Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 18 years of experience in the development sector, the expert is adept in project management, value chain improvement, strategic planning, and SME development. They have led both international and local initiatives, including climate resilience projects and innovation hubs, achieving significant impacts such as aiding 18,500 individuals through economic inclusion programs. Career highlights include managing projects for UNIDO and UNDP, where they introduced innovative agro-food products and enhanced livelihoods. Their responsibilities have extended to grants management, capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Cooperation. Their involvement includes project implementation and capacity building in sectors like climate change resilience, agro-food product development, and community empowerment. These projects have been both regional and national in scope, taking place in Lebanon, Turkey, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across key sectors including rural development, civil society and NGOs, environment and natural resource management, food security, micro-finance, social development, and SME and private sector engagement. Previously held roles such as project coordinator, innovation manager, and livelihood program manager. They possess interdisciplinary expertise in areas such as agro-food product development and climate resilience. Their work spans regional and country-specific initiatives in the Middle East, focusing on fostering economic growth and sustainable development. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, with a deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues. Their work in these countries includes long-term assignments and projects focused on enhancing livelihoods, fostering economic inclusion, and promoting sustainable development. This regional expertise has been instrumental in successfully leading initiatives that address complex cultural and socio-economic dynamics.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, and has beginner proficiency in Italian and Armenian. These language skills have been utilized in diverse professional contexts, including in-country work across Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, and in multilingual team settings, enhancing communication and collaboration in international projects. The expert holds a Master's degree in Ecological Engineering and Biodiversity Management from Montpellier II University in France. Additionally, they earned a Bachelor's degree in Life and Earth Sciences (Biochemistry) from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon. Their educational background is complemented by a minor in Chemistry and internships focused on Protected Area Management Plan elaboration.