Professional passion
Working on a feature to follow up our recent coverage on procurement for Haiti, I’ve been struck by the passion, enthusiasm and energy of the buyers and supply chain experts I’ve interviewed. “It’s like a virus,” one told me.
I’m not sure I would fancy working a 37-hour shift only to return to my tent for the night (which just happens to be pitched in an earthquake zone where tarantulas the size of a man’s hand crawl nearby).
But I do understand the desire – and satisfaction to be gained – from the ability to offer practical help and assistance on the ground to some of the millions hit by such a disaster.
And what better advert for the profession than the direct difference skilled purchasing and logistics can make in such a situation? I felt proud and privileged to speak these impressive individuals – who are pulling ridiculous hours on moderate salaries – about their work.
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Agreed. In many developing countries / disaster zones many UN / NGO and similar staff are risking their lives daily to help others, with little recognition, and often much (ill-founded) criticism.