MAHER SAQQA

Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

INTRODUCTION
An institutional and management development professional with diversified experience in overseeing all
managerial functions and providing consultancy and advisory for Donors Institutions, International,
National and Local Organizations, Government Authorities and Private Sector entities, with extensive
experience in MENA, Gulf regions and North America. I have worked and provided wide range of services
for projects/programs funded by governments, institutional donors, executing agencies and UN agencies
including but not limited to: UNDP, UNRWA, UN Women, EU, EC, DAI, NRO, DCA, SDC, NPA, USAID,
U.S. Department of State, USDA, World Bank Group, DFID and AusAID. My focus is on strategic
development through enhancing capacities in the areas of institutional and organizational development,
program & project management and operational excellence.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Language: English and Arabic.
Strong knowledge of MENA, Gulf and North America, in particularly, USA, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan
and UAE, this includes; social, political and economic contexts.
Wide and varies experience in many sectors with main focusing in civil society development.
Leading and overseeing large scale programs in complex areas at national level.
Experiences include working in development, early recovery and relief fields in the thematic areas
of; Economics, Education, Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture, Womens Empowerment, Youth
Support, and Leadership programs.
Strong working and coordination experience with; UN agencies, Donors Institutions, Government
Agencies, INGOs, Private Sector, NGOs, World Bank Group and Local Partners at HQ offices.
Business & Partnership Development: Developing and acquisition of new business and partnerships.
Identify and analyze new opportunities, support business capture, innovation and creative ideas,
and manage, lead and participate in writing concept papers and proposals for international donors
and clients.
Wide knowledge and experience in implementing International donors agencies rules and
regulations and governments public policies including; UN, USG, USAID and USDA, World Bank, EU
and other government entities.
Strong Project Management skills. Implement the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and
techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. Experienced Project management
processes that fall into: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling and Closing. Also,
knowledge draws on: Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Procurement, Human resources,
Communications, Risk management and Stakeholder management.
Strong Administration, Financial including budgeting, Human Resources, Logistics and Operations
management skills.
Grants management: implementation of all administrative tasks required to handle the money,
reporting, and program implementation in a way that meets generally accepted standards as well as
the requirements of the funding source.
Strong knowledge of M&E as a tool of documenting lessons learned and to support making
preventing actions, as well as to support enhancing decision making process.
Governance: Establishment of policies, and continuous monitoring of proper implementation. This
includes the mechanisms required to balance the powers of the members (with the associated
accountability), and their primary duty of enhancing the prosperity and viability of the organization.

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 MAHER SAQQA
Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

Communication & Interpersonal Networking, Team Building including training & coaching, Group
Dynamics & Synergy, Organization skills and Supervision.
Commitment to meet deadlines and strong reporting skills. Relationship, Coordination and
Facilitation skills.

WORK EXPERIENCE
EMPLOYMENT WORKING EXPERIENCES HISTORY

Programme Adviser - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & the National Office
for Reconstruction of Gaza (NORG), MENA Region, Palestine, 2015-Present
Provide senior-level, substantive analytical and advisory support to the National Office for
Reconstruction of Gaza (NORG) on Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Programme (USD 5 billion)
and managing programme grants.
Engage with relevant think-tanks and research institutions to enhance the socio-political and
economic analytical capacity of the National Office for the purpose of informing programs and
projects.
Provide Gaza Reconstruction Programme with senior-level, substantive analytical and advisory
regarding Gaza Reconstruction Programme donors pledges.
Follow up with UN agencies and World Bank Group the donors interventions with focus on Social
Development and this includes; Education, Health and Culture, Infrastructure, Productive,
Livelihoods and Governance sectors. In addition, follow up all disbursements and the
implementation of the Gaza Reconstruction Programme framework/detailed needs assessment
(DNA).
Support the National Office systems analytical and programmatic capacities by using available
methodologies for socio-political and development analysis and supporting the production of
relevant analytical products that inform the National Office for programme development work.
Engage with senior levels of government representatives including the National Committee for
Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction to ensure that the National Office processes are in line with
national priorities and are developed and sustained in a consultative manner.
Provide strategic support in drafting proposals in respect with requesting donations and funding
contribution to Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction Program.
Support in regular producing of reports on Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction Program
achievements.
Lead and support program networking, linkages and partnership development for the benefit of
Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction Program with UN agencies, World Bank, national and
international development partners.
Engage with all actors to deepen ownership of the program in social cohesion.
Participating in relevant local, national and international meetings, conferences, workshops, fora,
and summits.
Engage with other national and international institutions and initiatives in order to promote a
common approach towards supporting Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Programme.
Research and analyze governments and other civil Society needs to determine program directions
and goals, in particularly, in the areas of Education, Health, Economic and Infrastructure.
Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to,
and performances are of adequate quality.

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 MAHER SAQQA
Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

Projects Manager - Right Way Consulting (RW), Middle East 2013-2015

Manages firms portfolio, implement firms projects, mission and vision, enhance firm national
and international partnership and execute firms awarding contracts.
Represent RW and responsible for overall implementation of its all programs and projects,
especially in areas of; Education, Economic and Private sector development.
Act as institutional development expert that works on the systems of formal laws, regulations,
and procedures, and informal conventions, customs and norms that broaden, mould and restrain
socio-economic activity and behavior of any entity.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist - Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), MENA Region,
Palestine, 2014
Considering World Bank and EU rules and regulations and other existing common practices in
Palestine, design, implement, review and regular update PCU and PWA M&E system.
Enhance PCU and PWA stakeholders M&E capacities.
Provide technical assistant to PWA-Ramallah, West Bank, and improve PWAs staff capacities in
M&E through training, conferences and exposure tours.
Monitor the implementation and all process of PWA projects related to PCU follow up towards the
major water desalination plant in Gaza with adopting World Bank rules and regulations.

Program Manager - Institutional Development Center (IDC), USA, 2012-2013

Support building the credentials of the needy and marginal communities in the areas of IDC
work.
Support Organizational Development and Restructuring, Strategic Planning, M&E, and Policy
Development for IDCs clients.
Address a range of issues and to deliver bespoke solutions in line with international best practice.
Strengthen of civil society through organizational development in conflict areas in MENA region.
Lead the implementation of the programme management cycle including the planning process as
part of IDCs annual and strategic planning to ensure that interventions are relevant to the local
context, respond to the needs of the target group, and contribute to the development of
sustainable social support systems in thematic areas of; Health, Education and Economic
Development.
Coordinate and ensure cooperation between all areas of work within IDC projects.
Ensures efficiency through best use and sharing of resources across different programme units.
Regularly reports on IDC projects activities.
Financial and administrative management includes monitors programs and projects budget(s)
and other operation matters related to the assigned projects.
Ensures Quality management, monitoring and evaluation.

Program Manager - The Agricultural Development Association (PARC) & Netherland

Representative Office (NRO), MENA Region, Palestine, 2009-2012
Managed the Early Recovery Program with USD 10 Million budget. The program aims to respond
to the early recovery needs and enhancing the livelihood for poor families and agricultural lands
in the Gaza strip.
Serves as the principal Project representative advising PARC and the NRO on Project related
technical and policy issues.

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 MAHER SAQQA
Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

Responsible for the commitments and disbursements of all Project funds.

Managing and supervising the entire project implementation activities of the project staff and
project partners.
Managing all technical, administrative and financial inputs required in achieving the project
objectives and the outputs expected as planned.
Negotiating, advocating, communicating, networking coordinating, planning, implementing,
monitoring, tracking, and evaluating all project activities.
Participated in initiating, developing, designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating new
business opportunities. This includes; leading the process of designing and writing Projects
proposal, Projects Monitoring Plans and Setting Projects Logical Framework/log-frame (LF)
Matrix.
Increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the program
Provided management staff with technical managerial assistant in the thematic area of Project
Cycle Management -PCM
Participated in leading the overall management of PARCs strategic goals and participating
actively in the overall planning and decision making,
Participated in developing PARCs specific strategic plans and proposals for programs that will
successfully transition its relief programs to early recovery and transition to more long-term
development programs through implementing new approaches to management and its tools with
focusing on Results Based Management (RBM).

Operations/Finance & Administration Manager Hanan Project, USAID Fund - John Snow,
Inc. (JSI)-Research & Training Institute, USA, 2005-2008
Participated in achieving the Project Planned Objectives as the project aims to benefit up to
171,000 women of reproductive age and 140,000 children under 5 years of age living in the West
Bank and Gaza, by improving their access to quality maternal and child health and nutrition
(MCHN) services and by promoting positive household and community MCHN-related behaviors.
Complementary community mobilization and communications and marketing interventions aim to
create demand for essential MCHN services and indirectly reached more beneficiaries. The project
had USD 40 Million budget.
Responsible for all main office and satellite offices Operations and Administration Management
including;
- Grants Management: Provides administrative guidance to subcontractors and NGOs partners,
- Compliance: Communicates the JSI and USAID rules and regulations and ensures the
compliance with these rules and regulations.
- Smooth main office daily operations administration, HR, procurement, finance and other all
operational matters,
- Oversees administration function of the satellite offices, Responsible for the procurement of
the Services & Goods
- Supervises the work of all Administration team in the main and satellite offices, assists in
setting policies, and assists Director in recruitment of staff.
- Responsible for all project Financial Management including; preparing, reviewing and
submitting monthly field accounts to the main office, provides technical financial assistance to
subcontractors and NGO partners,
- Manages cash flow.

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 MAHER SAQQA
Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

Designed and directed innovative growth strategies for all project activities including strategic,
operational and security planning, budgeting, human resources, funding requests, and their
implementation by local and international staff.

Filed Offices Coordinator & Finance and Administration Manager - World Vision International
(WVI-JWBG), MENA, Palestine, 2001 - 2005
Coordinate all filed offices projects and ensure all assigned projects budgets are meeting WVI
and donors rules and regulations.
Ensure projects expected results are achieved in all fields include; Children Support, Education
Development, Agriculture and others.
Finance and Administration Management: Located in Jerusalem to support HQ office in monitoring
field offices planned results and providing all needed support to the staff in West Bank and Gaza.
Grants Management: Provide World Vision partners with the needed support in the field of
Grant/Sub-Contract Management, Financial & Administration Management, Reporting, etc.
Performed monthly grant financial analysis and reported variances to the project management
team. Evaluated donor financial reports prior to submission.
Compliance Management: Implement WVI and donors policies and procedures, ensure
compliance with World Vision polices rules & regulations and increased the effectiveness and
efficiency of all program (s) initiatives including technical, M&E, administrative and financial,
maintaining inter/intra departmental liaison with program activities and interventions.

Private Sector Development Support, USA, MENA and Gulf

Support private sector in achieving its planned results. The experience included; manufacturing,
contracting, trading and consulting in USA, UAE, Egypt and Palestine. This includes:
Drake and Scull PJSC, Dubai, UAE (International Company)
International Company for Leather Industry, Cairo, Egypt (International Investment)
Collections for Trading, LLC, USA
M&A Contracting and General Trading, LTD, Palestine (National Company)
SAK Contracting Co., LTD, Palestine (National Company)

WORK EXPERIENCE
CONSULTANCY WORKING EXPERIENCES
With an overall objective of supporting and building strong communities through developing their
economic positions, I have provided support to many private firms, International NGOs and Institutional
donors in many fields including but not limited to; Project Management Support, M&E including
conducting External Evaluations, Institutional Framework Options, Organizational Development and
Restructuring, Strategic Planning, Policy Development, and Capacity Building.

PRESENTAIONS & RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Economic Development Program: Leading the process of drafting the first economic development
program in Gaza adapting M4P approach commonly known as Market Systems Development that
refers to an approach in development and aid with PARC and SDC.
Support the establishment of Lending Agency in Palestine to support Women Economic initiatives.
An Overview on Monitoring & Evaluation System (M&E) covers local organization in Palestine and
an international no-for-profit institute in the US with focusing on the local NGOs side with

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 MAHER SAQQA
Email: maherms2002@yahoo.com Mobile: +972 59 960-4215, +1 850 228-0759 Skype: mahersaqqa

providing some samples, personnel opinion on the system strengthens & weaknesses, and areas
of improvement.
Local Partners Organizations Satisfaction Evaluation of ANERAs Medical In-Kind Program in
Middle East.
Promote the values of integrity, transparency and accountability to combat corruption. The
presentation was targeting students and management staff of four main universities.

EDUCATION
Academic, International Certifications and Professional Development
MSc in Global Management - University of Salford, UK (Current 2017/2019).
MSc in Project Management Harris University, USA 2012.
Certified Project Manager CPM (PMLG/Project Management Institute PMI), USA. 2011.
Graduate Professional Diploma in Civil Society Organizations Management, Community Service &
Continuing Education Deanship, Community Development Institute. Palestine, (2011).
BA in Commerce, Beirut Arab University, Lebanon. 1999/2000.
Conferences, Summits and Training
Participated in the U.S. Department of States International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) -
USA.
Conducted and completed the requirements for: Disaster Services Overview, Mass Care, and
Shelter Operations courses. American Red Cross, USA
Volunteer Impact Leadership Training Series. Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
(MAVA), USA.
United State Agency for International Development "USAID" Rules and Regulations. (Association
of PVO Financial Managers), USA.
Completed Basic, Advanced and SSAFE security courses. United Nations Department of Safety
and Security (UNDSS).
Others including: Human Resource Management HRM , Quality Program Management,
Feasibility Study, Pricing & Awarding Construction Bids, International Accounting Standards,
Finance Training, Excel based - Financial Analysis, and GIS training.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Ability to; relocated and travel.
Experienced working and living in MENA region. This includes; Dubai, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan,
Oman, Syria, Libya and Palestine.
Member of U.S. Department of States International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni.
Member of Certified Project Manager (CPM) and ITCPM Alumni Network.
Member of Not for Profit & NGO Project Management Post Disaster, Development, Humanitarian,
and Community Projects Network.