I started my volunteering journey as a UN Volunteer in the Republic of the Congo in 2016. This experience did not merely deepen my understanding of humanitarian work—it ignited a passion and that's kept me motivated to make an impact. My name is Augustin Munyabugingo and this is my story.
I was a UN Volunteer in the Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2018. I was an Associate Logistics Officer based with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) field office in Betou. I coordinated logistics during the repatriation of Central African Republic refugees from Likouala to their country of origin. Despite immense challenges, it was a successful repatriation operation and this inadvertently gave steam to my passion for supporting the humanitarian context.
One of the main challenges was operating in a resource-limited environment—where infrastructure was poor. There was no road access in locations. I kept at it with everything I had. Problem-solving and resilience put to text. However, navigating cultural differences were daunting at first.
My motivation came from what our work could achieve on the ground. The support from communities, local government authorities and UNHCR colleagues made all the difference.
I learned that effective communication and humanitarian work rely on the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. It's all about how to connect with a diverse group of people around you.
Volunteering in the Republic of Congo deepened my understanding of UNHCR’s mandate—everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution or war at home. What is important in this context is logistics and procurement for timely and effective humanitarian responses.
On a personal level, volunteering broadened my perspective on global issues. It gave resilience and empathy a whole new level. We are united in empathy—that's what volunteering taught me.
Professionally, through volunteering I got hands-on experience in logistics and supply chain management—a vital aspect for my current role. My problem-solving skills got a real opportunity to be honed along with having the chance to experience life under pressure— including in hardship duty location.
After my volunteer assignment ended in 2018, I returned to my home country, Rwanda. I volunteered for two years and then went to Mauritania operation where I served as an Associate Procurement Officer.
I am now at the UNHCR Headquarters in Budapest, where I work as a Procurement Officer within the Division of Information Systems and Telecommunication. This role focuses on my logistics and supply background and allows me to contribute to global procurement strategies in close collaboration with Supply Management Services.
My perspective has evolved to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of humanitarian work in all these years.
As a volunteer, I focused on immediate, on-the-ground needs. In my current role, I see the broader strategic picture and the importance of efficient procurement processes in supporting field operations.
What would I tell my younger self? I would say embrace every challenge and opportunity with an open heart and mind. Trust in your ability to make a difference and stay committed to the mission.
Remember, each one has our own journey.
What defines us is our strength, our resilience.
Never be discouraged—just keep going.
Augustin Munyabugingo at the UNHCR Headquarters in Budapest, where he works as a Procurement Officer. @ UNHCR, 2024.