The journey of a secondment: Dr. Ismaeel Husain’s experience at IOGP
When Dr. Ismaeel Husain received a request from his boss to update his CV, he had no idea that it would lead to a transformative journey at IOGP. Working in the downstream sector, he was unfamiliar with the Association, but soon found himself on a two-year secondment in London, an experience he describes as “incredibly enriching.”
A Unique Opportunity
As Senior Health and Safety Manager reporting to the Safety Director, Ismaeel stepped into a role that allowed him to work with some of the best professionals in the industry. “At IOGP, you work on diverse projects and collaborate with top industry experts. It’s an experience you won’t find elsewhere,” he shared. Over the course of his secondment, he worked with a network of over a thousand individuals, engaging in committees and expert groups to drive industry-wide improvements.
His secondment was intended for two years with an optional third, “One year to learn, one year to apply, and an additional few months to make a real impact,” he explained. He extended his stay by five months to ensure the completion of critical projects.
Challenges and Triumphs
Once he had settled his family in London, one of the biggest hurdles was navigating a vast network of key industry players. “Unlike back home, where I interact with a limited number of external contacts, at IOGP, the external connections are fiftyfold,” he noted. Over time, with support from colleagues, he overcame this challenge and turned it into an asset.
Ismaeel also encountered an unexpected aspect of his role: extensive travel. “I was not warned that my job would involve so much travel!” he laughed. However, he saw it as a positive surprise, allowing him to engage with global experts face-to-face.
Contributions and Impact
Among his proudest achievements was his role in developing a framework integrating various health and safety management systems under a single umbrella, known as Control of Work. “The true impact of this project will be seen a year or two after its implementation,” he explained. He also valued the relationships he built, emphasizing the importance of uniting professionals to eliminate fatalities in the industry.
Beyond IOGP, his secondment also benefited his home organization. “When a benchmarking issue arose for a shipping company in Bahrain, I leveraged my IOGP network and found solutions in no time—something that would have taken significantly longer otherwise,” he shared. His insights into future industry developments, such as process safety leading indicators and fatality definitions, also provided his colleagues at home with a strategic advantage.
Advice for Future Secondees
Reflecting on his journey, Ismaeel offers three key pieces of advice for future secondees:
- Embrace the experience with an open mind – Approach the secondment with a willingness to learn rather than imposing previous experiences.
- Be curious and ask questions – Stepping out of one’s comfort zone accelerates learning.
- Build strong relationships – “Connect internationally and act locally.” The value of global networks cannot be overstated.
Additionally, he advises future secondees to reflect on how they can learn and grow, not just achieve.
He stresses the importance of communication skills, given the diverse backgrounds of professionals within IOGP. “A secondee should be an outstanding communicator across all formats—verbal, written, and even body language.”
Looking Ahead
With his secondment nearing its end, Ismaeel is preparing for his next role as Vice President of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) at the corporate office in Bahrain. “This secondment has played a significant role in my promotion,” he acknowledged. As he transitions back home, he plans to maintain the relationships he has built and continue contributing to industry advancements.
Ismaeel’s experience at IOGP underscores the value of international secondments in professional growth, industry collaboration, and global safety advancements. For those considering a similar path, his journey offers inspiration and insight into making the most of the opportunity.
