UNV Spotlight with Marinela Marquez Nuñez, Programme Officer with UNMISS

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UNV Spotlight with Marinela Marquez Nuñez, former UNV Programme Officer with UNDP. UNV, 2018
16.11.2023 | 13:15

UNV Spotlight with Marinela Marquez Nuñez

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Marinela is a former UNV Programme Officer of the UNV Field Unit at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in South Sudan. In 2018, she gave this interview to Spotlight, sharing her passion for volunteering. "Once a volunteer, always a volunteer," she says. Listen to her story on Spotlight, moderated by Regina Gorle and produced by Machrine Birungi.

Two years after her on-site assignment ended, she was injured in her home, resulting in a physical disability. She is currently an Online Volunteer, supporting UNV from her home in the Philippines.

Marinela has several years of experience in developmental and humanitarian engagements, with her skills areas in programme management, DRR, gender, youth and children’s rights. 

Prior to her work in South Sudan, Marinela worked with international non-governmental organizations in Somaliland, Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal and in her home country Philippines. 

UNV understands us. The United Nations may look like an enormous entity, but it is a kind giant, because it promotes inclusion and equality. The United Nations is not to be feared; it is ourselves – our mind, our insecurities – that cripple us. So here I am no, not very physically fit, but my mind and heart are able. I am happy that UNV considers us.
-- Marinela Marquez Nuñez, former UNV Programme Officer, now an Online Volunteer

This podcast was originally published by Radio Miraya in South Sudan on 12 October 2018. The text has been edited based on additional input from the volunteer in 2023.