“If you are passionate about helping others…this job is for you!”

Jamilya Jusaeva, Operations Manager, UNICEF Kyrgyzstan

 

Tell us a bit about your background. 

I am of Kyrgyz nationality, I was born in the green city of Frunze, which was renamed Bishkek after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Kyrgyzstan’s declaration of independence in 1991. I have two diplomas in the area of Linguistics and the Management of the Organization. I grew up in the Soviet era, and being an active member of the Soviet Young Pioneer Organization, I strongly believed in the unbreakable rules of equity, goodness, peace and equality that were the strong tools of the Soviet propaganda. I cried when Indira Gandhi was shot dead, and I strongly believed and I still do in the victory of good over evil.

What do you do?

In my current capacity of UNICEF Operations Manager in Kyrgyzstan, I am responsible for the management of the Bishkek Country Office and Osh Zone Office operations in the areas of HR management, risk management, finance/accounting, general administration, supply and ICT. Also, I have extensive experience in emergency duty stations, including my own country, due to the crisis that happened in 2010. I have experience in establishing new offices from the scratch. In 2012, I completed the First Line Responders (FLR) Training, resulting in the selection of the first emergency response team  in the CEE/CIS region.

What’s your working day like?

My working day varies from day to day, as it’s comprised of different activities due to the wide scope of roles and responsibilities assigned to my job functions. 

How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?

My job is vital, useful, interesting, challenging, inspiring, result-oriented, progressive and extremely worthwhile in changing the lives of all children around the world.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

When I was a child, I wanted to become a teacher in a  primary school.

How/when did you join UNICEF?

I joined UNICEF Kyrgyzstan in September 2008 after my international work experience with UNDP in Kabul, Afghanistan and Juba, South Sudan.

What are the most satisfying parts of your job?

The most satisfying part of my job is to see and measure the concrete results achieved in support of children. “Operations to support Programme in the most effective and efficient way!” is my daily motto, which I always promote within the Operations section, which I am leading.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is performing multiple and complex tasks at different levels. I could start the day drafting documents, continue with conducting training to our partner organizations, and end the day with reviewing the Supply Plan or chairing the Interview Panel.

What’s your best UNICEF experience/memory?

My best UNICEF experience and memory is related to the emergency that resulted from inter-ethnic clashes in the south of Kyrgyzstan back in 2010. I will never forget how UNICEF was one of the first UN agencies to respond to the emergency crisis. I will always remember the commitment, dedication and hard work the staff. That was real teamwork!

What’s one of the biggest risks you’ve ever taken in your life?  

It’s probably related to my great willingness to work at the emergency duty stations, travelling to the field to be useful in the most-needed area. I am very grateful that I had such an opportunity and experience in my life.

What are your passions? How do you spend your free time?

My passion is art. I enjoy spending my time in clay classes.

What advice would you give others who are seeking a similar job as yours?

Nothing is impossible! If you are passionate about helping others, being useful, taking risks and achieving greater results for children, this job is for you!  

Who do you look towards for inspiration?  

The process of observing how my grandson’s growing-up is a constant inspiration for me.

My colleagues don’t know that…..

I am a chess player.