Helen Johnston
Helen was born in Uganda. In her early years, 'home' was in Nairobi in Kenya before the family eventually returned to Northern Ireland.
Helen has a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Accounts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Development. She is also a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Following university, she worked in 'Personnel' in a number of commercial enterprises within Northern Ireland, gaining valuable experience in recruitment, staff training, industrial relations, negotiation skills and employment legislation.
In 1995, Helen was accepted by PCI for service in Nepal and, as part of her preparation, she successfully completed a Certificate in Biblical Studies through Belfast Bible College (BBC). Later on, she obtained a further certificate from BBC, in Biblical Counselling.
Early in 1996, Helen left for Nepal and, after language study and orientation, she began working in the Personnel Department of the United Mission to Nepal (UMN). During her time in Nepal, she had a number of roles within the department, including (latterly) that of Personnel Director. In addition, she served on the leadership team of UMN, playing an active part in the implementation of UMN's vision, mission and purpose in Nepal.
Her duties during this period covered responsibility for the placement of expatriate personnel in a range of positions both within UMN and outside with partner organisations; the support and pastoral oversight of expatriate visa holders (plus their families!) serving with UMN; and employee relations and staff representation for the national staff of UMN.
In 2003, Helen's eight years of service with UMN came to an end and, in October that year, she joined the Mission Overseas staff team, taking up her present role as Personnel Officer (Overseas).
Helen is a member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Lisburn.
Executive Staff Team | Other Profiles: Uel Marrs | Nigel Eves | Pamela McCullagh
