Project Officer Heta Hyvärinen Knows NGOs – Introducing the Finnish Red Cross (2/4)

Heta Hyvärinen started to work as OIL SPILL Project Officer at the Headquarters of the Finnish Red Cross in February 2019.

“A year ago, oil spill response was a rather unfamiliar field to me. However, as an environmental scientist, I was extremely interested in the vacant post.”

She was a great choice for the job. Heta has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences, and she has a wealth of experience not only in the realm of NGOs but in EU-funded projects, leadership, and organizing training as well. Her core competencies include organization and project management, fundraising and environmental and global justice themes. Heta has completed a course for nature and wilderness guides and, last year, she finished her studies of non-violent communication, too – and gained skills that are useful everywhere!

As Project Officer, Heta is responsible for the activities of the Finnish Red Cross within the project: detailed planning of the activities, implementation of the planned activities and reporting of the project in close cooperation with the OIL SPILL expert group that she established to support and guide her work. In addition, Heta’s tasks include close collaboration with the competent authorities, stabilizing the educational system for the oil spill response at the shore, and clarifying the division of tasks between NGOs in educational activities.

“The varied bunch of different actors is both a challenge and an opportunity in my work. Responsibilities and roles are still somewhat unclear, and expectations are high towards the project. What I expect, too, is that the roles and tasks – as well as the training path of the volunteers in oil spill response – become clearer during the OIL SPILL project.”

Heta is looking forward to the tabletop exercise the Voluntary Rescue Service organizes next weekend. This practical training is targeted for the volunteers who are responsible for leading NGOs in oil spill response at the shore. However, several OIL SPILL actors – also from abroad – will take part in the event as observers. These kinds of visits enable both the hosts and guests to learn and even develop the practices together.

Text: Heta Hyvärinen / The Finnish Red Cross & Minna-Liina Ojala