Volunteer Spotlight: Roni Zouheiry

"The diversity of the team in GEA makes the work incredible. You learn something new everyday in this dynamic sector"

At the Global EverGreening Alliance, we are incredibly proud to have been built on the foundation of dedicated volunteers since our inception in 2018. Many of these volunteers are still with us today, having transitioned into part time and full-time roles within the organisation. Volunteering is essential to our mission, as it fosters a spirit of collaboration, growth, and shared purpose. It’s through the passion and commitment of volunteers that we’ve been able to scale our impact and create lasting change in the communities we serve.

This is why we wanted to spotlight some of those dedicated individuals. In this Volunteer spotlight we chatted to Roni Zouheiry, who is part of our Implementation team.

Describe what the experience was like for you and what a typical day looks like

When I first saw this role, I felt that it resonated with my career goals and that my skills and expertise would fit into this reputable organisation; and indeed it has been nothing short of an exciting fruitful mutual learning journey. Throughout the six months in my role as a volunteer, I have always been driven, proactive, and doing the initiatives and reaching out to colleagues for their support. This has been reciprocated with appreciation, support, and growth opportunities by colleagues and management within GEA. The volunteering experience has been very rewarding as I was treated like an equal team member with meaningful duties, responsibilities and deliverables. My line manager and teammates have encouraged my learning in the field on some technicalities with regards to agroforestry and carbon offsetting which has only increased my interest and keenness to work for GEA. A typical day in my volunteering experience would cover some day-to-day coordination tasks between the implementation team and other GEA teams and units, including the Program Coordination Unit in Africa, attending project related meetings as needed, leading on key tasks such as developing filing SoPs, exploring project and grant management platforms, migrating information into the chosen platform and other key elements that facilitate the implementation team's key task and roles. Through gaining mutual trust with the team, I have grown and assumed more responsibilities and leadership on matters leading to my current position as an Implementation Support Officer. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your volunteer experience?

The most rewarding part of my volunteering experience is the learning and growth pathways I have received support to pursue in addition to the recognition gained from the work that I have done. This has been reflected through the positive feedback given from my managers and colleagues. The work culture is amazing, I have never felt like an outsider or a stranger to the colleagues in the office, they have made me feel welcome from day one and have ensured I am integrated into all team activities, conversations, and meetings where relevant. 

What would your advice be to those who are thinking about volunteering?

Having more than 8 years of experience  in the private and non-governmental sector, it is humbling to have gone back to volunteering and learning. After volunteering with GEA, I can say that the culture within the organisation is amazing and the diversity of the team in GEA makes the work incredible. You learn something new everyday in this dynamic sector, there is never a dull day at GEA. All I can say as a volunteer is that after proving my skills and expertise in the organisation, I felt seen and heard. The experience is wholistic and does indeed lead to growth pathways where possible. It has led me to be employed now and working full time with GEA where I can pursue my goals and career with this beautiful organisation.