Interview with Valeria Caccavo, Field Delegate

Why did you decide to join the ICRC? How did it all start?

Since I first approached humanitarian work with various organizations, I have admired the ICRC for its values and principles and the importance of its mandate. Coming from a less typical field of study (Economics) and starting out relatively young, I chose to begin my ICRC career at the headquarters in Geneva, where I spent one year as an associate in the Security and Crisis Management Support Unit. While this initially involved analysing security trends, I was soon drawn to other aspects of crisis management as well, increasing my responsibilities and exposure throughout the year. It was a great way to learn about the ICRC from a global perspective, and it taught me how crucial flexibility, adaptability and fast-learning are in this organization. This is especially true now that I work in the field, where our roles constantly change to reflect the needs and realities on the ground.

What is your role and what are you doing now?

I am a generalist delegate, which is a polyvalent role at the core of the ICRC’s work. As a generalist, your assignments allow you to work and gain experience in all aspects of the ICRC’s operations, and potentially specialize in a more precise direction later on.

At the moment, I’m working in Iraq as a field delegate. This has been my favourite position in the organization so far. As a field delegate, I have an Area of Responsibility and within this area I am responsible for all ICRC activities: from Protection to coordination of Assistance programs and activities, from security to maintaining dialogue with weapon bearers and civil authorities…

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Although there is no such thing as a “typical day” in the field, my assignment mainly involves organizing and leading ICRC field operations. I analyse the situation on the ground and implement a response to the needs of the civilian population. I regularly conduct field visits and assessments and support specialized teams as they carry out Assistance activities. Alongside community engagement, I liaise with all parties to the conflict, civil authorities and weapon bearers, in order to ensure that people’s dignity is upheld and they receive the protection they are entitled to. And last but not least, none of this would be possible without large amounts of analysis and report writing, which I do when I’m back in the office.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?

The work we do is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling professions out there, but it does not come without moments of deep sadness and frustration. As ICRC delegates, we regularly witness suffering and injustice. And as humanitarians, we are not there to “change the world” or find solutions to the root causes of conflict. Our work can only go so far as to ease a limited part of the consequences – we are working on just a drop in an ocean of humanitarian needs. Accepting the limits of our work without becoming pessimistic or cynical is a struggle that we all face at some point. And to continue working with empathy and humanity towards the people that we serve, we must remember that even that small drop matters.

How have these experiences in the field changed you?

Being a Delegate means at the same time representing the ICRC and speaking on behalf of people affected by conflict and other situations of violence. Knowing that we are working for something far greater than ourselves is a priceless lesson in humility, and a privilege that we must continue to earn every day. It has taught me compassion and given me the strength to act in situations of great pressure. It has also smoothened some traits of my character: from categorical, impulsive and emotional I have become more flexible, but also firm and composed.

You speak five languages. Which has been the most difficult to learn? Do you have any tips for others wishing to pick up a language?

Arabic has undoubtedly been the most difficult, but also the most rewarding, language to learn. Unlike the other languages that I speak, which I have studied in school or university to some extent, Arabic has been a completely different endeavour. I was first drawn to the Middle East and I started working or volunteering there in different humanitarian emergencies in my early twenties. As I developed a strong bond with the region, I realized that speaking the language was key to performing my humanitarian duties. Being able to speak directly, without any intermediary, to the people you work with instantly builds greater proximity, understanding and trust – something invaluable in the work that we do.

My advice to language learners is to keep persevering – it is worth it! And if you are a humanitarian, try to learn at least as much from people as you do from books.

What would you say to people who want to join our organization?

Working for the ICRC can be one of the most rewarding choices you could make in your life. You will become part of a succession of humanitarians who have worked for over a century in the most complex crises in the world, providing Protection and Assistance to people who  need it. At the ICRC, your colleagues will also become a bit of a “family”, and you will soon feel like you belong even in the most remote corners of the world. Of course, you should also be prepared to make sacrifices… the life we chose demands many. Humanity and compassion are essential for humanitarian work – don’t lose those values.