Islamic Relief staff stories

“I truly enjoy my job, as I am passionate about supporting the right holders and ensuring our responses to life-saving emergency programs are timely and effective. The most fulfilling aspect of my role is improving the well-being of our communities.

One of my favourite moments in my humanitarian career was in Yemen. I had the opportunity to work closely with our local team to distribute food items to those in desperate need. It was a challenging situation, but seeing the difference we made reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and teamwork in our humanitarian efforts.

For anyone considering a career at Islamic Relief, I encourage you to focus on developing the necessary skills and adopting a humanitarian mindset. Flexibility and dedication are essential if you want to make a real impact in the lives of those we serve. There are plenty of opportunities to grow within the organisation and I’m living proof of that — I began as an administrative officer in 2008 and have had the chance to work in various roles and countries ever since.”

“I find the job very rewarding. For me, the best part of it is getting to become so familiar with the history of the organisation. 

Since I’ve been here, it has become very clear that Islamic Relief is very proud of its history. Now 40 years old, the organisation is very proud of its humble beginnings in Birmingham and its growth to a global presence. 

Getting to see the links between the organisation of 1984 and now, observing how the organisation has changed and how charities in general have evolved, is a pleasure to get really familiar with.

I have been at Islamic Relief for a year now and I found it very easy to fit in with the team, the workplace culture is great and everyone has been very welcoming.”

“I have been with Islamic Relief for 11 years and throughout my journey, I have found immense fulfilment in building relationships and partnerships that make a real difference in communities. One of the aspects I cherish most about my role is the opportunity to build relationships. I thrive on working with diverse teams and supporting them in achieving their goals. Travelling to different countries and experiencing their cultures has enriched my understanding of the communities we serve, and it fills me with passion knowing that I play a part in promoting effective programs that create positive change. 

Joining Islamic Relief felt like I was welcomed into a family where everyone genuinely cares about one another. This sense of community has made my time here not just a job, but a meaningful and rewarding journey.”

“In my role as a humanitarian advocacy advisor at Islamic Relief, I’m tasked with tailoring Islamic beliefs to address different humanitarian challenges globally. It’s crucial to stay up to date with the landscape of global affairs and discussions. 

What I find most rewarding about being part of the advocacy department is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful
discussions and initiatives behind the scenes.

Working at Islamic Relief isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to a larger mission. It’s about shouldering the responsibility of representing one of the largest faith-based organisations and striving to make a difference in the world.”

“Working at Islamic Relief has truly been a nurturing experience for me. There’s such a variety of roles available, and if the first one you try doesn’t quite fit, there’s always the opportunity to explore other departments or areas within the organisation. 

It’s a place where you can build a fantastic career and access opportunities you might not find elsewhere, whether it’s through travel, personal development, or forming lasting friendships.

I feel like a custodian of the organisation, as we all do when we join. We’re here to ensure its longevity and success, serving its mission and the rights holders we aim to help. Every day is different, presenting new challenges to tackle and allowing me to collaborate with colleagues from around the world. It’s not a monotonous job at all and that’s something I really appreciate.

My background in journalism naturally led me to focus on public relations and crisis communications, skills that have proven to be invaluable here. It’s immensely satisfying to contribute to maintaining Islamic Relief’s reputation and navigating through the challenges we face.”

“I started off as an intern right out of university, moved on to be an administrator, then into recruitment and later to international HR as an officer. Now, I’m a HR service coordinator. 

I’ve achieved a lot here, progressing every year. I’m also involved in mental health and well-being initiatives, ensuring people are taken care of financially, emotionally and physically. 

My message to someone considering a career here would be if you believe in the mission and want to help people, you should definitely apply.”

“The best part of my job is definitely the exposure I get to colleagues from all parts of the organisation. Interacting with partners in fundraising, colleagues in the UK, as well as colleagues from the field, offers a vast learning opportunity. It’s not about changing who you
are but respecting and operating within the organisation’s values. 

I’ve learned a lot about Islam and the generosity it entails, which greatly impacts our ability to deliver programs.

Starting at Islamic Relief felt like beginning from scratch, but I quickly found my footing and hit the ground running and despite my initial lack of knowledge about the humanitarian sector eight years ago, the exposure to diverse colleagues has facilitated my learning and
growth.

Over my time here, I’ve experienced a level of support and kindness that might be rare in secular workplaces. The caring and passionate environment encourages involvement, such as volunteering opportunities, which is something I find truly enriching.

I would encourage anyone considering Islamic Relief not to be deterred by its faith-based nature but rather to embrace the nurturing and supportive community it offers.”

“Living under siege in Palestine, experiencing bombardments and enduring starvation have left a mark on my soul. It made me more aware of others’ suffering, realising that pain, hunger, and fear are real and not abstract concepts.

Through my lens, I strive to capture genuine moments and true emotions. These images and footage convey stories and experiences in a way that touches both hearts and minds. 

What keeps me committed is my deep belief in our humanitarian mission. This job allows me to serve others on a larger scale.”