Staff profile: Nelly Moleka

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Nelly Moleka is a programme officer in our office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

What do you do and how did you come to work for DFID?

I provide programme management support for the parts of DFID's work which focuses on water and sanitation, HIV-AIDS, and natural resources. You can read about the kind of thing we work on by visiting the DRC country homepage or by looking at what our partners do, such as the work done by Belgian Technical Co-operation

Before working for DFID, I was working for a private telecommunication company. I used to work for the Youth and Sports Ministry of DRC, and I had some prior experience in the development sector and wanted to go back at some point,  so I joined DFID in late July 2005.

Describe your typical day

My typical day involves reviewing reports written by other donors and partners, and giving an administrative support to my team. These includes advisors, a deputy programme manager and a programme assistant. I also represent DFID in meetings outside the office.

I was locally hired by DFID, and I act as a representative for others like me within the office. So, I organise meetings on staff issues and plan outside activities for all DFID and Foreign Office staff (our soccer team is a legend…)

Sometimes, I also go to visit projects in different parts of the country, which is very exciting because it gives me the opportunity to see the impact of DFID's work on the lives of real people.

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What does it feel like to work for DFID?

It’s very exciting and challenging at the same time. What is really good is that friendly spirit among people. DFID is also very one of the most comprehensive employers I’ve experienced.

The work-life balance that we work towards allows people to have a real family life and that’s very good - especially in a developing country such as the Democratic Republic of Congo where many people generally work until late and often don’t have time to see their kids grow up.

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What's the most important thing you have learned so far at DFID?

Development is a process that should include both rich and poor countries to work together hand in hand. Poor countries have also something to bring to developed countries.

I think poor people living with less than 1$ a day should also be more listened to by donor agencies in the decision-making process.

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Any advice for someone who wants to work in development?

The first thing I’d say is that you should be passionate about development. He or she should have be very opened-mind and have a  poverty reduction-focused way of thinking.

To work overseas can bring a lot of advantages, but if you do it, you should be prepared to be patient and to persevere and to never forget that this work is for the best possible cause - the improvement of people’s lives.

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