Faces of Hope: Humanitarians Around the Globe

‘Pathway to WFP’ is the LinkedIn career series by the World Food Programme investigating the professional backgrounds and life choices that led our staff to the world’s largest humanitarian agency. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive new episodes directly in your inbox!

WFP has a presence in over 120 countries and territories to carry out its mission. We bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures.

World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on 19 August, was established by the United Nations to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication of humanitarians worldwide. This day serves as a tribute to those who have committed their lives to humanitarian work, often facing challenging and dangerous situations to help those in need.

Explore the inspiring stories of WFP's team members from Mozambique, Uganda, Lebanon, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

Amelia Nhabetse | Project Engineer | Mozambique

I support the School Feeding Programme in the construction of warehouses and kitchens. It’s a big project that aims to provide critical support to schoolchildren in 10 provinces, and it’s great to see engineers play a key role in it!

Amelia Nhabetse, a dedicated Project Engineer in #Mozambique, plays a pivotal role in our organization.

As a Construction Project Engineer at WFP, Amelia spearheads the planning, implementation, and monitoring of construction projects, ensuring they adhere to stringent quality benchmarks and align with WFP's overarching goals and objectives.

Within our team, comprised of driven individuals from diverse backgrounds, the collaborative pursuit of our shared mission is both deeply fulfilling and profoundly inspiring. Amelia's contributions, alongside those of our WFP Engineers, underscore the collective impact we strive to achieve every day.

Julius Opio Peter | Driver | Uganda

What really motivates me is to see a smile on the face of the people we serve.

Our dedicated team members like Opio Julius Peter, one of our drivers in Uganda, play an invaluable role in delivering essential aid to communities in need. Despite facing challenges such as resource scarcity and logistical hurdles, our team remains committed to the mission of bringing hope and sustenance to those who need it the most.

Peter's personal experience underscores the profound impact of WFP's work. Growing up, he and his family relied on WFP's support while living in camps for displaced families, understanding firsthand the difficulties faced by displaced conflict-affected communities.

Joseph Rahal | Logistics Assistant and Warehouse Manager | Lebanon

Working with WFP taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability and teamwork.

WFP's warehouse in Lebanon is essential for getting food to people in need across the country. Its strategic location ensures efficient storage and distribution of supplies. The warehouse uses advanced systems to manage inventory, making sure food supplies are handled quickly and accurately.

Joseph Rahal, the Logistics Assistant and Warehouse Manager, oversees operations, coordinates the movement of goods, and ensures safety and quality standards. His work is crucial for maintaining a smooth supply chain and delivering timely assistance to those in need.

Leila Osman | Social Protection Officer | Somalia

I believe being a humanitarian means caring about what happens to others simply because it is the right thing to do, and this commitment drives my desire to be part of WFP's impactful work.

Leila finds inspiration in those who selflessly dedicate their time and resources to alleviate suffering, a sentiment that deeply resonates with her. Drawn to WFP by its unparalleled commitment to combating hunger and addressing food insecurity worldwide, she is captivated by WFP's innovative strategies, focus on sustainability, and emphasis on community empowerment. This alignment mirrors her own passion for creating enduring change.

Believing that being a humanitarian entails caring about the well-being of others simply because it is the right thing to do, her dedication to WFP's impactful work is driven by this steadfast commitment. Her choice to be a part of WFP reflects her profound belief in the organization's ability to effect positive change on a significant scale.

WFP is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people can access basic social services and social protection, to build human capital (health, skills, knowledge and experience) and resilience. This can in turn ensure that they are less vulnerable to recurrent climate crises and other shocks. WFP supports the Government-owned national safety net, Baxnaano, as well as the provision of locally sourced school meals that can help keep children in school.

Barna Paul | Programme Officer | Bangladesh

After three years working for WFP, my mum told me it was her dream to see me working for WFP.

In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, WFP operates aggregation centers to gather produce from local smallholder farmers, with the aim of selling to WFP-contracted retailers and local traders at competitive prices. These centers play a key role in connecting locally-grown food to both refugee camps in the area and local markets, while also enhancing the capabilities of smallholder farmers. Additionally, WFP runs Fresh Food Corners where Rohingya refugees, living in the camps can access supplemental fresh produce and protein every month. By facilitating local market linkages, WFP aims to boost agricultural production, increase income for smallholder farmers, and improve food availability for refugees, all while fostering social cohesion within the host community and contributing to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus.

With 280 aid workers killed by violence last year, 2023 marked the global humanitarian community’s deadliest year on record. This outrageously high number is a staggering 137 percent increase compared to the previous year (2022), when 118 aid workers were killed. 2024 has seen no respite so far and may be on track for an even deadlier outcome. As of August 7, 172 aid workers have been killed, according to the provisional count from the Aid Worker Security Database.

At WFP, our work encompasses a global commitment to fighting hunger and food insecurity. Through sustainable approaches, we provide essential food assistance to those most in need, ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to nutritious meals. Additionally, we support smallholder farmers, implement innovative solutions, and foster community empowerment, all aimed at creating a future where food security is a reality for everyone. By forging partnerships and maintaining a steadfast dedication to long-term impact, WFP continues to lead the charge against global hunger, striving to build a world where no one goes to bed hungry.

Our greatest strength is the people working around the world providing access to nutritious food and promoting lasting solutions to those we serve. WFP provides its staff with meaningful and impactful careers, continuous learning and training, and a multicultural and stimulating work environment.

Learn more about Careers that save and change lives.

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