Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 22 years of professional experience, including 15 years in youth development initiatives, the expert is an education specialist with a strong background in the Middle East and Africa. Possessing PhD-level expertise in applied research methodologies, they are skilled in life skills and employability training, experiential learning, and formal education. Career highlights include leading large-scale humanitarian projects, managing budgets up to $2 million annually, and overseeing teams of over 100 staff and volunteers. Responsibilities have included strategic guidance, capacity building, and project management for organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Queen Rania Foundation.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving international donors such as SIDA, UNICEF, and the Norwegian and Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The expert's involvement includes project implementation and reporting for youth programs in Jordan, focusing on education and social cohesion. They managed large-scale projects in refugee camps and host communities, impacting thousands of Syrian and Jordanian youth. Additionally, they provided strategic advice on education reform policies for the Queen Rania Foundation in Jordan. Their work also includes administering a DFID-funded scholarship and training program in South Sudan, contributing to governance and education initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in education, humanitarian aid, and youth development sectors, the expert has held roles such as Global Roving Youth Advisor, Youth Project Manager, and Research Consultant. Key responsibilities have included strategic guidance, project management, and capacity building. Their cross-cutting expertise includes applied research methodologies and participatory approaches for evidence-based decision-making. The expert's work has primarily been in the Middle East and Africa, with significant projects in Jordan, Sudan, and South Sudan. They have addressed regional development issues and fostered social cohesion through education and youth empowerment initiatives. Extensive geographic experience includes significant work in Jordan, Sudan, South Sudan, Senegal, and Lebanon, with deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in Jordan.

Languages and education

The expert is a native English speaker and is fluent in Arabic, including Levantine and Modern Standard, and has advanced proficiency in French. Their Arabic language skills have been utilized in conducting research, networking, coordination, and training delivery. They have received formal Arabic language training at the Bourguiba Institute in Tunisia and Alexandria University in Egypt, and French language training at L’ Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 in France. These language skills have supported their work in multilingual teams and international settings across the Middle East and Africa. The expert holds a PhD in Education from the Centre for International Education at the University of Sussex, UK, where they focused on teacher development and education quality. They also earned an MSc in Social Research Methods (Education) with Distinction from the same institution. Additionally, the expert has a BA (Hons) in Arabic and French from the University of Manchester, UK.