Alissar Al-Joundi
Damascus
Summary
Strategic Communications and External Relations Officer with over 18 years of progressive experience across international development, partnerships, donor engagement, and humanitarian operations. Proven track record in developing funding proposals and partner briefs, coordinating high-level missions, and liaising with governmental and multilateral stakeholders to support the SDG and Zero Hunger agendas. Skilled in messaging design, reporting, diplomatic protocol, and policy positioning in both field and HQ settings. Adept at leveraging data, strategic narratives, and inter-agency coordination to support WFP's objectives and diversify its resource base.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Protocol & External Relations Officer (NOA-Step 10)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Damascus
03.2019 - Current
- Support the Country Director and senior leadership with briefings, talking points, partner background notes, and executive summaries for donor and government engagements.
- Liaise with governmental entities to facilitate WFP operations, advocate for humanitarian access, and support strategic positioning with national stakeholders.
- Draft external communications materials, including strategic updates, visit reports, and content for donor visibility.
- Contribute to the development of concept notes and partnership documents aligned with WFP’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP).
- Provide internal coordination between programme, partnerships, and communication units to ensure coherent messaging and donor satisfaction.
- Maintain government relationships and ensure timely approvals for missions and clearances to enable seamless field operations.
- Developed and contributed to strategic briefs and event packages used during high-level missions and donor visits.
- Played an instrumental role in the Government’s endorsement of Syria’s ICSP (2022–2025).
- Supported preparations for Executive Board reporting and missions.
- Developed MoFA clearance automation system, improving operational timelines.
Partnership & Oversight Associate (Temporary Duty Assignment)
WFP Field Office
Mersin
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Prepared and submitted Field Level Agreement extension documentation and 2023 oversight reports.
- Facilitated donor/partner discussions on budget and programmatic changes; ensured accurate representation of field needs.
- Coordinated and documented meetings with partners and supported strategic communications for donor interactions.
- Recognised for outstanding performance for high-quality documentation and stakeholder engagement during TDY.
Programme & Partnerships Associate
UNDP Syria – Strategic Advisory Unit
Damascus
04.2014 - 02.2019
- Supported the Early Recovery & Livelihoods Sector in proposal writing, donor coordination, and strategy development.
- Led youth engagement and capacity-building projects funded by bilateral donors.
- Contributed to the Humanitarian Needs Overview and sector-specific appeals, incorporating both programmatic and partnership narratives.
General Operations & Communications Coordinator
Syria Trust for Development
Damascus
04.2011 - 03.2014
- Led donor proposal development and reporting across multi-sectoral projects, collaborating closely with UN agencies and INGOs.
- Managed internal communications and drafted progress updates for donors and partners.
Project & Communications Assistant
IOM – EU Counter-Trafficking Project
Damascus
04.2010 - 03.2011
- Documented success stories and produced field reports and donor updates.
- Supported data collection, grant tracking, and visibility for donor-funded reintegration activities.
Education
Professional Master’s Degree - Psychosocial Support & Dialogue
Lebanese University
01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Beirut Arab University
01.2002
Skills
- External Relations & Donor Engagement
- Resource Mobilization & Proposal Development
- Strategic Communications & Advocacy
- Talking Points, Briefings & Executive Support
- Media & Public Visibility Planning
- Government & Stakeholder Liaison
- Partnership Analysis & Forecasting
- Internal Communication & Staff Engagement
Languages
- Arabic, Native
- English, Fluent (TOEFL, IELTS, UN Certified)
- Turkish, Intermediate
Certification
- Advanced Humanitarian Negotiation, CCHN, Lebanon, 2023
- Frontline Humanitarian Negotiation, CCHN, Oman, 2019
- Supervisory Skills Programme, WFP, 2020
- Protocol & Diplomatic Engagement, Cornerstone, Johannesburg, 2022
- Fellowship: Women in Conflict 1325, Beyond Borders, Scotland, 2018
Personal Information
Nationality: Syrian
Timeline
Partnership & Oversight Associate (Temporary Duty Assignment)
WFP Field Office
11.2023 - 02.2024
National Protocol & External Relations Officer (NOA-Step 10)
World Food Programme (WFP)
03.2019 - Current
Programme & Partnerships Associate
UNDP Syria – Strategic Advisory Unit
04.2014 - 02.2019
General Operations & Communications Coordinator
Syria Trust for Development
04.2011 - 03.2014
Project & Communications Assistant
IOM – EU Counter-Trafficking Project
04.2010 - 03.2011
Professional Master’s Degree - Psychosocial Support & Dialogue
Lebanese University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Beirut Arab University
Similar Profiles
Lusajo F. BukukuLusajo F. Bukuku
Program Policy Officer-Markets/ Ag. Head of FtMA Tanzania at World Food Programme (WFP)Program Policy Officer-Markets/ Ag. Head of FtMA Tanzania at World Food Programme (WFP)
Meseret WorkuMeseret Worku
Programme Assistant at World Food Programme, WFPProgramme Assistant at World Food Programme, WFP
ABIY GIRMAKRISTOS ASSEFAABIY GIRMAKRISTOS ASSEFA
IT Operations Associate DAS & GDT at World Food Programme, WFPIT Operations Associate DAS & GDT at World Food Programme, WFP
Donna HewittDonna Hewitt
Transition Coordinator and Therapeutic Teacher at Serendipity Center IncTransition Coordinator and Therapeutic Teacher at Serendipity Center Inc
Moaaz SafloMoaaz Saflo
Project & Operations Management & Directing at International NMS Property Management & General Maintenance L.L.CProject & Operations Management & Directing at International NMS Property Management & General Maintenance L.L.C