For more than a decade, Rula Mughrabi has worked at CVT in Jordan, first with the New Tactics MENA team and then moving to her current role as a finance manager for both the CVT Jordan Direct Services Office and the New Tactics Office, and also supporting the Regional Office. She sat down with Grace Ogihara, senior graphic designer, to talk about her work in helping people and organizations.

Rula has more than 15 years of experience in working in the nongovernmental organization (NGO) sector. “I actually really love working for NGOs, it’s my passion,” she said, “helping people in need, no matter what their need is. I feel like it’s part of humanity, and my passion is to be part of that humanity.”

Working in Administration as Part of a Closely-Connected Team

Rula started her CVT journey when she applied to an open position with the New Tactics office in Amman. “I had a strong feeling I would be there. There was a big exam. I passed and from that moment to this moment, I’m proud to be here,” she said.

From the very beginning, Rula noticed that working at CVT was different from her previous experiences. “The interview process really showed that CVT was looking for a professional who would fit in this particular position. They wanted to see how the person communicates and answers questions. It is not enough to be a professional person with certificates. That’s not enough; it’s important, but not enough. It is the character, the personality and the human inside us which make the difference,” she said.

“CVT is like my family. I’m so connected here,” she said. “I feel like something is missing if I don’t see them. Every year, CVT is growing, no matter the financial crises happening all over the world. CVT is a special organization, helping people in need.”

Every year, CVT is growing, no matter the financial crises happening all over the world. CVT is a special organization, helping people in need.”

Rula Mughrabi, finance manager, CVT Jordan

She has found that the focus on hiring people who have compassion for the people we serve has remained consistent and very valuable. “CVT also looks for the heart. Someone who values the mission and who can look to the future and its impact on people,” Rula said.

Working Globally: Different Systems but Similar Dedication

As part of an administrative team handling issues and projects related to human resources and finance, Rula finds it very supportive that the team is located on the same floor in their building and has daily practices to greet each other and discuss priorities. “I feel like there’s an amazing harmony between colleagues in Jordan at this office, this floor. It became a very close place in my heart,” she said.

However, she also works with the international finance team and has calls once or twice a week, or more frequently when needed. “I enjoy working with them continuously,” she said. “We have issues that we need to share with our colleagues internationally, but it’s also important to understand each other’s holidays and culture.”

We have issues that we need to share with our colleagues internationally, but it’s also important to understand each other’s holidays and culture.”

Rula Mughrabi

Finance is a key part of CVT’s work, a critical infrastructure component that keeps the organization running. “Funds are the bridge that connects and leads the organization to its mission,” she said, noting how finance work is a combination of efforts among all the departments.

Rula also mentioned how global team members learn from each other and find the things they have in common. And while different locations use different financial systems, they all respect cultures and differences, she said. There is always a lot of work to be done, but she finds the days pass quickly. “We do have pressure at work, but we do it with passion and complete positivity,” she said. “I enjoy every day at the office.”

“When you reach the moment when you get up in the morning, and you don’t want to go to work, that’s not good,” Rula said. “I think you must open your heart to get relief to overcome that feeling.”

The Power of Positivity and Hope

Rula was on the staff at CVT during the COVID pandemic, which began in 2020. She mentioned how difficult it was for people to face the realities of the illness as well as the closures across the region and the world. “The psychosocial impact on everybody was really hard,” she said. And she appreciated that “At CVT Jordan, and at CVT in general, they tried their best to support their employees’ psychosocial needs, even in the financial field.”

When we face something that is hard, we need to keep trying. Loss or failure is not the end – we have to keep trying in our lives.”

Rula Mughrabi

It was a difficult time, but Rula found that hope was something that carried through at CVT. “I feel like hope is one of my passions; in my personal life, I’m so positive. I like being positive,” she said. “I feel like positivity can take you and can lead you to so many bright areas in your life. Being positive opens a green light everywhere.”

Rula hopes that CVT will continue to grow and expand, and she keeps her spirit of hopefulness alive with her focus on positivity.

“When we face something that is hard, we need to keep trying. Loss or failure is not the end – we have to keep trying in our lives,” she said. “Loss can be the opportunity that leads us to bigger success.”

Balance Between Personal Life and Work Life

Rula is a mother of four children, and she recognizes the demands of a career, combined with the responsibilities of raising a family, can often feel overwhelming. However, Rula tries her best to use the right strategies for setting up priorities, time management and mindset in order to find a harmonious balance that allows for success both at work and at home.

Rula loves walking, playing basketball and soccer!