.

But as you know, this is not the situation on the ground.  

Too often, international management or technical teams do not have that much experience. Also, people are coming and going all the time. High-turnover.  

So, the blind end up “leading” the blind. This is painful for everyone. And not very satisfying for anyone. 

I have been on missions where I was Country Director where 80% of the managerial staff were first time in their positions. Not to mention the gaps!

Imagine!

Apart from the high staff turnover, international staff do not tap into national staff experience and knowledge enough. Nor do organisations invest in capturing knowledge. Organisations do not support national staff enough over their careers. 

Frequently, there is no space for national staff to move upward into positions of more responsibility. 

Often, very experienced and knowledgeable national staff are managed by very inexperienced and unknowledgeable international staff. 

Crazy right?  Yes, there are issues of neutrality, impartiality and independence but let’s leave that discussion for a blog! 

But it doesn’t have to be like this. It doesn’t have to be so hard and stressful. With the right foundations and access to what you need when you need it, your job can be more satisfying, less stressful and you will be better prepared to move upwards in hierarchy and access better positions. 

I founded Humanitarianz in 2017 when I left my senior management post in a well-known humanitarian aid organisation. I wanted to build a place where all humanitarians, from all organisations could find affordable, quality learning resources and support. 

With no organisational bias. The freedom for me to produce what humanitarians need on the field to work better and stay healthier. Outside of organisational agendas.  

Tips and advice that are actionable. Objective. Relevant. And tuned in to the realities of field work. 

This mission was interrupted as I took on another senior post. 

But now I am back and so is Humanitarianz. 

I will listen to your needs. Build the resources you, and not your organisation, want. One that you need. 

I will support you all in every way I can. My goal is to make these resources as accessible to as many aid workers as possible by making them digital. User-friendly and above all, affordable. 

Not everyone can pay out thousands to study a Master. Or even a diploma. 

Not everyone can spend hours in front of the computer doing long courses. 

Not everyone has had the opportunity to go to school or even university. 

But deserve access to resources  in formats that help them do their jobs better and feel less insecure and stressed. 

That is why Humanitarianz exists. 

How can I help?