Wisam Khaleefah Email & Phone Number

Erbil, Arbil, Iraq

• Leading two portfolios of over $3.5 million in grants and activities including grants to governmental entities, civil society organizations, youth groups, and other grants to support civic engagement and transition in different localities. • Leading two teams of 20 staff operating in high-stress remote and hybrid work environments and overseeing day-to-day operations of the GMUs and remote implementation in two highly complex and remote areas, West Anbar and South of Iraq. • Representing the program to a wide variety of partners and leading strategic engagement with key governmental stakeholders.• Assisted in the development of the program strategy for in coordination with USAID/OTI colleagues. • Providing DCOP-P coverage when needed.

• Established and led the National and Media Grants Management Unit, developed the program’s National and Media strategies, recruited and trained staff.• Managed the GMU’s activity development and implementation to successfully implement and closeout over 40 grants (3.3 million USD) responding to USAID strategic priorities in Iraq including piloting approaches to inform future program strategies. • Led the expansion of IRP media programming to amplify and complement the program’s work in the 4 key regions and led the development and implementation of entry and pilot activities to help the program expand to 3 new locations. • Managed the development and implementation of critical USAID Iraq mission priority grants and represented the program in high level events and engagements.

• Led activity development and implementation for the USAID/OTI Iraq pilot program supervising program development officers and overseeing activity implementations in two regions. • Provided technical and strategy input to Chemonics COP, DCOP-P, and OTI counterparts to shape IRP1 program strategy and co-supervised the drafting and implementation of the regional strategies. • Led the program expansion into new geographic areas, drafting the regional strategy, hiring and training staff, designing and implementing pilot activities and leading the units’ operations. • Established new partners for OTI in Anbar and Northern Iraq through pilot activities and led the development and implementation of strategic and priority activities, representing the program to a wide variety of local and national stakeholders and partners.

• Oversaw the operations, procurement, hiring, and grants disbursement of the program.• Led the establishment of Injaz platform in Northeast Syria hiring and providing on the job training for 18 staff, establishing procurement and financial processes and tools and managing and managing local staff HR and operations related aspects. • Created remote management systems enabling the project to operate effectively in Northeast Syria, Turkey and Berlin and ensured proper grant, procurement, and financial management compliance for all Injaz programming• Providing financial management of over 15 large grants with various civil society and local administrations partners, overseeing the disbursement of over $300,000 in grants and procurement payments. • Leading critical procurement of IT, communication, and office equipment from neighboring countries and managing the establishment of the project’s communications and IT systems.

Supported overall contractual, financial, and administrative management of the Libya Transition Initiative (LTI2). Managed a $3 million Contract including drafting subcontracts and modifications, reviewing and processing payments, tracking subcontract deliverables, and ensuring compliance with company procedures. Hired and onboarded long term and short term staff to support the project operations in Libya. Successfully completed an assignment to audit over 50 project grants files to ensure successful closeout of the project

South Bend, Indiana Area

Managed a cross-functional team of staff, interns, and volunteers to receive and resettle refugees and to provide continuing support to the refugee population across the Northern Indiana region.Oversaw project cycle management to deliver timely and accurate program and expenditure reporting. Facilitated partnership with local community and faith-based organizations to assist in the resettlement process.

Khayelitsha Township, South Africa

Monitored and reported on the effectiveness of government projects in Khayelitsha Township.Collaborated with government agencies to improve public health initiatives in Khayelitsha.Analyzed media reports and drafted press releases to advocate for better health standards.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Provided research and editorial support to a publication on political corruption in South Africa.Managed media communications and planned the launch of an anti-corruption campaign.Facilitated partnerships with local NGOs around common issues of social justice.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs, Ny

Researched US-India relations and the US policy towards the ongoing conflict in Kashmir. Prepared and distributed class readings and helped facilitate discussions. Analyzed media reports on issues that affect US policies towards India. Researched the impact of human rights issues in Kashmir on the conflict in the region.

Fallujah, Iraq

Presented a grant proposal to the Davis Projects for Peace foundation to renovate a war-torn school and create a summer campaign for the school children. Supervised a team of 20 volunteers and workers to renovate the school and create an art and sport project. Provided access to water, sanitation, and clean playground for the students. Helped children overcome human rights abuses through writing diaries, art, and sport activities. Created art exhibitions at Skidmore College and Harvard University to explain the psychological impact of war on children. Monitored grant information, presented monthly reports to donors, and managed project budget.

Geneva Area, Switzerland

Conducted research on human rights abuses in the Arab region. Attended conferences and events focusing on human rights promotion in the Middle East.

Master Of Arts (Ma), International Peace Studies And Conflict Resolution

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Relations And Affairs

Exchange Program, War Studies

Education record