We are delighted to welcome Sophie Niven to the Secretariat team. She will work alongside Jan Eyre, Integral’s Head of Disaster Management and Programmes, in the newly created part-time role of Disaster Response Coordinator …
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m from Scotland and currently based in Glasgow. I’ve worked overseas for several years predominantly in disaster response and early relief and recovery across a range of countries. My focus has been on monitoring, evaluation, and communications as well as project management. I’ve also worked on development programming for a variety of humanitarian organisations at their headquarters back in the UK.
What will you be doing for Integral?
I’ll be supporting Integral’s Members with our collaborative disaster response work. This involves ensuring that systems, processes and relationships are well developed and in place to help Members provide efficient and effective support to the people we are assisting during the onset of a disaster.
What do you find inspiring about Integral?
It’s so important to have well-coordinated disaster programmes – collaborative working can really increase the number of people we are able to reach and support, ultimately saving lives. Integral embodies this. So far, I’ve been amazed by the systems they’ve already put in place to facilitate collaborative working in response to disasters. Typically it can be challenging for organisations to share information rapidly during the onset of a disaster but Integral makes this process much easier. I also admire their approach to this work, which is truly participatory and aims to involve our Members and partners overseas as much as possible in our dedication to continually improving our disaster response work.
Do you have a favourite quote or Bible verse?
There are so many! One that really stands out to me is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
What do you do when not working for Integral?
I study art and design and do a lot of this in my spare time, as well as capoeira and various types of dance. I love the outdoors – hiking, climbing, camping, and cycling – and I try to read a book a week!
