What does your job entail?
As a Relief Coordinator, I manage various projects within our district. I am responsible for our activities in food assistance, education, and preparedness. My role includes some communication tasks, and I serve as the contact person for our Student Desk. It's a busy, multifaceted position where no two days are the same. One day, I might be distributing grocery cards, on the phone with a municipality, editing our volunteer magazine, or giving a presentation for fundraising purposes. Fortunately, I can rely on support from experienced colleagues across the country and enthusiastic volunteers who are eager to pitch in.
How did you end up joining the Red Cross?
After completing my master's in Science Communication, I was ready to leave the academic world and the complex English articles full of jargon behind. I wanted to do something tangible and meaningful for others. At the time, I was volunteering at the Food Bank in Groningen, which was incredibly enjoyable, and I often thought, "How great would it be to make this my paid job?" That’s when I soon found myself on the Red Cross job vacancy site.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
I really enjoy the interaction with the volunteers in my portfolio. But also the volunteers I meet at the Celebration of Recognition (an event to honor dedicated volunteers), the masterclasses we organize, or when they drop by the office spontaneously. Everyone is so driven! The diversity of my tasks and the fact that we can genuinely make a difference for people make me look forward to going to work every day.
Can you say something about your development at the Red Cross?
I started as a support staff member because I had no work experience in the sector, and the role of Relief Coordinator seemed quite challenging. This position seemed like a great opportunity to get to know the organization better and see if this work suited me. After a year of seeing, taking on, and organizing many different things, I was ready for more challenge and responsibility. Fortunately, the opportunity arose to apply for the open Relief Coordinator position, and I was entrusted with the role! Although I am still learning new things, I find my ‘step-up’ as a support staff member very beneficial. I already know the organization and understand how things work.
Are you, like Veerle, driven to use your experience in the field of project management and policy development to help others in your region?