Experience

Water for Life Solutions, LLC

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Technical and Management Specialist

  • Feb 2017 - Present

  Washington D.C. Metro Area Provide home office technical and management oversight for field projects. Perform quality control and follow up with consultants to make sure deliverables are completed and submitted in a timely manner according to contractual requirements. Identify short-term technical experts for projects and provide support for recruitment. Prepare concept notes and proposals for new projects.



Ministry of Environment

• Consultant

  • Mar 2015 - May 2015

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of preparing the “Protected Areas and Natural Sites” chapter of the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) as part of a project entitled “Support to Reforms–Environmental Governance in Lebanon” (project funded by EuropeAid and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Reviewed national strategies, policies and institutional framework for protected areas in Lebanon. Conducted individual consultations with concerned… Show more The assignment consisted of preparing the “Protected Areas and Natural Sites” chapter of the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) as part of a project entitled “Support to Reforms–Environmental Governance in Lebanon” (project funded by EuropeAid and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Reviewed national strategies, policies and institutional framework for protected areas in Lebanon. Conducted individual consultations with concerned stakeholders. Developed sustainable development concepts, policies and an action plan for the NSDS strategic objective: “conserving the natural and cultural heritage”. Show less



UN Women

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Coordinator

  • Mar 2014 - Mar 2015

  Burundi The assignment consisted of providing management and coordination support to a national program entitled “Women’s Leadership, Participation and Rights”. Developed project proposals and concept notes, contributed to the mobilization of 700,000 USD for project implementation from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. Developed project documents, work plans and budgets. Formulated job descriptions and developed terms of references for short-term and long-term… Show more The assignment consisted of providing management and coordination support to a national program entitled “Women’s Leadership, Participation and Rights”. Developed project proposals and concept notes, contributed to the mobilization of 700,000 USD for project implementation from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. Developed project documents, work plans and budgets. Formulated job descriptions and developed terms of references for short-term and long-term consultants. Provided technical input and supported the establishment of a nationwide network of more than 500 Burundian women from civil society organizations working as community peace mediators. Coordinated and supported program activities including the development and implementation of a nationwide training program for 500 volunteers. Show less



UNDP

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Project Manager

  • Jul 2009 - Sep 2013

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of providing technical and management assistance to promote the sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of selected Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) of national and global importance for the project entitled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management into MAPs Production Processes in Lebanon” (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute). Designed, planned and supervised the implementation of all project… Show more The assignment consisted of providing technical and management assistance to promote the sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of selected Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) of national and global importance for the project entitled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management into MAPs Production Processes in Lebanon” (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute). Designed, planned and supervised the implementation of all project activities. Prepared project work-plans, financial and technical reports. Supervised project staff, consultants, and sub-contractors. Coordinated and collaborated with different stakeholders including local communities, government institutions, the private sector, civil society and NGO’s. Drafted and submitted IUCN Redlist conservation assessment reports for nine MAP species. Developed national legislation and regulating systems for the MAP sector with an adopted and implemented national permit system for wild harvesting by the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. Developed a national conservation guideline for managing MAPs in Lebanon including detailed conservation guideline for the seven project target species. Designed and implemented national distribution surveys, mapping and population assessments for nine MAP species. Designed and implemented detailed assessment of population and species characteristics under wild conditions for selected MAP species. Developed sustainable wild harvesting standards for the two most important and commercially traded MAP species in Lebanon with accompanying certification criteria. Produced sustainable wild harvesting training material and practical guidelines to support harvesters at all stages from collection to processing. Developed, supported and trained community-based enterprises on sustainable wild harvesting of MAPs with a fully developed processing, business planning, and marketing value chain. Show less



Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

• Germany
• International Trade and Development
• 700 & Above Employee

• Consultant

  • Oct 2008 - Jul 2009

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of providing technical, management and administrative support to ten projects implemented by different beneficiaries/grantees including ministries, municipalities, universities, NGOs and nature reserve committees. The projects covered different interventions including sustainable forest management, reforestation, agro-processing, sustainable agriculture and water management in wetlands. Provided technical assistance in the planning and execution of project… Show more The assignment consisted of providing technical, management and administrative support to ten projects implemented by different beneficiaries/grantees including ministries, municipalities, universities, NGOs and nature reserve committees. The projects covered different interventions including sustainable forest management, reforestation, agro-processing, sustainable agriculture and water management in wetlands. Provided technical assistance in the planning and execution of project activities. Coordinated and conducted field visits to project sites to ensure timely and proper implementation of projects. Supported national and international experts during monitoring and evaluation missions of each project. Assisted in the development of project documents and technical reports. Supported in the development of communication tools and training material. Conducted regular monitoring and evaluation of each project. Show less



American University of Beirut

• Lebanon
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Consultant

  • Oct 2008 - Jul 2009

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of conducting research and drafting concept notes and proposals to mobilize resources for the center’s activities. Identified and liaised with potential contributors by targeting the private sector, general public as well as national, regional and international donors. Supported in the development and writing of new project proposals. Contributed to writing technical publications on environmental and biodiversity issues. Developed and organized… Show more The assignment consisted of conducting research and drafting concept notes and proposals to mobilize resources for the center’s activities. Identified and liaised with potential contributors by targeting the private sector, general public as well as national, regional and international donors. Supported in the development and writing of new project proposals. Contributed to writing technical publications on environmental and biodiversity issues. Developed and organized fundraising events targeting the private sector including auctions, environmental team building retreats, and customer gift cards. Developed awareness and communication material to promote the center’s activities. Show less



Ministry of Heritage and Tourism - Sultanate of Oman

• Oman
• Government Administration
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Ecosystem Management and Conservation Director

  • Nov 2007 - Jun 2008

  Sultanate of Oman The assignment consisted of providing technical assistance to the Omani Government for the sustainable management of the Ras Al-Jinz Marine Protected Area. Developed a management plan to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of both natural and cultural resources of the site. Developed a scientific program including ecological assessment, research, and monitoring. Produced an operation protocol for the site including detailed guidelines for visitors and eco-guides… Show more The assignment consisted of providing technical assistance to the Omani Government for the sustainable management of the Ras Al-Jinz Marine Protected Area. Developed a management plan to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of both natural and cultural resources of the site. Developed a scientific program including ecological assessment, research, and monitoring. Produced an operation protocol for the site including detailed guidelines for visitors and eco-guides. Developed a public outreach program including events, material, and interpretative signage. Designed and organized capacity building programs for project staff and local communities. Show less



Rafik El-Khoury & Partners - Consulting Engineers

• Lebanon
• Construction
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • Sep 2006 - Oct 2007

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of preparing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for twenty-two sanitary landfills, composting and sorting facilities for the National Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan in Lebanon. Conducted site visits to assess and evaluate the location and the physical, biological and socio-economic environment. Identified potential impacts of each proposed site and plan. Developed environmental management plans for each site including mitigation measures… Show more The assignment consisted of preparing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for twenty-two sanitary landfills, composting and sorting facilities for the National Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan in Lebanon. Conducted site visits to assess and evaluate the location and the physical, biological and socio-economic environment. Identified potential impacts of each proposed site and plan. Developed environmental management plans for each site including mitigation measures and a monitoring program. Show less



MedWetCoast Project Regional Coordination Unit

• Consultant

  • Sep 2006 - Oct 2007

  France The assignment consisted of providing coordination and technical assistance to enhance the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and experiences of the regional component of the project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region” covering six countries and seventeen sites. Reviewed and updated the project’s final report on management planning to serve as a practical and concise tool for managing wetlands at the local, regional and… Show more The assignment consisted of providing coordination and technical assistance to enhance the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and experiences of the regional component of the project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region” covering six countries and seventeen sites. Reviewed and updated the project’s final report on management planning to serve as a practical and concise tool for managing wetlands at the local, regional and international level. Developed a user-friendly DVD to serve as a summary of the project countries’ activities, outputs, and achievements. Assisted in the preparation and organization of the final regional advisory committee meeting attended by sixty participants from six project countries and international organizations. Show less



UNDP

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Consultant

  • Sep 2006 - Oct 2007

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of developing the biodiversity thematic assessment as part of a project entitled “The National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA)” (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Evaluated Lebanon’s policy, legislation and institutional framework for biodiversity. Analyzed Lebanon’s obligations, opportunities and national priorities in the area of biodiversity. Conducted root cause analysis for biodiversity loss and capacity… Show more The assignment consisted of developing the biodiversity thematic assessment as part of a project entitled “The National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA)” (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Evaluated Lebanon’s policy, legislation and institutional framework for biodiversity. Analyzed Lebanon’s obligations, opportunities and national priorities in the area of biodiversity. Conducted root cause analysis for biodiversity loss and capacity constraints for national priorities. Identified major challenges, constraints, and opportunities for capacity building interventions. Proposed capacity development opportunities to better address biodiversity issues on the individual, institutional and systemic levels. Show less



American University of Beirut

• Lebanon
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Consultant

  • Sep 2006 - Oct 2007

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of developing a management plan for Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve in Lebanon (project funded by GEF/UNEP and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Organized and facilitated consultation sessions with local communities to identify threats, needs, challenges, and opportunities for the Nature Reserve. Developed the nature reserve’s objectives, management strategies, monitoring, and evaluation program. Developed a detailed… Show more The assignment consisted of developing a management plan for Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve in Lebanon (project funded by GEF/UNEP and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Organized and facilitated consultation sessions with local communities to identify threats, needs, challenges, and opportunities for the Nature Reserve. Developed the nature reserve’s objectives, management strategies, monitoring, and evaluation program. Developed a detailed implementation program covering six main management strategies: species and habitat conservation, sustainable resource utilization, sustainable tourism, local community engagement, communication/awareness and administration/operation. Show less



UNDP

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Project Manager

  • Nov 2005 - Jun 2006

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of providing technical and management support to the Ministry of Environment for the proper management of two protected areas in Lebanon for a regional project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Zones in the Mediterranean” (project funded by FFEM and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Designed and supervised the implementation of all activities through close down to successfully achieve the project’s objective. Developed and… Show more The assignment consisted of providing technical and management support to the Ministry of Environment for the proper management of two protected areas in Lebanon for a regional project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Zones in the Mediterranean” (project funded by FFEM and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Designed and supervised the implementation of all activities through close down to successfully achieve the project’s objective. Developed and implemented detailed project work plans and budgets. Supervised project staff, consultants, and sub-contractors to ensure timely delivery and high-quality outputs. Prepared project reports and documentation for donors, the ministry, and UNDP. Collaborated and coordinated with all project stakeholders: Ministries, municipalities, landowners, civil society organizations, local communities, academia, the private sector and research institutions.

• Wetland Site Manager

  • Dec 2002 - Oct 2005

  Lebanon Regional project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Zones in the Mediterranean” (project funded by FFEM and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Developed a detailed five-year management and operational plan for Aammiq Wetland. Engaged and mobilized all site stakeholders through regular awareness events/field trips, project activities, capacity building programs, meetings, and workshops. Developed and implemented local community development… Show more Regional project entitled “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Zones in the Mediterranean” (project funded by FFEM and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Developed a detailed five-year management and operational plan for Aammiq Wetland. Engaged and mobilized all site stakeholders through regular awareness events/field trips, project activities, capacity building programs, meetings, and workshops. Developed and implemented local community development programs. Coordinated and supervised the development and execution of a comprehensive training program for local inhabitants on local produce production, hygiene, and standards. Designed and established the first bed and breakfast initiative in the region with accompanying training to promote local sustainable development. Organized and promoted organic farming initiatives in the region surrounding the wetland. Coordinated and supervised the development of an ecological monitoring program with an accompanying practical manual. Conducted site assessment and monitoring of fauna, flora, habitat and water resources. Developed and implemented a comprehensive eco-tourism program for the wetland and surrounding villages including infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and capacity building. Developed a comprehensive eco-guide manual and trained local community youth as well as staff from all protected areas in Lebanon. Coordinated and technically assisted the development of an informative documentary about the project and the wetland. Contributed to the planning and preparation of national and regional workshops. Contributed to the mobilization of cash and in-kind contributions equivalent to 33% of the project budget through funded proposals and coordination with ongoing initiatives to collaborate on similar activities. Managed the Ramsar Small Grants Fund for Wetland Conservation and Wise Use (SGF) supporting two wetlands.

• Consultant

  • Aug 2002 - Nov 2002

  Lebanon The assignment consisted of developing Lebanon’s Second National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) within the Top-Up Biodiversity Enabling Activity Project (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Reviewed biodiversity initiatives and projects undertaken by public, private and government organizations. Conducted individual consultations with stakeholders related to the biodiversity sector in Lebanon. Participated in… Show more The assignment consisted of developing Lebanon’s Second National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) within the Top-Up Biodiversity Enabling Activity Project (project funded by GEF and implemented by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment). Reviewed biodiversity initiatives and projects undertaken by public, private and government organizations. Conducted individual consultations with stakeholders related to the biodiversity sector in Lebanon. Participated in writing a comprehensive report “Lebanon’s Second National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity”.