Carissa Benites Email & Phone Number

Rockville, Maryland, United States

-Ensures smooth day-to-day project operations using effective project management and operational processes in collaboration with colleagues in Peru and Lebanon-Oversees financial aspects of multi-year USAID activities by leading yearly projections, ensuring accurate monthly invoicing, and tracking expenditures against budgets and obligated funds-Supports.

Rockville, Maryland, United States

-Supported several USAID and Department of State contracts through all phases of the project lifecycle-Worked closely with offices in Lebanon, Peru, and Ethiopia to ensure efficient and effective project, financial, and operational management-Managed closeout of sub-agreement under USAID cooperative agreement-Supervised two colleagues, providing feedback.

Rockville, Maryland, United States

-Supported the financial and operational tasks for several MEL and Gender focused projects.-Worked closely with in-country team members to complete routine financial tasks-Liaised with clients and supported the submission of reports and other client-requested documents

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

-Assisted in the tracking and reporting of team-wide and program budgets-Drafted quarterly reports for external funders in accordance with grant requirements-Contributed to proposal writing processes for USG-funded grants-Supervised team interns and facilitated intern hiring process in collaboration with team

Washington D.C. Metro Area

-Facilitated travel logistics, visa procurement, and funds disbursal for program participants of DOS-funded exchange programs-Lead program design and logistics for 25-person inbound exchange for professional participants in close collaboration with U.S. Department of State and other stakeholders-Supported storytelling technical consultant in program design.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

- Provided assistance and feedback on program and training design plans in consultation with Executive Director- Facilitated process evaluation for youth peacebuilding program (February 2019)

Washington D.C.

- Collaborate with faculty in creation of academic article on generalized violence in Central America and its effects on young people for publication in peer-reviewed journal

- Evaluate approx. 80 essays per week for DOS-funded international exchange program- Provide written explanation and numerical score for essays according to organization’s criteria and scoring system

- Track, review and file J1 visa files and paperwork using SEVIS and internal databases- Process visitor requests and coordinate logistics of visiting international groups including professional groups through Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program- Escort visiting international groups and high-priority delegations on tours and.

Cambodia

- Co-taught 250+ students at primary and university level with local counterpart- Created and implemented student curriculum on English language and teaching methodology - Collaborated with relevant stakeholders to design and facilitate training workshops on English teaching methodology- Monitored projects, sending quarterly progress reports to headquarters

- Collaborated with faculty professor to write research article for professional publication - Searched for and summarized information from a variety of online and written sources- Detailed literature review and research findings through oral and written communication

- Redesigned client walk-in process to improve efficiency and client satisfaction- Created computerized sign-in program using Microsoft Office suite

Omaha, NE

- Mediated conflicts and assist residents with concerns or situations - Fostered community and positive relationships among residents - Designed and implement social and educational programs to enhance resident experience- Ensured all University policies and rules are enforced- Assessed and responded to concerns or emergencies in residence hall

Omaha, NE

• Summarized and communicated possible program improvements and areas for growth
• Prepared confidential folders for scanning and shredding
• Assisted in organizational dissolution process

Lincoln, NE

• Collaborated with and supported local organizations to improve GOTV campaigns across the state
• Represented Nebraska Appleseed at meetings and other functions
• Formulated and designed postcards, brochures, and handouts for various GOTV campaigns

Omaha, NE

• Created and maintained official program database
• Analyzed past data and developed holiday season program

Omaha, NE

• Administered telephone healthcare surveys to respondents around the U.S.
• Collected and summarized respondents’ feedback for healthcare facilities

Master Of Arts (M.A.), International Peace And Conflict Resolution, 4.0

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Relations, 3.9

Activities and Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Nu, Pi Sigma Alpha, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Order of Omega, Conceptualized and executed.