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Matthias Schmale
UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i)
Matthias Schmale is a senior global manager with over 20 years of experience in leadership, strategy implementation, and complex operations.
He specializes in disaster preparedness, response, health, education, and social services, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Currently serving as the Director of Operations at UNRWA in Gaza, overseeing services for over 1.4 million Palestine refugees.
Matthias is known for his open, honest, and direct management style, fostering professional and personal development in his teams.
His career includes senior positions at reputable organizations like the United Nations, IFRC, British Red Cross, and International Save the Children Alliance.
He holds a PhD in Development Economics and a Master's in Economics from Freie Universit\u00e4t Berlin.
In addition to his professional roles, Matthias has actively contributed to charitable causes, including roles at 'Sentable' and the Global Road Safety Partnership.
Highlights
Transcript of a second desperate voice mail received from my exhausted friend Taher this morning. His wonderful family invited me many times to their home, which is now overcrowded with 20 people from four families in the North of #Gaza seeking refuge (photo below).
“Here its new morning which usually starts with birds singing around us but unfortunately the drones and the aircrafts sound is higher than anything. Its finally our sleeping time. I just had to stay and watch them. It’s like everybody waiting in a queue of death, waiting for our turn, and we never know who is next. The worst issue that when you wait for your death by being hit with rocket; but its good when you are dead you can’t feel anything. The problem when you are alive; our problem that we are staying alive, suffering, and being tortured waiting every second if we are just staying or lose our beloved and weep them. And then waiting for our turn again. Drinking water, washing water is running out; food is running out. Of course, no electricity at all; we hardly live day by day. The story is continuing, and the journey of suffering is continuing. And no expected day to end this. I am advising everybody not to teach their kids be there towards international community, the Arab League or Human Rights, because they don’t make sense anymore. Just some reports here and there, watching us being buried under the rubbles of our houses. Even no cemetery or a graveyard could fit us. Wish us good luck!”
