Claire, 34 - Women’s Protection Advisor

I work for a charity that fights for the rights of people living in poverty and aims to support those living in disaster affected communities around the world to get access to basic services, rights and opportunities. I work specifically on reducing risk for women and girls in these difficult contexts and to ensure that they not only participate in decisions which affect them but to lead the response and find sustainable solutions. I often work on programmes that reduce gender based violence and travel to provide support in the midst of disaster - e.g to refugee camps.

A-levels

English Literature, French, Religious Studies

Degree

MA Joint Hons English Literature and Psychology (University of St.Andrews, Scotland)
MSc Violence, Conflict and Development Studies (SOAS, London)

How I got to where I am now

Various small jobs like working in a cafe to being a Harpist at weddings!

Programme Officer at an NGO called All We Can (working on international development)

Programme Support Manager at a Humanitarian Swiss NGO called Medair (living in Somalia for a year)

Psychosocial Advisor for a Swedish NGO (living in South Sudan and Sweden)

Remainder of career has involved working on gender and inclusion at NGOs in London with aspects of travel included (CAFOD, Christian Aid and currently ActionAid)

My big tip...

Choose a degree you love and your career will find you! A language can really help if you want to get into development but it’s all about getting additional experience that sets you aside so remember to make the most of your time in societies and summer hols!