Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is thrilled to introduce Josue Musoda as its East Africa Recruitment Lead. He has been a part of the team since September 12 and is based in Uganda. 

Congratulations on your new role, Josue! Tell us a little about your background and career so far.

Thank you for the warm welcome! My journey has been a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of meaningful work. I am a proud Congolese, hailing from a large family of eight, with five younger brothers and two young sisters. Growing up, our home was always open to guests, and from a very young age, I learned the profound blessing of helping those in need.

When I arrived in Uganda as a refugee, I witnessed firsthand the immense challenges refugees face. It was a pivotal moment for me. I knew I had to take action and make a difference. That's when I joined Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID). At YARID, I had the privilege of spearheading the Job Training and Placement program, which provided refugees with vital skills such as goal setting, communication, resume writing, preparation for job interviews, and job placement. This experience solidified my dedication to supporting displaced individuals on their journey to rebuilding their lives.

My commitment to this cause deepened during my advocacy work with the Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative (RRLI). I worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of refugees and refugee-led organizations (RLOs) in policy and decision-making processes. This journey ignited my passion for creating opportunities for displaced individuals and led me to my current role as the East Africa Recruitment Lead with TBB. TBB's mission resonates deeply with my vision of connecting displaced talent with global opportunities, and I believe this role allows me to make an even more significant impact. I'm thrilled to be part of a team that's changing the narrative for refugees worldwide.

What made you decide to join TBB?

My choice to embrace the position of East Africa Recruitment Lead at TBB stems from a deep-seated commitment to enhancing the well-being of displaced individuals. As a former refugee myself, I possess an intimate understanding of the formidable hurdles that refugees confront in their host countries, often contending with the loss of virtually everything, including their families. For more than seven years, I have wholeheartedly dedicated myself to supporting refugees, a journey encompassing my tenure at YARID and active involvement with the RRLI. This experience instilled in me the belief that TBB provides an ideal platform to effect profound, positive change in the lives of refugees across the globe. Upon perusing the job description, I recognized an alignment between the work I had been engaged in for the past seven years — equipping refugees with skills to enhance their employability — and TBB's mission, which offered the opportunity to amplify these efforts on a larger scale.

What are you most excited to start working on in the weeks and months ahead?

I'm excited about offering refugees an alternative path, one that goes beyond the usual options, which often have their limitations. I can't wait for the day when I'll personally accompany candidates to the airport, marking the beginning of their journey to secure jobs abroad. Seeing the renewed hope in the faces of family members, whose lives are transformed through these work opportunities, motivates me.

Moreover, as a strong advocate for RLOs, I'm thrilled about the potential collaborations between these organizations and TBB, where we join forces to turn this vision into reality. The numerous opportunities for skill development that candidates can access through TBB also excite me.

What does a typical day at TBB look like to you?

A typical day at TBB is a vibrant blend of activities. It encompasses networking, engaging with colleagues, strategic planning, and partnering with various stakeholders. A significant part of my day involves identifying refugee-serving organizations that can work with TBB to turn our shared vision into a reality within the region.

What do you hope to accomplish at TBB?

My ambition at TBB is to fulfill my long-held dream of empowering refugees by connecting them with employment opportunities. Providing a source of income is the most effective solution to displacement. Whether it's resettlement, local integration, or voluntary repatriation, gainful employment is crucial to improving the lives of refugees. TBB's mission and vision provide a definitive answer to this pressing challenge. By empowering refugees through work, we can also challenge stereotypes and showcase the transformative potential they bring to economies and societies.

I aim to expand the alum network of TBB's program, illustrating its effectiveness and advocating for creating special visas in more countries to facilitate labor mobility. This will be a compelling argument for change and further impact in the field of refugee empowerment.

How do you believe Uganda can benefit from welcoming skilled refugees and vice-versa?

Through these connections, Uganda can benefit from an enriched talent pool, contributing to economic growth and cultural diversity. In return, refugees gain the chance to rebuild their lives, utilizing their skills and expertise meaningfully.

Who/what makes you laugh?

Laughter is a beautiful part of life, and I'm fortunate to find it in various places. Firstly, I've been told I have a good sense of humor, and making people laugh is something I enjoy immensely.

The arrival of my daughter has brought an abundance of joy and laughter into my life. She has a unique talent for bringing smiles to my face, even in moments of exasperation (a delightful contradiction, indeed!). 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

During my free time, I indulge in a few cherished activities. I'm an avid music enthusiast, I love engaging in meaningful discussion with fellow youth, the aim being to teach them what I know. Additionally, I have a penchant for educational documentaries available on platforms like YouTube.

Gospel songwriting is another passion of mine, although I don't consider myself a professional by any means! 😄

Most importantly, I relish spending quality time with my family. They are the heart of my world, and we often come together to jazz for hours on end, creating harmonious memories. 

What’s your favorite Slack emoji and why?

My favorite Slack emoji is 😂, the one that represents hearty laughter. It resonates with me because it reflects the joy I feel when I see others happy and confident in serving one another.