Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 16 years of experience in peacebuilding and development, the expert is proficient in program design, policy writing, and process improvement. With advanced skills in Excel, Google tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, the expert has led strategic planning, curriculum redesign, and budget management for international development programs. Career highlights include securing a $50,000 grant, managing a $125,000 grant budget, and crafting recommendations for senior government officials. Responsibilities have included overseeing recruitment and application processes, demonstrating leadership in both local and international initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as Chemonics, DAI, USAID, and the EU Commission. The expert's involvement included proposal development, securing grants, and managing donor engagement events. Thematic areas covered include peacebuilding, security, and advocacy, with a focus on governance and gender issues. The projects were primarily national in scope, with significant work conducted in Afghanistan. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, project implementation, and capacity building within these sectors.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in community development, NGOs, culture and arts, gender and human rights, security and peacebuilding, and organizational development, the expert has held roles such as Program Coordinator and Program Assistant. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, curriculum redesign, grant management, and advocacy. The work has a regional and international scope, with significant experience in Afghanistan. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge includes program design and policy writing, integrating digital tools for monitoring and evaluation. Geographic experience includes extensive work in Afghanistan, as well as travel to 21 countries across 5 continents, including Egypt and Morocco, gaining familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

The expert is proficient in English and Arabic, with advanced level proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including international development work and advocacy in multilingual environments. The expert's Arabic proficiency was further developed through academic studies and practical application in regions such as Afghanistan, Egypt, and Morocco. Educational background includes a Graduate Certificate in Conflict & Development from the American University School of International Service, expected in Spring 2018, an M.A. in Arab Studies from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, graduated with distinction in May 2013, and a B.A. in History and Literary Studies with a concentration in International Studies-Middle East from Williams College, completed in June 2011.