Naida Spahic's journey as a national UN Volunteer in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the story of the power people have to bring positive change. She was a Grant Investment Package Monitoring Assistant at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). From handling finances to coordinating events, Naida's impact went beyond mere task completion. She empowered local farmers, boosted skills and supported businesses in tough times, showing how one person can create meaningful change.
My motivation to become a UN Volunteer stems from my belief in the power of every individual to effect change and contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable world. --Naida Spahic, UN Volunteer Grant Investment Package Monitoring Assistant with UNDP, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During a typical day, Naida aided the Project Associate in the preparation of accurate and up-to-date financial records. She took the lead in procurement activities, which involve conducting market research, creating necessary procurement documents, assessing bids or proposals, and overseeing relationships with vendors. Furthermore, she played a vital role in event coordination, assisting in logistical aspects such as venue selection, participant registration, and materials arrangement.
However, Naida didn’t stop at this. She dedicated her efforts to empowering local farmers, enhancing skills and knowledge. She also fostered economic opportunities by helping increase competitiveness in agricultural production, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis during dedicated recovery projects (EU4AGRI, EU4AGRI-Recovery, and EU4BusinessRecovery). Her efforts have had a positive influence on the local community within the country.
I had a heart-warming experience working closely with local farmers in a rural community. Together, we implemented initiatives to improve agricultural practices, resulting in increased yields and financial stability. Witnessing their gratitude and success reinforced the value of collaboration and capacity-building. --Naida Spahic
Naida also thinks that volunteering is a unique experience, since it provides remarkable professional growth and learning opportunities. An especially valuable aspect, in her eyes, lies in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and engaging with local communities, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and broadens perspectives.
Naida explains that serving with UNDP ensures comprehensive support and guidance throughout the volunteer journey. The programme offers valuable training, mentorship and resources, creating a nurturing environment for volunteers to excel.
She wholeheartedly encouraged her peers and colleagues to embark on this incredible journey, where personal growth and positive change intersect. “It has opened my eyes to the world's complexities, enhanced my ability to work with diverse teams, and ignited a passion for making a meaningful difference.”
This article was prepared with the kind assistance of Online Volunteer Basak Yirmibesoglu. Find out more about how to become an Online Volunteer or engage Online Volunteers.