Antonio Virgilio field story from Ethiopia

Since April 2018, the two Zones have been affected by inter-ethnic violence, which has caused the displacement of almost 1,000,000 individuals. Since the beginning of the crisis, UN OCHA has played a critical role in coordinating a timely humanitarian response in collaboration with Government of Ethiopia, GoE authorities and partners. As seconded to UN OCHA, I am engaging with zonal authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen coordination, to address prioritized needs and initiating multi-agency monitoring missions to remote locations throughout both zones in order to improve informed decision-making at the humanitarian platforms. In addition, I am supporting information collection for the information based evidence analysis in order to facilitate effective humanitarian and recovery response to the needs of the displaced people.

I have extensive field experience as senior manager in triggering assessments and assist responses in quick emergency onsets with the UN and world class International NGOs such as MSF and Save the Children which have all been very useful in my work today.  My previous experience from leading and supervising humanitarian assistance and emergency response in conflict, post-conflict, migration, internal displacement and natural disaster settings has given me a better understanding for the structures of humanitarian aid work.

As mentioned above, this is my second assignment with the MSB and I judge my experience very positively. In fact, I have always received consistent and timely support from the MSB staff during my assignments and I would like to stress my appreciation for the high quality of briefing sessions before deployment and also, the punctual debriefings and follow up at the end of the assignment.

I consider it a privilege to work with the MSB and I do hope for future exciting opportunities with the Agency.

Antonio Virgilio