Julia Sayyed
Amman
Summary
Dynamic Livelihood & Food Security Regional Advisor skilled in innovative program development and strategic partnerships. Proven track record in enhancing economic resilience through market-driven solutions . Passionate about social impact, I excel in team leadership and driving sustainable change in vulnerable communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Livelihood & Food Security Regional Advisor
Norwegian Refugee Council
01.2024 - Current
- Supported the development of country, regional and global core competence strategies aligned with global policies, enhancing program effectiveness across multiple locations.
- Led and supported innovation and program development by piloting new approaches, documenting lessons learned, and contributing to global strategies and policy development.
- Strengthened Market-Based programming for Livelihood and Food Security (LFS) in the MENA region, ensuring country offices integrate sustainable, market-driven solutions.
- Designed and deployed tools and guidance for thematic and integrated programming, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
- Mainstreamed safe and inclusive programming within LFS initiatives, ensuring equitable access and risk mitigation for vulnerable populations.
- Supported business development and fundraising for regional LFS programs through proposal development, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
- Provided technical leadership in regional capacity strengthening, mentoring LFS leads, and delivering strategic guidance on market-based and livelihood interventions.
- Contributed to Global LFS strategy development, aligning policies, strategies, and guidance with evolving market trends and best practices.
- Integrated market-based approaches into LFS programming, ensuring data-driven decision-making and sharing best practices across country offices.
- Led recruitment efforts for technical staff, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and programmatic needs.
- Ensured data-driven decision-making by collaborating with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams to align LFS programming with quality standards and impact measurement frameworks.
- Ensured compliance and quality assurance in line with NRC’s Programme Policy and best practices across country offices.
- Supported the integration of climate resilience and adaptation into livelihood programs.
- Focus on climate-smart market-based solutions for food security.
Economic Recovery & Development Coordinator
International Rescue Committee, IRC
08.2022 - 01.2024
- Provided strategic direction and leadership for the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) program, ensuring interventions were needs-based, context-appropriate, and aligned with international best practices in economic resilience.
- Expanded ERD programming in Jordan by defining its strategic direction within IRC’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP), in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Programs and ERD Technical Advisors.
- Led the design and implementation of ERD initiatives, ensuring timely execution, budget adherence, and high-quality delivery in line with IRC and donor regulations.
- Strengthened cross-sectoral integration, particularly enhancing Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) programming, to improve economic independence for marginalized populations.
- Developed strategic partnerships with private sector actors, government agencies, and civil society organizations, fostering sustainable economic opportunities for program participants.
- Led the creation of the Youth Hub within IRC’s center in East Amman, piloting an innovative youth-focused economic empowerment initiative.
- Monitored and evaluated program effectiveness through field visits, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) plans, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring interventions were evidence-based and impactful.
- Oversaw financial and operational compliance, ensuring accurate forecasting, budget management, and timely fund disbursement for ERD activities.
- Led grant management and donor reporting, ensuring timely submission of high-quality proposals and reports, strengthening funding opportunities.
- Facilitated coordination and representation of IRC’s economic recovery initiatives by engaging with consortia, NGOs, donors, and private sector stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels.
- Expanded IRC’s engagement with economic actors to create market-driven employment pathways, entrepreneurship support, and social enterprise opportunities for displaced and vulnerable populations.
- Designed and introduced innovative ERD initiatives, including green jobs, social entrepreneurship, youth-led spaces, and climate-smart economic solutions to support long-term resilience.
- Enhanced program delivery and quality by refining program tools, processes, and methodologies to increase sustainability and impact.
- Led Project Cycle Management (PCM) meetings, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and donor commitments.
Senior Economic Recovery and Development Manager
International Rescue Committee, IRC
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Provided technical and operational support for the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) program portfolio, including livelihoods, temporary income, cash, and agricultural activities, ensuring efficient implementation.
- Led program design and strategy development, working closely with Program Managers to create context-responsive, sustainable, and market-driven interventions.
- Ensured program implementation aligned with best practices, humanitarian standards, and IRC’s Outcomes and Evidence Framework, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Led the development and execution of market assessments, including labor market and value chain assessments, in collaboration with the Information Management and MEAL teams, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Co-developed and continuously improved ERD strategies for Northern Syria, integrating adaptive approaches based on evolving needs and market conditions.
- Tracked programmatic targets and performance, ensuring timely achievement of objectives while optimizing program impact and efficiency.
- Maintained robust program tracking tools, ensuring seamless data integration into ERD databases for enhanced monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
- Adapted programming based on data insights, responding to feedback from formal and informal monitoring mechanisms to improve project impact and sustainability.
- Led budget management and resource allocation, overseeing budget forecasting, spending plans, procurement, and value-for-money analysis to optimize efficiency.
- Managed grant reporting and donor relations, developing high-quality reports in collaboration with Program Managers, MEAL, and Grants teams, providing data-driven insights and updates.
- Expanded ERD programming through local partnerships, ensuring high-quality technical and operational design, and capacity-building of local implementing partners.
- Supported the development of competitive funding proposals, crafting detailed budgets, logical frameworks, and technical narratives to strengthen ERD programming in response to community needs.
- Led and managed program staff, providing ongoing coaching, capacity development, and problem-solving support to enhance team performance.
- Represented IRC at high-level coordination forums, including Syria Resilience Consortium, Whole of Syria, and North Syria Clusters, contributing expertise in economic recovery and livelihoods.
- Engaged with key stakeholders and donors, representing IRC in external meetings and negotiations to Provided technical and operational support for the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) program portfolio, including livelihoods, temporary income, cash, and agricultural activities, ensuring efficient implementation.
- Led program design and strategy development, working closely with Program Managers to create context-responsive, sustainable, and market-driven interventions, including cash-based programing
- Ensured program implementation aligned with best practices, humanitarian standards, and IRC’s Outcomes and Evidence Framework, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Led the development and execution of market assessments, including labor market and value chain assessments, in collaboration with the Information Management and MEAL teams, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Co-developed and continuously improved ERD strategies for Northern Syria, integrating adaptive approaches based on evolving needs and market conditions.
- Tracked programmatic targets and performance, ensuring timely achievement of objectives while optimizing program impact and efficiency.
- Maintained robust program tracking tools, ensuring seamless data integration into ERD databases for enhanced
- Adapted programming based on data insights, responding to feedback monitoring, evaluation, and reporting from formal and informal monitoring mechanisms to improve project impact and sustainability.
- Led budget management and resource allocation, overseeing budget forecasting, spending plans, procurement, and value-for-money analysis to optimize efficiency.
- Managed grant reporting and donor relations, developing high-quality reports in collaboration with Program Managers, MEAL, and Grants teams, providing data-driven insights and updates.
- Expanded ERD programming through local partnerships, ensuring high-quality technical and operational design, and capacity-building of local implementing partners.
- Supported the development of competitive funding proposals, crafting detailed budgets, logical frameworks, and technical narratives to strengthen ERD programming in response to community needs.
- Led and managed program staff, providing ongoing coaching, capacity development, and problem-solving support to enhance team performance.
- Represented IRC at high-level coordination forums, including Syria Resilience Consortium, Whole of Syria, and North Syria Clusters, contributing expertise in economic recovery and livelihoods.
- Engaged with key stakeholders and donors, representing IRC in external meetings and negotiations to strengthen partnerships, secure funding, and align programming with regional economic priorities.
Livelihood & Food Security Coordinator
Norwegian Refugee Council
02.2018 - 06.2020
- Led the design, start-up, and management of the Livelihoods & Food Security (LFS) Program in Syria, including emergency response and early recovery interventions.
- Established and led the Northwest Syria cash-based programming, supporting displacement-affected populations through needs-based financial assistance, ensuring rapid and effective response.
- Developed program tools and methodologies for cash-based programming, including targeting mechanisms, distribution processes, post-distribution monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Designed and conducted capacity-building initiatives for program staff and local partners, strengthening technical expertise in cash-based interventions and ensuring operational excellence.
- Directed the implementation of cash-based programming in Northwest Syria, ensuring timely and effective delivery of assistance in humanitarian and early recovery contexts.
- Identified and developed strategic partnerships with local humanitarian actors, strengthening community-based programming and expanding outreach.
- Oversaw financial management of the program budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation, compliance, and financial reporting aligned with donor requirements.
- Provided technical support to local partners in project design, ensuring interventions were needs-driven, contextually relevant, and aligned with humanitarian best practices.
- Designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including targeting and vulnerability criteria, to enhance program effectiveness and accountability.
- Mentored and led program staff in Amman and Idleb, as well as local partners in Turkey and Syria, strengthening technical capacity and program execution.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the LFS program, including cash-based programming, small business grants, and resilience-building initiatives.
- Designed and implemented monitoring tools, including post-distribution monitoring and business grants tracking, to assess program impact and inform adjustments.
- Conducted critical assessments, including market assessments, needs assessments, and post-distribution monitoring, to fill information gaps and drive data-based decision-making.
- Supported the development of Syria’s national LFS strategy, contributing to the Country Strategy and Macro Log Frame in collaboration with the Regional Livelihood Advisor.
- Led remote management of partner activities, ensuring strong monitoring, evaluation, and compliance mechanisms despite operational constraints.
- Conducted quality assurance checks on LFS deliverables, ensuring alignment with program goals and international humanitarian standards.
- Mainstreamed protection principles across LFS activities, ensuring that programs were inclusive, safe, and accessible to vulnerable populations.
- Served as NRC’s focal point for the Cash Working Group for Northwest Syria, ensuring representation and advocacy for effective cash assistance policies.
- Led partner capacity-building initiatives, training partner staff in Syria and Turkey to strengthen operational and technical competencies.
- Reviewed and refined the program Theory of Change, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices and necessary strategic adjustments.
- Developed and tested program indicator profiles, ensuring strong data collection, performance tracking, and program adaptation based on findings.
- Designed and adjusted program monitoring tools, responding to evolving needs and ensuring effective program evaluation.
- Led end-of-grant partner and project assessments, identifying key learnings and areas for improvement to enhance future programming.
- Developed and implemented emergency preparedness plans, ensuring rapid response capacity for LFS interventions in crisis situations.
- Led innovation and integrated programming efforts, incorporating community-based approaches, digital solutions, and private-sector engagement into LFS programming.
- Secured and managed funding proposals, overseeing project budgeting, donor reporting, and grant compliance to ensure program sustainability.
- Provided strategic guidance and oversight to project staff at area and field levels, ensuring high-quality implementation and operational efficiency.
- Represented NRC in key coordination meetings, including the Food Security Cluster and Cash Working Group, advocating for effective LFS programming.
- Introduced innovative approaches, integrating market-based programming, resilience-building, and community-driven solutions to address economic and food security challenges.
Livelihood and Resilience Program Manager
CARE International
03.2017 - 02.2018
- Led the overall management of the Livelihoods & Resilience Program in Central Syria, ensuring strategic alignment with humanitarian and development priorities.
- Designed and implemented a value-chain program in Central Syria in collaboration with the Value Chain Specialist, strengthening market-driven approaches to economic recovery.
- Oversaw financial management of the program, ensuring efficient budget allocation, compliance with donor regulations, and financial accountability.
- Managed and coordinated local humanitarian partner grants, including staffing, financial oversight, and program cycle management, ensuring successful implementation of multiple sub-grants within large donor portfolios.
- Directed an integrated livelihoods and protection program, delivering comprehensive support to the most vulnerable households and strengthening resilience.
- Ensured timely and effective project implementation, leveraging robust M&E systems to track progress and measure program impact.
- Developed and enforced monitoring, reporting, and accountability mechanisms, ensuring compliance with CARE’s partnership program policies, donor guidelines, and humanitarian best practices.
- Managed and mentored the Partnership Officers, providing strategic guidance, coaching, and operational support to strengthen partner collaboration.
- Led remote mentoring of local partners across the entire project management cycle, ensuring effective program delivery and compliance.
- Mainstreamed gender and protection-sensitive approaches across all partner-led initiatives, ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding principles in program implementation.
- Strengthened cross-sector integration, creating links between partner projects and CARE’s technical teams (Gender/Protection, WASH, NFIs, Shelter, and Program Support Units) to enhance technical capacity-building and holistic service delivery.
Social Entrepreneurship Regional Coordinator
ActionAid - Arab Regional Initiative
09.2014 - 02.2017
- Designed and led the regional youth-focused program across Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, ensuring alignment with strategic frameworks and participatory engagement with local partner organizations and youth groups.
- Mapped and built strategic partnerships with local organizations, youth-led initiatives, and key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for youth empowerment and innovation.
- Developed and nurtured partnerships with formal and informal youth groups, co-designing and implementing social enterprise initiatives to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Supported youth-led innovation by mentoring young entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable social enterprises, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to create long-term impact in their communities.
- Provided mentorship and technical support to youth groups, guiding them through the start-up phase and ensuring the success and sustainability of their ventures.
- Promoted innovation and collective action by engaging youth in solution-driven programming, empowering them to take leadership roles in resilience-building and community development.
- Contributed to the development of a youth capacity-building manual, assisting the cluster trainer in designing training materials, toolkits, and methodologies to strengthen skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and advocacy.
- Facilitated capacity development planning for local partners and youth groups, conducting needs assessments, coaching sessions, training workshops, peer-to-peer networking, and knowledge exchange activities.
- Monitored and evaluated program activities in each targeted country, ensuring effective implementation and continuous learning for program refinement.
- Created and managed a platform for young social entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative knowledge-sharing space where youth could exchange skills, experiences, success stories, and lessons learned.
- Worked closely with regional thematic clusters, including Local Governance and Youth in Conflict, to align efforts and achieve shared program objectives.
- Developed and submitted comprehensive donor reports, ensuring transparency, data-driven impact measurement, and alignment with funding requirements.
- Led the development of annual work plans and program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial sustainability.
- Maintained strong relationships with international partners and stakeholders, leveraging connections for knowledge exchange, collaboration opportunities, and resource mobilization.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Al Al-Bayt University
Mafraq, Jordan06-2000
Skills
Exceptional Listener and Communicator
Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
Eager Learner
Team management and leadership skills
Technical Skills
Problem Solving skills
Attentive to details Highly Analytical Skills
Innovative
Self-driven
Social impact Passionate
Languages
Arabic
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
French
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Livelihood & Food Security Regional Advisor
Norwegian Refugee Council
01.2024 - Current
Economic Recovery & Development Coordinator
International Rescue Committee, IRC
08.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Economic Recovery and Development Manager
International Rescue Committee, IRC
07.2020 - 08.2021
Livelihood & Food Security Coordinator
Norwegian Refugee Council
02.2018 - 06.2020
Livelihood and Resilience Program Manager
CARE International
03.2017 - 02.2018
Social Entrepreneurship Regional Coordinator
ActionAid - Arab Regional Initiative
09.2014 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Al Al-Bayt University
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