Young islanders can apply to work for the United Nations

Tuesday, 2 April 2024 12:36

Jersey Overseas Aid and the United Nations are looking for a young islander to work in one of the largest refugee camps in the world.

The humanitarian role is the fifth of its kind in Jersey, with previous opportunities including working in Kyiv.

It will see an islander chosen to work for the UN as a Junior Professional Officer for two years in Bangladesh.

A young Jersey resident will be working in Cox's Bazar, which houses around a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

Jersey residents between 25 and 35, who are interested in the role, need a bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience to apply.

Faye Coggins, one of the first people to take on the role of a JPO from Jersey, says it has been a very rewarding experience.

Faye Coggins (right) works at Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, Credit: JOA

She says refugees live in overcrowded settlements, exposed yearly to natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and cyclones.

"Delivering humanitarian services in such a context is a challenging task for UNHCR and its partners.

"The opportunity to work and learn from colleagues with specialist expertise, and who have experience of responding to crises across the globe, has enabled me to strengthen my skills and understanding of how a humanitarian organisation operates on the ground."

Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey says she is immensely proud that Jersey is alongside other countries such as France, Italy, the US, Australia and Canada.

"This programme allows us to support Islanders who want to establish a career in the humanitarian sector.

"These dedicated individuals not only help some of the most vulnerable people in the world, and build their own skills while doing so, they also serve as ambassadors for our caring, outward-looking Island on the global stage."