"Meeting colleagues from all over the world has helped me develop as a person. Socializing with others, listening to their stories and learning from their experiences has introduced me to different cultures and other ways of thinking."
Esra Said works in Jerusalem as an IT specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology and a master’s degree in international cooperation and development and has been working for the ICRC since 2007.
Hello Esra. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology and a master’s degree in international cooperation and development. I gained these through iDevelop, the ICRC’s learning and development programme.
Before joining the ICRC, I worked as database administrator at UNRWA, which is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
What is your role at the ICRC?
I am an IT specialist at the ICRC’s Jerusalem office working with four great IT colleagues. We provide IT support for nine other sites in Israel and the occupied territories, as well as the Jerusalem office.
My job is to organize and manage IT services so staff can work efficiently and have access to the best systems available. It is also my responsibility to make sure our IT infrastructure is stable and can withstand disruption. Business continuity is really important.
What skills do you need to work as an IT specialist at the ICRC?
To work in the IT field, you need to stay up to date with developments in the tech world so you can find solutions that are appropriate for the ICRC. You also need to comply with the ICRC’s IT policies and standards. The field policies, which support the implementation of the overarching strategy, are established and approved by the head of operations. It’s really important to adapt to these policies.
Have you faced any challenges at work?
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very difficult to strike a balance between my home life and my professional life; working from home, looking after my children and homeschooling left me feeling exhausted. However, thanks to the support of my family and colleagues, I managed to make it work. They understood the demands of my job and helped me out when I needed it.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I enjoy taking part in training in other countries, such as Georgia, Jordan and Thailand. Meeting colleagues from all over the world has helped me develop as a person. Socializing with others, listening to their stories and learning from their experiences has introduced me to different cultures and other ways of thinking.
What qualities does an IT specialist need to work at the ICRC?
You need to be curious and keen to learn new technologies, but also adaptable. Be prepared to adapt to the ICRC’s standards and policies to ensure that the IT system across the whole organization remains unified and coherent.
Do you have any advice for others?
Be motivated to learn new things and to use new methodologies. This will help you think differently and help you accomplish your tasks. And be ready to take on new challenges; learning by doing is my top tip.