Jamal Al Aref Bio

Jamal A. is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in managing small, medium, and large-scale community development programs within diverse work environments in the private, UN, and International NGO sectors. He has successfully collaborated with prominent organizations such as USAID, the World Bank, and ECHO, consistently delivering exceptional results.

Jamal excels in strategic planning, budget management, and problem-solving. He possesses a remarkable track record of conceptualizing, designing, and executing programs efficiently and within budget. His expertise extends to translating complex issues into actionable plans and solutions.

One of Jamal's strengths lies in building and leading highly talented and efficient teams. He motivates and trains staff effectively, fostering an environment of growth and excellence. He is a skilled communicator and negotiator, adept at working with technical experts, managers, government and non-government officials, local staff, and stakeholders.

With a strong command of reasoned decision-making, Jamal has consistently delivered results in high-pressure environments. His extensive international experience includes assignments in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza.

Key Competencies:

• Organizational Development & Management
• Community Mobilization
• Regulatory Compliance
• Procurement & Contract Administration
• Human Resources Development
• Budget Design and Control
• Conflict Resolution / Negotiation / Mediation / Arbitration
• Managing Donors' Relationships

Key Achievements:

• Led cross-functional teams of 100 people
• Implemented humanitarian assistance intervention totaling $5 million over three months
• Managed the implementation of a multi-sectoral community development program valued at $100 million over five years
• Initiated, implemented, and successfully closed numerous Donor-funded programs on time, within budget, and under unusual circumstances

Experience:

1. Managing Director, Owner ALAREF Associates Jul 2020 - Present

2. Mentor Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education Dec 2021 - Present

3. Mentor Lead for Sustainability Nov 2020 - Present

4. Programme Director, Community Resilience and Development Programme (CRDP) UNDP Nov 2016 - Jun 2020

5. Deputy Regional Director, Director of Programmes - Middle East Anera Oct 1997 - Sep 2016

Education:

• M.Sc., Engineering Business Management, University of Leeds

Skills:

• Program Management
• International Development
• Capacity Building
• Proposal Writing
• NGOs
• Project Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Project Management
• International Relations
• Civil Society
• Program Evaluation
• Nonprofits
• Research
• Public Policy
• Analysis
• Human Rights
• Sustainable Development
• Policy
• Project Coordination
• Program Development
• Foreign Policy
• Government
• Economic Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Grant Writing
• Procurement
• Sustainability
• Politics
• Rural Development
• Community Development
• Leadership
• Fundraising
• Management
• Organizational Development
• Grants
• Training
• Qualitative Research
• French
• Arabic
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Capacity Development
• International Organizations
• Technical Assistance
• Public/Private Partnerships
• Value Chain Analysis
• Program Design & Implementation
• Governance
• Conflict Resolution and Management
• HR Development - Recruitment, Management & Training

Recommendations:

1. Philippa Lockwood Sustainability Consultant "During my studies for my Masters degree, I took part in the Lead for Sustainability programme from November 2020 to February 2021 where I received mentorship from Jamal providing me with invaluable career advice and support..."

2. Anlin Chen Student at the University of Oxford "I met Jamal through the Lead for Sustainability Mentorship programme (World Economic Forum Global Shapers-Oxford Hub), which lasted for 4 months between November 2020 and February 2021. Jamal mentored me on the key topics of engaging stakeholders for project sustainability..."