Melissa Abderrahim Email & Phone Number

Gland, Vaud, Switzerland

- Supporting the management of day-to-day operations of the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) and the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF). Two multi-million funding schemes, designed to support the development of sound, investable Blue Natural Capital (BNC) and blue carbon restoration and conservation projects, paving the way for private sector finance. - Managing the project selection process, through the initial assessment to the project implementation. - Identifying internal processes and controls required to build and develop the internal structure of the two re-granting schemes, including the development of blue natural capital standards, positive impact framework and risk assessment criteria for environmental, social and gender related topics.- Developing Terms of Reference for the relevant experts and related committees- Supporting the marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement activities of BNCFF and BCAF, including the production of necessary documents and workshop organization. - Identifying suitable partners for BNCFF and BCAF. - Supporting IUCN’s work to develop a coherent approach to financing nature-based solutions with the help of the financial services sector. - Supporting resource mobilization activities / funding for/with innovative financing approaches for coastal and marine nature-based solutions.

Sacramento, California, United States

- Led and managed a portfolio of interdisciplinary projects from idea to implementation, including proposal and budget development, and project planning. Gained experience in: ocean acidification and hypoxia, blue carbon, seaweed aquaculture, offshore wind and marine protected areas. - Designed and implemented collaborative processes, including a wide range of subject matter experts, government staff such as convening working groups, advisory committees, expert panels, workshops and meetings. - Produced, synthesized, and reviewed scientific information, by engaging non-governmental organizations, academic communities, and other subject matter experts. - Led the development of OST's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. - Supported organizational needs, including strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing and management, and communication.

Sacramento, California Area

- Received the California Sea Grant State Fellowship award for a year-long fellowship at the California Ocean Science Trust (OST). - Led efforts to strengthen partnership with California's ocean science academic community and policy-makers. - Convened an expert Task Force to provide scientific guidance to policy-makers on issues of ocean acidification research and monitoring - Supported and co-lead OST's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. - Co-led a racial equity training for the 2020 California Sea Grant cohort of fellows.

Provided support and capacity to Ocean Science Trust (OST), working closely withthe California Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Science Task Force, and statepartners

Oakland, Ca.

• Supported CA state actions on ocean acidification; conveined a team of scientists working with state; developed infographics for state document;• Developed project management skills• Created science communication and outreach materials for California’s network ofinterdisciplinary marine and coastal scientists (the OPC-SAT)

Dana Point, California

Taught various programs on marine science, environmental issues and on hands-on experience designed to enhance student's knowledge and awareness of marine science. All programs were designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.

Catalina Island

Co-lead education and outreach activities at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center (topics: marine biology, intertidal ecology, climate change)

Greater Los Angeles Area

Supervised by Dr. David Caron (USC)- Gaining experience in general laboratory procedures and protocols - Collecting and processing environmental samples - Assisting in molecular biological analyses or microorganisms from environmental samples

Catalina Island

Summer Intern at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental StudiesSupervised by Dr. Diane Kim (University of Southern California)• Organized and analyzed 20+ years of time-series data for 7 sites (3 depths/site) aroundCatalina Island, CA• Co-led education and outreach activities at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center (topics:marine biology, climate change, intertidal ecology)

Greater San Diego Area

Hoga Island Marine Research Station, Wakatobi National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

6 weeks internship- Completion of the PADI divemaster course- Scientific diving

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Environmental Biology

Bsc in Environmental Biology Specialization in Wildlife Biology

Master Of Science - Ms, Applied Marine Sciences

Innovative interdisciplinary 2-year program offering training in science and technology in the context of environmental policy. Preparing.

French Baccalaureat, Science