Programs coordinator, ChildFund New Zealand

Name: Michael Vujnovich
Age: 37
Role: Programs coordinator, ChildFund New Zealand
Working hours: 40 - 60 hours a week
Average annual pay: $35,000 - 65,000
Qualifications and institution: BA, Philosophy and Sociology, University of Auckland. MA (Hons), Philosophy, University of Auckland


What are the career prospects in this job?

The 'not for profit' or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector is growing quickly. Currently there are over 14,000 charities in New Zealand. As the skills and attitudes required for a career in NGOs are transferable to any business because standard business principles apply - efficiency, efficacy, accountability and high standards of professionalism - there are lots of future options in other types of business organisations.

Describe what you do.

As the programs coordinator for ChildFund New Zealand I access government grants for projects to assist people, especially children, in poor countries with their health, nutrition, education, mental wellbeing and livelihoods. We also help with ChildFund's emergency work.

My role is to develop project proposals with our in-country partners, ensure they spend the money correctly so the project has the desired impact and then report back to the government on it. This involves visiting our partners and projects. I also have keep up to date with issues affecting the NGO community within New Zealand and with development and humanitarian issues worldwide.

Why did you choose this line of work?

I realised during my studies in ethics, political philosophy and sociology that people are being deprived of their basic needs. I think we are all obliged to try to do something about this, including you and me. So I wanted to get involved in some capacity within an organisation that helps these people. I know I am making a difference to thousands of people who really need it.

What kind of clients do you have?

My key clients in New Zealand are members of the NGO community and the New Zealand Agency for International Development and their related bodies.

Outside of New Zealand the key people I deal with are from our international organisation, ChildFund International. I also deal directly with people from the communities we assist.

What sort of training or experience do you need/have to do the job?

It helps to have a good understanding of the development process and the issues that surround development and humanitarianism. That means things like helping people by enabling them to help themselves - a hand up rather than a hand out. My studies helped me see that the causes of deprivation are not simple and solutions need to be found both individually and globally.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Good listening skills. People don't always see the world the same way you do, especially when it is their and their family's lives on the line.

Best part of the job?

The knowledge that I am making a huge difference for people who have so little and need it, rather than for people who have plenty and want more.

Most challenging part?

Raising awareness of children in poverty - how far so little will go. Convincing people who are absolutely wealthy, like you and me, that there are people who are absolutely poor and that the money donated does get to communities and does make a huge life-changing difference. I know, I have been there and seen it.

How would you define success in this job?

After recently visiting one of our community development partners in Emali, Kenya we put together a project proposal funded by ChildFund New Zealand and the New Zealand Agency for International Development for the protection of orphans and vulnerable children.

These children have lost their parents and siblings to HIV/AIDS and will most likely already be infected themselves. I met with a grandmother who looks after her four grandchildren, two girls at primary school and two girls under five. The children's mother had died of AIDS.

The grandmother earns about 90 cents a day. She was weak and always tired because she was HIV positive as well.

She knows she is dying and she knows that the community capacity building project we are putting together will benefit her grandchildren. Success is helping to establish a better future for these and millions of other children.

Advice to someone wanting to do the same thing?

Get your degree, learn about the issues and get involved.

Career hopes for the future?

I have gained excellent business, management and development practise skills. I want to remain in the NGO sector but I know that my skills are transferable.