Adélaïde, COVID-19 vaccination Officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Coming from the United States of America, Adélaïde Margar Davis has graduated in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action. She works as COVID-19 vaccination Officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva. 

>What is your role and main responsibilities? 

I joined the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in June 2021 to support the 174 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that are working on COVID-19 vaccination globally. In March 2022, I was deployed by the IFRC to the COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Partnership (CoVDP), led by Ted Chaiban, the Global Lead Coordination for COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery. CoVDP brings together key vaccination stakeholders as one team with one budget in order to accelerate vaccination in the 34 least vaccinated countries. For CoVDP I am responsible for engagement with the humanitarian community and country engagement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Burundi, the three lowest vaccinated countries globally.  I additionally make the link between CoVDP and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global humanitarian network of approximately 97 million volunteers and staff globally.

How did you secure this role? 

When my manager first contacted me I was working for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. I had previously interviewed for a role with IFRC but an internal candidate was selected for the position. However, my manager had greatly enjoyed my interview and kept me in mind for the future. He felt I was a natural fit for the role given I had technical experience working both on the ground in humanitarian settings and on global governance in Geneva. At the time I was enjoying my work with MSF but decided to take a chance on a new organization - and I am so glad that I did! I started as a consultant but through hard work, humility, and determination I ultimately earned a staff contract.

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

I love that my job uses such a wide variety of skills and disciplines - I am engaged in everything from project management to advocacy to technical capacity building. I am motivated by the strength of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the work our volunteers do every day to strengthen community health systems and build community trust in public health measures, including vaccination.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

My political science studies at PSIA have been hugely useful during my career thus far, particularly the skills I learned such as research, writing, public speaking, and - of course - the French language. Speaking French has opened so many doors for me! I have additionally found there is tremendous value in understanding - and influencing - the areas where political science and public health converge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, trust in government and public health officials has been shown to directly correlate with lower infection rates and higher vaccination coverage. Overall, countries with high levels of trust in authorities significantly outperformed countries with lower levels of confidence. Public health experts and political scientists need to work together!

What advice would you give to others? 

I would advise to always say yes to opportunities, even if the role is out of your comfort zone, scares you,  or isn't exactly the "dream job" you imagined in your head. I additionally encourage others to spend their 20s investing in gaining new skills and expertise, rather than a high-salary or prestigious title. It is never a bad idea to invest in your own growth and the skills that will help you succeed in the future, even if it means taking a job that isn't your "dream job" in the present. Life is a marathon, not a sprint!

• About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 
• About the Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action