ban saraf cv may 2016

Ban Saraf [email protected]

BAN SARAF SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

12235 James Madison Pkwy, King George, VA 22485

Phone: +1-202-657-4348, Skype: bansaraf, Email: [email protected]

I have over 20 years of experience implementing short- and long-term projects in conflict, transitional and volatile environments for international, non-governmental and government agencies. In order to provide technical and capacity building support to women, youth and marginalized groups, I design, launch, manage and implement governance programs in the Middle East, North, East and West Africa that develop linkages between local government, CSOs, NGOs and citizens. The training and grants supported programs apply a demand-driven approach that promotes community leadership and citizen mobilization that enhance citizen engagement in local and national decision-making processes through community identified and supported projects. EDUCATION

• 1996, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. School of Foreign Service, MA in Advanced Arab Studies, Culture & Society

• 1993, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, B.A. with honors, International Studies LANGUAGES

• English: Fluent, Arabic: Fluent, French: Moderate CONSULTANCY AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY CONSULTANCY Civil Society Advocacy Specialist Chemonics International, Mogadishu & Somaliland, Somalia November 2015- April 2016 A two-tier consultancy that supported CSOs’ engagement with citizens and government through the Strengthening Somali Governance (SSG) project funded by USAID. Developed responsive training modules for advocacy campaign development, planning and implementation workshops that guided women and youth CSOs in developing and planning advocacy campaigns around key national issues. Provided project grantees with ongoing technical support through a series of training and mentoring sessions to design effective elections related campaign tools including campaign data collection and campaign messages that aim at further increasing CSOs linkages with their constituents and local and national decision makers. Submitted detailed weekly reports that can be utilized as a guide for local staff to further support partner CSOs in implementing their campaign grants. Advocacy Specialist Creative Associates International, Tunis, Tunisia November 2015 Conducted four-day advocacy training with a constitutional expert with emphasis on campaign message formation. The aim was to assist five targeted Libyan CSOs in formulating focused campaign messages. The workshop resulted in producing three innovative and responsive constitutional campaign messages in the form of a play, song and a poster. Advocacy Specialist DAI Europe, Ltd, June- 2015 For a period of three weeks, worked remotely but closely with the client. Researched and produced an advocacy power point presentation to the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, (KACND) Saudi Arabia. The presentation seeks to establish a potential partnership with key ministries in the Kingdom by demonstrating the strategic need to launch advocacy campaigns to support policy. Advocacy Specialist Creative Associates International, Tunis, Tunisia May- 2015 Prepared for and conducted a five day advocacy training and campaign planning workshop for four key Libyan CSOs. The hands-on workshop provided training in advocacy campaign development as well as campaign planning. The workshop resulted in the drafting of four work plans that incorporated the key priority issues and campaign objectives to enhance citizens’ awareness and engagement in the Libyan constitutional drafting process.


Independent Grants Evaluator Foundation For the Future (FFF), Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon May- September 2014 Evaluated programmatic performance of the Foundation for the Future’s MEPI funded grant and its potential impact as captured through its sub awards with regional CSO grantees serving their respective communities in Human Rights, Civic Education, Women Empowerment and Democratic Governance. Researched internal documents and conducted interviews with relevant FFF departments. Reviewed the grant making process and internal mechanisms, interviewed 12 NGOs in Egypt and Lebanon and surveyed an additional 12 other grantees in the MENA region. Designed methodology and tools for survey and evaluation. Generated two detailed country evaluation reports, aggregated survey results and in collaboration with the FFF senior team included all findings and recommendations on optimizing the grants process to meet FFF’s vision and objectives in a final evaluation report. Advocacy Specialist Chemonics International, Egypt (March-May 2014) In support of USAID’s Egypt Competitiveness Program (ECP), prepared a customized follow on training to the series of training conducted in the previous year with additional NGOs from Alexandria, Upper Egypt, Port Said and Sharqia. The workshops aimed at building the capacity of MSME NGOs in interpersonal communications as well as strategies and planning in reaching out to decision makers to prioritize and reform laws pertaining to the MSME sector. The four workshops targeted approximately 30 leading NGOs in the MSME sector with a total of over 80 participants that resulted in a set of recommendations drafted to decision makers to incorporate into the reform currently being undertaken. Advocacy Specialist Chemonics International, Egypt (March-April 2013) In support of USAID’s Egypt Competitiveness Program (ECP), prepared a customized training module and conducted four training workshops on advocacy strategy formation and planning to the program’s partner NGOs targeting 5 governorates. The workshops aim at providing the NGOs with the capacity to plan advocacy campaigns to enhance their capacity in advocating for the MSMEs priorities to the policy makers at the central level. Additionally, conducted capacity building assessments to the participating NGOs in advocacy to further support their ability to conduct effective advocacy campaigns. Consultant FHI 360, Amman, Jordan (February 2012) Part of the FHI 360 team that prepared the proposal’s oral presentation to USAID’s Community Engagement Program RFA. Provided input on the oral application narrative and Power Point Presentation and was part of the team that presented the oral technical approach to USAID. Consultant Creative Associates International, Maldives (February 2012) Was part of a two person team contributing to the proposal development “The Maldives Election Support Activity (MESA)”. Conducted a two week field assessment to include desk research, met with key government, civil society and NGO community members. Assisted in designing technical approach for the program. Advocacy Specialist International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Tripoli, Libya (December 2012) Prepared and conducted a three day training workshop on Advocacy in Tripoli for women advocating for fair political representation. This included working with the client to draft the scope of work, the workshop objectives and outcomes as well as presentation, agenda and submission of final report. Advocacy Specialist International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Tunis, Tunisia (October 2012) Prepared and conducting a three-day training workshop on Advocacy for IFES’ local NGO youth partner in Tunisia. Preparations included a customized training presentation, three-day agenda as well as a post workshop questionnaire and quiz. Workshop addressed challenges related to campaign finance resulting in the production of a draft advocacy action plan. Senior Advisor Creative Associates International, Cairo, Egypt (September 2012) Supporting the field and head office team on the ELECT-WY project funded by USAID in working with the communication department to produce a project video highlighting project successes with the local partners as well as leading the project close schedule.


Senior Associate, Democracy & Governance Tetra Tech - ARD, Egypt & Tunisia (May 2011 – June 2011) As a consultant, worked with the MENA regional team on assessing the post revolution state of Egypt and Tunisia in the areas of elections and local governance. Produced two detailed country capture reports along with a list of contacts and potential partners. Advocacy Consultant Blue Law International, Bujumbura, Burundi May 2009 – July 2009 As a consultant to USAID’s Burundi Policy Reform project, worked with project’s civil society team in assessing the advocacy capacity of local NGOs working on initiatives with VOT (Victims of Torture). Provided training of trainers session to participants from the Government of Burundi (GoB), civil society and international organizations in the methodology of planning and conducting advocacy campaigns. Produced a training guide on advocacy planning which was used for training of trainers in four Burundi provinces. Provided participatory and interactive advocacy campaign planning sessions with three project partners resulting in the production of three strategic action plans. NGO Specialist Foundation For the Future, Cairo, Egypt September 2008 Interviewed and assessed nine local NGOs’ institutional capabilities to receive grants from the foundation using a customized assessment tool to reflect Egypt’s NGO reality. Provided grant disbursement recommendations based on the NGOs’ capacity as well as the foundation’s selection criteria. Country Specialist CHF International, Jordan June 2008 Worked with the country director to prepare for an upcoming civil society proposal for Jordan. As a team we researched and identified potential partners within the NGO community as well as the GoJ. We have also captured the state of civil society as it relates to government and citizens in Jordan. Program Specialist UNDP, Capacity Development Group (CDG), Arab States February – May 2008 Part of the UNDP Capacity Development Group working in several Arab countries providing capacity assessment and development training and support to UNDP country offices and their government counterparts. Additionally working on various knowledge management tools and maintaining the regional Information, learning and Networking (ILN) website as a resource to complement the group’s regional efforts. Worked on localizing the UN MDGs in the Zarqa Governorate in Jordan, Regional Technical Advisor Counterpart International (CPI), Washington DC & Egypt February – March 2007, Worked as a consultant with the home office CPI team to design and finalize a winning proposal for an advocacy and civil society program in Egypt. Identified local partner, assisted the team with a viable program design, and technical approach. Regional Advisor Creative Associates International, Washington DC & Morocco October 2006 Conducted a two weeks assessment in Morocco for the pre 2007 election activities on the local as well as civil society levels. Met with local NGOs and set up partnerships to include in the client’s response to USAID’s RFA to support the engagement of Moroccan civil society in their 2007 election process. All required partnerships were established and a report was generated that included an assessment of political perceptions from various Moroccan actors. Regional Consultant Counterpart International (CPI), Lebanon & Egypt August 2006 – September 30, 2006 Lebanon Country Assessment Advisor: Worked with the home office team to plan a cross-sectoral country assessment trip to Lebanon. Responsibilities included pre trip planning, assessment and identification of possible key partners. In country fact finding mission included all regions in Lebanon that were impacted by the summer 06 conflict and the development and reconstruction initiatives being undertaken by various actors and donors. Egypt Civil Society Expert: Worked with Director of New Initiatives to create a concept paper for an Egypt civil society program. Identified and finalized local NGO partnerships and advised the program team on Egyptian civil society and other country considerations. Assisted in producing the final concept paper. Civil Society Consultant


Research Triangle Institute, Amman, Jordan May2006 Part of a two person team, worked on assessing Jordanian civil society, NGO capacity building and legal and gender initiatives. A final assessment report enabled the client to be better positioned to propose tangible and realistic solutions to identified civil society challenges and capacity building mechanisms. Voter Education Specialist International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), July 2005-April 2006 For the "Support to the Electoral & Political Process in Egypt" IFES contract, assessed and identified active development and Human Rights NGOs in Egypt that were willing to work on voter education, election reform, civic education and political participation. Formed and assisted in establishing a local NGO network which was then organized to deliver voter information and voter education to their stakeholders. Support was in the form of training in; Network formation, capacity building, advocacy and outreach, as well as organizational skills to produce customized voter education material.

Country Assessment and NGO Trainer Freedom House, Beirut, Lebanon May 2005 Worked on a multi phased multi tiered assignment that targeted youth activists in Beirut. Following the assessment phase, worked with activists in establishing tools and mechanisms to be better organized beyond the present political reality. Through dialogue as well as structured training the groups were able to form their own vision and plan weekly meetings. This allowed them to regroup, reorganize and move from random activist into a different phase where each of the members returned to normal life’s responsibilities and routine. Trainer on Advocacy Outreach for the Disabled International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), Amman, Jordan April 2005 Trained leaders of Iraqi disabled CSOs (12) on short and long-term Advocacy and Outreach techniques. Produced common advocacy strategy and action plan for civic education and empowerment of disabled Iraqis on the national level to have an impact on the constitutional drafting process and referendum campaign in Iraq. Knowledge Management Consultant United Nations Development Agency (UNDP), Beirut, Lebanon January - March 2005 Formulated a learning and networking strategy for the Arab region under the Capacity 2015 Program for Arab States. Developed the web site content and coordinating knowledge sharing strategies amongst the participants and their clients. Senior Program Development Specialist Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Baghdad, Iraq August – October 2004 Assessed client’s existing civic dialogue program in order to identify areas to streamline minorities and women’s participation in the National Civic Dialogue Program. Submitted and implemented a plan to systematically include the two groups in all civic education activities and help link them from the local level to the National Dialogue. Complimentary to that effort, trained 60 Iraqi women leaders on political and democratic participation, Elections, civic awareness and NGO capacity building. Graduate Student Research Assistant Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, Washington DC Sep 1994 – April 1995 Summarized and translated various books and documents for Dr. Barbara Stowasser, researched sources, provided written synopses on topics related to women in the Middle East for Dr. Judith Tucker. EMPLOYMENT Acting Chief of Party & Director of Programs Democracy Council, Gaziantep, Turkey (Nov 2013 – January 2014) Joined an existing team serving a dual role as Acting COP as well as Director of Programs on a MEPI funded project supporting Syrian NGOs and local councils. Managed a total project staff of 25 including liaison officers inside Syria. Established internal project process and organizational chart to ensure a streamlined management, supervisory and reporting process. As Director of Program, provided technical support and guidance to 8 program team members reviewing concepts and proposals and managing their reporting tools to


the donor. Met regularly with the MEPI representative and provided project updates and in-country situational status. Senior Legal Reform Advisory The Louis Berger Group, Baghdad, Iraq (May 2013 – October 2013) Joined an existing team and served as the advocacy and legal reform advisor on the USAID-funded Access to Justice Program in Iraq and provided technical support and training to staff and local partners on designing responsive awareness and advocacy campaigns. Managed and built the capacity of the 7 national staff and provided technical assistance and guidance to the program partners. Oversaw the project’s welfare legislative initiative working closely with the technical team, parliamentarians and civil society. During the assignment, a final legislation was drafted and a responsive awareness campaign tools launched by the local CSO partners. Worked closely with the program senior team to deliver weekly and quarterly reports. Coordinated and liaised with the other program component that aimed at building the capacity of pro bono legal framework through partner NGOs and legal institutes to institutionalize advocacy as one factor for the sustainability of the program Chief of Party Creative Associates International, Cairo, Egypt (June 2011 – August 2012) Part of the startup team for the ELECT-WY project funded by USAID that addressed the gap that exists for women and youth in underserved areas to exercise their political rights and to support their electoral integrity initiatives by providing them with strategies, tools, information, and resources to conduct effective voter education and information campaigns specifically targeted to these vulnerable groups. The project provided training in basic governance concepts and targeted messages that led to the production of media spots and customized messages that were responsive to the partners’ needs in addressing anti-fraud election campaigns in their respective communities. Worked closely with the partners to address day-to-day challenges and responded to changes in security that impacted the program’s schedule. Managed overall deliverables per work plan as well as the project’s monitoring plan (PMP) and budget, addressed office legal status in country with HQ and local legal advice, drafted field reports and quarterly reports and managed a nine member team including interns. Liaised with USAID on project updates and reported project progress. Transferred the project leadership to a senior local team due to lack of additional funding for an expatriate. Resident Country Director Creative Associates International, West Bank (August 2009 – April 2011) Joined an existing project for a seven-month commitment that was then extended for an additional 12 months. Managed four staff members and 120 small grants to support the Community Leadership Empowerment Project (CLEP), a MEPI funded grant that focused on supporting youth, women and local government leaders in marginalized and remote areas in the West Bank. Grants were aimed at empowering these target groups by funding projects through local NGOs, youth clubs and local government (municipalities and local councils). Worked closely with two local polling companies to design the post project survey to measure project results. Provided consultative guidance to some of our award recipient as well as our main partner, Miftah, a national NGO in advocacy strategy formation and planning leading to the planning and conducting of two workshops to male and female local government leaders in advocacy strategy formation and planning. Additionally, conducted a three day advocacy training to Miftah’s youth partners through their NED funded youth project that produced a draft advocacy plan. Project was planned to end in June 2010 but received additional funding until April 2011. This phase of the program focused on participatory strategic planning for 24 existing partners. The planning included a training session followed by individualized consultation meetings with the partners, resulting in the production of 23, 5 year strategic plans. Chief of Party Counterpart International, Alexandria, Egypt October 2008 – April 2009 Took over as COP in the latter part of the project on civil society and advocacy in Alexandria, Egypt and ensured the delivery of all project objectives within a seven month period. The project “Promoting Effective and Active Civic Engagement in Egypt “(PEACE) had three objectives; institutional strengthening of three local partner NGOs, linking them with Alexandria citizens and building stronger ties with local government and media. Managed 6 team members and three local partners. Assisted in designing advocacy activities that further facilitated dialogue between civil society, the public sector and the media. Provided technical assistance to the three partner NGOs in strategically developing their websites and merging them with their strategic plans. The project’s participatory approach led to an interactive partnership that provided open dialogue and exchange of experiences between the local partners as well as the larger Alexandria community. The PEACE project’s final phase led to the launch of three grass roots advocacy campaigns with hands-on technical support by the PEACE team. Senior Governance Advisor Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Center for Democratic Governance, Washington, DC


January 2007 – January 2008 Specialized in civil society, advocacy and good governance initiatives as part of the CDG team for West Africa and the Middle East. As a member of the RTI MENA and Africa Geo Teams, reviewed overall regional strategies and programs. Additional responsibilities included researching upcoming proposals, managing ongoing international projects, advising on program approaches and strategies and providing input and support to the center as needed. Specific tasks included:

- March 07 – January 08: Technical advisor and Home Office Technical Manager for the RTI’s “Faisons

Ensemble” program in Guinea “Multi –Sectoral Interventions to Advance Democratic Governance in Guinea”. A $23 million dollar USAID funded 30 month program to improve governance in health, education and agricultural sectors.

- October 07 - January 08: Lebanon country assessment and proposal leader on an upcoming RFA.

Conducted a country assessment visit to research and identify local partners to upcoming economic development and governance opportunity.

Civil Society Specialist Chemonics International, Baghdad, Iraq June 2003 – February 2004 As a sub to RTI, International’s Local Governance Program in Iraq, was part of a team that set up local neighborhood (88), district, and city councils (9) in Baghdad, serving over 5 million residents. Worked with local councils to set up local council elections. Trained council members in grass root leadership and political participation as well as conflict resolution, office management, accountability and outreach to their constituents. Other activities included civic education, women local council candidates training, council rules and regulations monitoring and training and NGO capacity building and leadership training. Worked specifically with the Women’s sub-committee to mobilize their effort, network, gather and share information as well as establish committee goals and objectives. Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer SARAF Software Solutions, Inc. (SSSI), Falls Church, VA March 1996-May 2003 Led the incorporation process and grew a two person company to a 30 member consulting firm serving several international and US clients. Managed various departments including HR, Communications, Finance and Business Development. Oversaw the necessary infrastructural growth required in response to the company’s rapid growth. SSSI was one of the lead small women owned businesses that worked with Network Solutions, Inc. to launch the global dot com computer system. As part of the company’s community outreach, worked with various local NGOs to incorporate IT into their business solutions. Senior Operations Manager Innosphere, Inc., Falls Church, VA September 2005- February 1996 Responsible for all operational and organizational facets of technology consulting company. Managed all aspects of the company’s employee relations and work environment. Responsible for all company accounts and office management. Created innovative ways for employee interaction and welfare. CITIZENSHIP: USA

ban saraf cv may 2016

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