Mohammed Abusulaiman
Programme Specialist
Gent
Summary
Dynamic and seasoned MENA Program Specialist with over 14 years of deep-rooted experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, particularly within conflict-related contexts. Adept at spearheading social movements, advocacy, and campaigning initiatives with a human-centered approach. Proven expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based programs, driving community engagement, and facilitating capacity development. Excel at high-level coordination, fostering strategic partnerships, and securing funding to advance organizational missions. Committed to impactful and sustainable people-driven solutions that address complex social challenges.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
9
9
Certifications
Work History
MENA Programme Specialist, Social and Behaviour Change& Community Engagement
UNICEF- MENA Regional Office
04.2022 - Current
- Led the development of the Behavioral Insights Guide on Faith Engagement, enhancing faith-based partnerships across the MENA region
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of a community-based response strategy in Gaza, securing funding and achieving significant community impact
- Initiated and piloted the Earthquake Response Strategy in Syria, focusing on rapid and effective community mobilization and support
- Developed and deployed a comprehensive SBC-CE Package of Guidance, Standards, and Tools to end violent discipline, significantly influencing regional policy and practice
- Played a key role in the development of a regional Mental Health initiative, contributing to improved mental health support frameworks in MENA
- Served as the Secretariat of the regional parenting group, leading efforts to enhance parenting support and resources across UNICEF MENA offices
- Elected as a Member of the SBCC Summit Executive Committee 2023, influencing the preparation and design of the social and behavior change communication summit
- Directed the creation and rollout of a regional SBC online course and a global face-to-face capacity development training, elevating the competencies of practitioners across the MENA region
- Led the SBC contribution to gender responsive and gender transformative parenting
- Act as Gender and social change focal point in the SBC team in MEAN.
Social and Behavior Change Specialist (Surge Assignment)
UNICEF
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Led the design of UNICEF Jordan's COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy, which enhanced public awareness and preventive behaviors during the pandemic and promoted routine immunization
- Played a pivotal role in shaping the Jordan Program Strategy 2022-2027, integrating behavior change results and objectives to drive program effectiveness
- Contributed to developing the country office's research and evidence-generation strategy, ensuring data-driven decision-making and program design
- Initiated and guided the evaluation of the country office's overall response to COVID-19, identifying key learnings and areas for improvement
- Developed a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the SBC section, securing essential resources for sustained program impact.
Program Officer and Innovation Focal Point, Social and Behaviour Change Communication
UNICEF
10.2018 - 04.2022
- Spearheaded the Baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices (KABP) Study, shaping an SBC Strategy for Early Childhood Development and Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities in Palestine, recognized as Best UNICEF Research 2019
- Led the development and pilot of a comprehensive communication strategy for Early Childhood Development, significantly enhancing awareness and support for children with developmental delays and disabilities in Palestine
- Directed the creation of the UN COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy in Palestine, implementing effective communication channels and messages to mitigate the pandemic's impact
- Coordinated the RCCE national group, bringing together national partners, youth groups, the private sector, and fundraising teams, fostering a unified and impactful response to COVID-19
- Orchestrated COVID-19 campaigns and community engagement programs, driving significant public participation and adherence to health guidelines, and spearheaded evidence-generation initiatives to inform ongoing strategies
- Pioneered the design and integration of a comprehensive Social and behavioral change program in Palestine, securing vital funding and laying the groundwork for sustainable impact in behavior change communication
- Designed and led a groundbreaking behavior change program aimed at ending violence against children in Gaza, employing innovative strategies and community engagement to foster safer environments for children
- Initiated and implemented the first Hack the Crisis Hackathon in Palestine during COVID-19 to bring solutions for communities and development actors during lockdowns
- Led the Gaza emergency response during and after the 2021 war.
Programme Officer, Youth and Adolescent Development and Participation
UNICEF
10.2015 - 10.2018
- Conceptualized and executed the Sports for Development program in Gaza, leading to a significant shift in five sports clubs allocating dedicated time, budget, and facilities for women's sports, fostering gender inclusivity and empowerment in the athletic community
- Established a comprehensive network of youth organizations across Palestine, promoting collaboration and support for initiatives focused on gender equality, climate action, and peace-building, thereby strengthening community resilience and youth engagement in social causes
- Launched the UNICEF entrepreneurship program, catalyzing adolescent and youth innovation by forging strategic partnerships with the private sector, thus nurturing a new generation of social entrepreneurs
- Developed a series of capacity-building initiatives targeting young individuals and NGOs, covering critical areas such as human-centered design, campaigning, advocacy, and social change, which equipped participants with the tools and knowledge to drive impactful initiatives
- Conducted thorough program and budget monitoring and evaluations, ensuring the strategic allocation of resources and achieving program objectives, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and impact of youth and adolescent development initiatives
- Contributed to the design and launch of the State of Palestine national volunteer platform in coordination with the Higher Council of Youth and Sports, establishing a pivotal resource for volunteer engagement and community service, reinforcing the infrastructure for youth participation and civic engagement across the country.
Programme Manager, Youth, Adolescents, and Protection
TAMER Institute for Community Education
09.2009 - 09.2015
- Played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the Gaza case management and referral mechanism, a collaborative effort supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD), enhancing the support structure for vulnerable populations in Gaza
- Directed the establishment of adolescent-friendly spaces across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, creating safe and supportive environments for young individuals to learn, engage, and thrive
- Spearheaded the design and rollout of the Family Centers program in the Gaza Strip, fostering community resilience and providing essential services to families in need
- Led the organization's humanitarian response during the 51-day conflict in 2014, coordinating emergency services and support for affected communities, demonstrating strong leadership and crisis management skills
- Actively represented Tamer at both national and international coordination forums, advocating for protection, education, and shelter needs of the Palestinian community, thereby enhancing the organization's visibility and impact
- Oversaw the institution's fundraising initiatives, successfully securing vital funds from UN agencies and the European Union (EU), which underpinned the sustainability and expansion of key programs
- Orchestrated the National Reading Campaign in the Gaza Strip, a transformative initiative that culminated in Tamer receiving the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA), the world's largest award for children's and young adult literature, in recognition of the campaign's significant contribution to fostering a culture of reading among youth.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration
Charter University And University of The People
USA 06.2018 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Information Technology -
Al Azhar University
Gaza, Palestine 09.2006 - 05.2011
Skills
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Certification
Child Rights and Why They Matter, UNICEF, 2019
Timeline
MENA Programme Specialist, Social and Behaviour Change& Community Engagement
UNICEF- MENA Regional Office
04.2022 - Current
Social and Behavior Change Specialist (Surge Assignment)
UNICEF
01.2022 - 04.2022
Program Officer and Innovation Focal Point, Social and Behaviour Change Communication
UNICEF
10.2018 - 04.2022
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration
Charter University And University of The People
06.2018 - 07.2022
Programme Officer, Youth and Adolescent Development and Participation
UNICEF
10.2015 - 10.2018
Programme Manager, Youth, Adolescents, and Protection
TAMER Institute for Community Education
09.2009 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Information Technology -
Al Azhar University
09.2006 - 05.2011
Child Rights and Why They Matter, UNICEF, 2019
Advanced Security in the Field, UNICEF, 2018
Basic Security in the Field (BSITF II), UNICEF, 2018
Communication for Development (C4D), UNICEF India, 2018
Results-Based Management (RBM), UNICEF, 2018
Entrepreneurship in Action: Active Tools for Innovative Youth Projects, UNICEF, 2017
Funding Authorization and Certificate of Expenditure (FACE) Form, UNICEF, 2016
Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), UNICEF, 2015
Project Management Diploma, Career Institute, 2012
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