17.12.24
Tuesday 10 August 2021
The following article was first published in this year's edition of The Wheel, the College's annual newsletter, in July 2021.
We love hearing where St Catharine’s has taken alumni since graduation. This year, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all of our Members who have dedicated their careers to international development and humanitarian work.
Dr Khalid Mahgoub
Joined St Catharine's: 1991
Subject: Natural Sciences
Where it started: After completing my PhD at Catz, I was interviewed at the World Intellectual Property Organization, part of the United Nations (UN), because my scientific background was relevant to issues surrounding the Human Genome project. Although the interview went well, there were delays so I ended up joining the World Health Organization on a short-term project, before joining the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
How it’s going: I am Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Kirehe, Rwanda. Working for UNHCR has also taken me to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, Zambia, Pakistan (twice), Iran, Tanzania, Lebanon and South Africa. It is a demanding tough job – away from home and sometimes in very remote areas with difficult living conditions – but it is extremely rewarding when I help to protect refugees and find durable solutions for their plight. This requires the support of countries and international organisations, which can be challenging as this is often dependent on funds and the political will of governments.
Words of advice: There is a big world out there waiting for Catz graduates. Your empathy, your help, your humanity and your expertise can help others in need.
Dr Harriet Torlesse
Joined St Catharine's: 1991
Subject: Archaeology & Anthropology
How it started: I can trace my postgraduate studies and career in international development to studying child nutrition in Sudan for my dissertation, supported by a College travel grant. After graduation, I completed a PhD in nutrition and then moved overseas. My work since has focused on maternal and child nutrition in various African and Asian countries, primarily for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
How it's going: I recently returned to the UK after serving as the Regional Nutrition Advisor at the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, based in Nepal. Working in international development means you move countries frequently, which can disrupt family life. I want my children to be able to live in one place while they are at secondary school and build some roots. I now work for the UNICEF New York office, remotely from the UK.
Words of advice: Relevant work experience is highly valued, so flexibility and creativity will help to get a foot in the door. Prepare to start out in remote or conflict-affected settings, where postings may not attract experienced candidates. Take what is on offer – it could be the stepping stone to where you really want to be.
Pictured: Khalid on a day mission to the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan (left) and Harriet trekking with family above Kathmandu Valley in Nepal (right).
Chine McDonald
Joined St Catharine's: 2002
Subject: Theology
Where it started: I dreamed of becoming the editor-in-chief of The Guardian. During my time at Catz, I was news editor of Varsity and societies editor of the St Catharine’s Magazine. While I initially worked in both print and online news, I soon refocused on public sector communications. My first development charity was at World Vision and I subsequently moved to Christian Aid.
How it’s going: I am head of community fundraising and public engagement at Christian Aid. Fundraising supports programmes around the world that aim to encourage sustainable development, eradicate poverty, support civil society and provide disaster relief. The sense of community and communication skills gained at Catz help when working with people from all walks of life, including colleagues, journalists, supporters, donors and external stakeholders such as bishops and prime ministers.
Words of advice: The development sector spans a number of different types of roles so know what you are aiming for and approach someone who has that job for advice on their career path. If you are unable to break into international development straight away, consider smaller charities where you can practise being an all-rounder before homing in on particular skills.
Gaia Reyes
Joined St Catharine's: 2016
Subject: Human, Social and Political Sciences
Where it started: Before graduating from St Catharine’s, I interned with the Philippine Delegation to the UN Paris Climate Agreement, and news outlets including the BBC and The Times. These experiences shaped my interest in international affairs and visual storytelling. Having long admired the United Nations, I was excited to start my first role after university with the Ending Violence Against Women policy division at UN Women and The Spotlight Initiative, an EU-UN global partnership to combat gender-based violence.
How it’s going: I work on digital strategy and communications in the Executive Director’s Office at UN Women, based in New York City. I focus on developing new, innovative ways of engaging the next generation with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and gender equality. I am also on the Panel of Young Advisors to Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) and serve as a UK Delegate to the G20 Youth Engagement Group.
Words of advice: International development is deeply tied to globalisation and postcolonialism, so it is critical to interrogate the historical context of the field. Being open and receptive to different cultures, languages and people is especially important when navigating larger international organisations.
Pictured: Chine at The Time is Now mass lobby of parliament on climate change (far left) and Gaia Reyes outside the UN headquarters in New York City (right).
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