Hello ! Can you tell us about your background?
My Name is Issa John, and I am South Sudanese. I joined VSF-Suisse in 2012 as a Project Manager. I am an agronomist by profession with a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Extension and a master in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. Currently, I’m in the final stage of pursuing my second master’s in Climate Change and Development.
What motivated you to join VSF-Suisse?
I joined VSF-Suisse because of the variety of projects they had — from child protection to food security and livelihoods — it matched my professional background. As an agronomist, I wanted to expand my skills and knowledge in livestock, and I saw VSF-Suisse as an ideal place to do so. The organisation provides opportunities for staff to advance in their field, that is why I managed to progress from my first diploma to now pursuing my second master’s degree.
VSF-Suisse also works directly with vulnerable people in South Sudan, a country with a significant livestock population and with diverse natural resources. The organisation offers an environment where we can learn so much through interaction with different project stakeholders. You know, here in South Sudan, after the Civil War that lasted over two decades, there are many challenges—women who lost their husbands, children left as orphans. I saw that I could contribute by helping these children grow up in a better environment.
How would you describe your role within the NGO?
As a Project Manager, I handle a variety of tasks, from participation in project proposals and needs assessments to general implementation planning. I am also involved in capacity building for staffs in sustainable agronomic practices, sustainable natural resources management and financial management. I collaborate closely with government counterparts, humanitarian partners and other relevant project holders.
Although my role is largely managerial, I am dedicated to fieldwork and actively engage with community training and project monitoring. For now, I am in Juba for a project which requires my expertise, but I won’t stay here long — I need to be in the field, where the vulnerable communities that VSF-Suisse serves are located to achieve VSF-Suisse’s main goal.
Can you share an anecdote or an outstanding achievement of which you are particularly proud while working with VSF-Suisse?
One achievement I’m especially proud of is our work with women’s groups through the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) aiming at alleviating poverty among women, child headed households and youth under the PROWIGA project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. We organize vulnerable women, such as widows, people with disability and female-headed households into groups and train them on poultry production and management, basic small business management technics and savings skills. For example, some women are now able to grow vegetables, rear chicken, sell them at the market, and save part of their earnings collectively. This has helped them send their children to school and improve their food security and socioeconomic status.
What is your professional or personal dream for the future?
Professionally, my dream is to achieve a Ph.D., so I can give back even more to VSF-Suisse. I joined the organisation only with a diploma and, over time, obtained two master’s degrees with their support. I feel it’s my duty to contribute as much as I can in return. I hope to one day become a Country Director, which would allow me to elevate VSF-Suisse’s impact at local, national, regional, and even global levels.
On a personal level, I want to support orphans in their education and raise awareness about climate change at the grassroots. By promoting tree planting and sustainable natural resource management, I hope to ensure future generations have a healthy environment.
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests ?
I like staying active, so I go running — sometimes up to 12 kilometers. I also enjoy reading to stay informed, and I’m a big football fan, having played when I was younger. Spending time with my dogs is also something I like.
What is your favorite food ?
My favorite food is fish. In South Sudan, most people eat fish. I also enjoy okra, kisra (a type of flatbread made from fermented sorghum or maize flour), and honey mixed with peanut butter.
What is your favorite animal and why?
My favorite animal is the chicken. Why? They’re easy to care for, economical, and don’t require much space. Especially in an urban setting, you can manage a number of chickens on a small plot of land, unlike other livestock that demand much more space. Chickens are manageable, efficient, and can even generate a decent income.
Do you have any final thoughts?
While VSF-Suisse may not be a large organization in terms of size, the effectiveness of our work is recognized and respected. I am proud to be part of VSF-Suisse and hope to contribute even more in the years to come.
Thank you for your engagement, Issa!
