What does your job entail?
As the Data Team Lead, I oversee a team of 18 data analysts, data scientists, and engineers. My responsibility is to ensure that our team develops data and digital products and services of high quality. A key aspect of my role is integrating our data and digital products and services into the processes of National Societies. Collaboration with sister Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other countries and other partners is essential for this purpose. Together, we can identify their challenges and work on appropriate solutions. As Team Lead, I aim to foster the development of my team members and enable them to utilize their skills effectively for seamless teamwork.
How did you join the Red Cross?
My involvement with the Red Cross began in 2018. It started with my thesis on drought predictions in Malawi, where I deliberately chose an organization where I could leverage my technical skills for societal impact. During my studies, I gained experience in a refugee camp in Lebanon and worked on the development of drinking water systems in Indonesia. These experiences strengthened my belief in collaborating with local stakeholders to find solutions that can have significant impact with minor adjustments. The realization that I had the opportunity to study and develop myself motivates me to use that knowledge globally. This led me to the ICRC job board, where I was referred to the Netherlands Red Cross. I found my place within the data & digital department called ‘510,’ which combines technology with societal impact.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work at the Red Cross is the opportunity to develop and empower my team while collaborating with sister societies worldwide to deploy Data & Digital products & services for effective response. The diversity of work constantly presents new challenges, with cultural contexts playing a significant role. I appreciate the Red Cross as an organization driven by passion. We are a dedicated and pragmatic organization, working both in the short term (emergency response) and in the long term (digital transformation) to enhance our humanitarian impact. For new colleagues, it's important to know that they are welcomed as part of a close-knit family.
Can you discuss your development at the Red Cross?
My professional journey began at the Red Cross as a thesis student. Over the years, I had the opportunity to grow into a team leader. During this period, team ‘510’ was in a developmental phase, allowing me to closely collaborate with sister societies and other partners. I was deployed as an Information Manager for the Bahamas Dorian Response, extensively involved in working with data in various contexts. When I started at the Red Cross in 2018, digital transformation was still in its infancy. I witnessed and contributed to the rise and development of digital assistance within the organization, aligning my own professional growth with it.
Throughout my time at the Red Cross, I have always felt supported to seize opportunities and understand my strengths and weaknesses to excel in my work. '510' has grown from about 10 team members when I started to 55 employees in 2024. Being closely involved in this development allowed me to learn a great deal. In my current role as a team leader, I prioritize maintaining personal connections within the team and finding creative leadership approaches. The dynamic of human interaction combined with determining strategic directions to increase our humanitarian impact through data and digital innovations presents the most engaging challenge in my role.
Are you, like Marijke, driven to use your experience in the field of IT, data or information management to help others?