Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Rezene Emaha Asgedom

Christchurch

Summary

Experienced support worker and community leader with a strong background in providing social, emotional, and practical support to individuals with complex needs. Known for patience, adaptability, and empathy, delivering personalized care plans and encouraging participation in educational and therapeutic programs. Skilled in risk management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and creating safe, empowering environments that foster independence.


Proven leadership in supporting refugee communities, notably as an elected leader of the Eritrean community during a critical transition. Adept in strategic planning, resource coordination, and advocacy to promote integration, settlement, and cultural preservation. Experienced in cross-cultural dialogue and building partnerships with local organizations and agencies.


Highly organized administrative professional with experience supporting senior diplomatic delegates. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Tigrigna, with strong interpretation and translation skills in sensitive, multilingual settings. Committed to delivering culturally sensitive, high-quality support in dynamic environments.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Support Worker

Emerge Aotearoa
01.2015 - 01.2025
  • Provided social, emotional, and physical support to clients with high and complex needs in daily living.
  • Patience and adaptability in responding to diverse client challenges.
  • Helped clients improve their quality of life through personalized support and goal achievement.
  • Supported successful participation of clients in various educational and vocational programs, enhancing their skills and confidence.
  • Developed and followed care plans, incorporating risk management strategies to ensure client safety.
  • Created a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to encourage personal growth.
  • Motivated and encouraged client engagement in developmental and therapeutic activities.
  • Worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to monitor progress and adjust support as needed.
  • Maintained strong professional relationships with clients based on empathy, respect, and trust.

Temporary Staff

Geneva HealthCare
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Provided care and support to clients of various ages, including children, youth, and elderly individuals, across multiple New Zealand-based organisations such as NZCare, Oranga Tamariki, Stepping Stone, Barnardos, Brackenridge, Hohepa Disability Services, through Geneva Healthcare.

Voluntary Transitional Chairman

Eritrean Canterbury Association
03.2019 - 03.2021
  • Elected leader guiding the Eritrean community during a key transitional phase, supporting both long-standing members and newly arrived refugee families.
  • Provided strategic leadership to support refugee integration, well-being, and settlement by coordinating resources and services to reduce poverty and promote self-determination.
  • Promoted dialogue within the Eritrean community and fostered strong relationships with other local communities to enhance social integration and mutual understanding.
  • Encouraged preservation of cultural identity through first language education and organizing cultural events celebrating Eritrean heritage.
  • Advocated for the needs and rights of Eritrean refugees within the wider Christchurch community.
  • Managed communications and outreach to keep the community informed and engaged, including during the Covid-19 lockdown.
  • Collaborated with local organizations, government agencies, and social services to ensure refugees received appropriate support and resources.
  • Ensured all actions aligned with the association’s non-profit objectives, prioritizing community benefit.
  • Developed and implemented initiatives to enhance support services for vulnerable groups within the community.

Secretary - Chancellery and Field Departments

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Sudan Delegation
01.2010 - 01.2014
  • Arranged domestic and international travel and managed complex schedules for senior delegates, including the Deputy Head of Delegation and Field Coordinators.
  • Scheduled meetings, managed agendas, arranged transport, welcomed visitors, and provided full administrative support to senior staff.
  • Prepared and submitted weekly operational reports for senior leadership.
  • Coordinated internal communication and logistics with delegates and teams to ensure smooth mission operations.
  • Managed IT equipment for conferences and maintained stationery supplies, including requisition processing.
  • Maintained up-to-date diplomatic contact lists and compiled weekly planning overviews for all sub-delegations.
  • Coordinated delegate briefings and debriefings, including ordering business cards and preparing briefing materials.
  • Supervised the Office Clerk in the handling of diplomatic pouches, ensuring timely dispatch, reception, and accurate record-keeping.
  • Oversaw reporting, inventory, and general office operations, ensuring compliance with security protocols and operational efficiency.

Receptionist

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Sudan Delegation
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Welcomed and oriented visitors, directing them to the appropriate ICRC staff members.
  • Provided excellent customer service and managed visitor flow with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Maintained and updated contact lists, tables, and monitored telephone bills.
  • Monitored billing and reporting systems to support financial accuracy and compliance.
  • Managed switchboard operations, taking and distributing messages to relevant personnel.
  • Registered all incoming mail and letters, ensuring proper handling.
  • Adhered to reception guidelines and protocols.
  • Prepared and submitted weekly reports to the chancellery on reception activities and visitor flow.
  • Ensured reception area operated efficiently and professionally, representing the organization positively

Interpreter

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Mission in Sudan
01.2003 - 01.2004
  • Facilitated communication between English, Arabic, and Tigrigna speakers during interviews and seminars for the Refugee Status Determination Project.
  • Interpreted and translated verbal and written messages accurately across the three languages to ensure clear understanding.
  • Fluent in English, Arabic, and Tigrigna, with strong interpretation and translation skills.
  • Demonstrated excellent listening and communication abilities to convey messages sensitively.
  • Managed complex and sensitive information in multilingual settings, enhancing the accuracy of refugee status assessments.

Education

Zealand Certificate Level 3 - Health And Wellbeing (Support Work) Level 3

CareerForce
Christchurch, NZ
06-2019

NZQCF Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Level 4 - Health And Wellness - Advanced Support

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)
Christchurch, NZ
10-2020

International Diploma - Office Management & Administration

Cambridge International College
02-2012

Skills

  • Specialized needs assistance
  • Disability inclusion knowledge
  • Personal care support
  • Individualized care strategies
  • Therapeutic support
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Client Advocacy
  • Refugee support services
  • Effective cross-cultural communication
  • Cross-functional teamwork
  • Excellent Communication

Accomplishments

    Skilled support worker and community leader with experience assisting individuals with complex needs through personalized care and coordinated support. Proven ability to create safe, empowering environments that promote independence and well-being.

    Led refugee integration and cultural initiatives as an elected Eritrean community leader, working with local agencies to deliver essential services and advocate for vulnerable groups.

    Experienced in administrative support for senior delegates in diplomatic settings. Trilingual in English, Arabic, and Tigrigna, with strong interpretation and translation skills in sensitive, multilingual contexts.

Certification

Trained and hold employer-issued certificates in First Aid, medication management, safe responses to behaviours of concern, prevention of abuse and neglect, and the Privacy Act.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Arabic
Full Professional

Timeline

Temporary Staff

Geneva HealthCare
01.2021 - 01.2022

Voluntary Transitional Chairman

Eritrean Canterbury Association
03.2019 - 03.2021

Community Support Worker

Emerge Aotearoa
01.2015 - 01.2025

Secretary - Chancellery and Field Departments

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Sudan Delegation
01.2010 - 01.2014

Receptionist

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Sudan Delegation
01.2006 - 01.2010

Interpreter

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Mission in Sudan
01.2003 - 01.2004

Zealand Certificate Level 3 - Health And Wellbeing (Support Work) Level 3

CareerForce

NZQCF Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Level 4 - Health And Wellness - Advanced Support

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)

International Diploma - Office Management & Administration

Cambridge International College
Rezene Emaha Asgedom