Tooba Mayel
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Seasoned international development professional with over 20 years of experience in leadership and project management roles. Demonstrated expertise in managing multi-million-dollar programming initiatives funded by the US government. Currently serving as the Director of Programs for the Gender Affairs Program at The Colombo Plan, with a focus on strategic leadership, procurement, and implementation of projects in challenging environments. Skilled in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address complex issues related to aid, gender justice, business, economic development, and livelihood programs. Hardworking with client service, multitasking, and time management abilities. Organized and motivated employee eager to apply research, technical, and problem-solving skills.
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Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Programs for Gender Affaires for CP-GAP 27 Member Nations
Colombo Plan, Gender Affaires Programme (CP-GAP)
Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and United States (currently US based)
04.2018 - Current
- Directed and supervised US-funded programs within The Colombo Plan member nations, ensuring effective strategic program management and adherence to contractual obligations and local legal requirements
- Managed over $16 million in contractual funding, overseeing reporting and compliance for the US State Department's INL Bureau
- Led the development of a new CPGAP Gender strategy, aligning it with international initiatives, and provided technical leadership to CPGAP project activities as a gender specialist
- Collaborated closely with member nations and partners to determine national priorities and ensure sustainable results
- Managed US-funded programs in Afghanistan, including Women's Shelters and Children's Support Centers Fund, while strengthening partnerships with relevant ministries and organizations
- Provided oversight for Colombo HQ and Kabul-based staff, ensuring successful program implementation
- Supervised project and financial reporting, including submission to CPS, CP Donors, and Counsel leadership
- Represented Colombo Plan internationally at conferences to promote gender and child protection initiatives, overseeing project proposals and budgets
- Ensured positive media coverage and provided guidance to enhance the public image of Colombo Plan, respecting the sensitive nature of program activities and cultural nuances in all communications
- Collaborated with Monitoring and Evaluation experts to establish performance indicators and measurements, supporting accountability and coherence in gender and child protection programs
- Contributed to policy development and implementation to ensure program efficiency and efficacy, implementing capacity-building initiatives to enhance stakeholder competencies in addressing child protection and gender-based violence issues
- Worked closely and collaboratively with member nations and implementing partners in the field to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities and competencies ensuring the achievement of concrete and sustainable results
- Managed comprehensive project and financial reporting, ensuring timely submission to CPS, CP Donors, and CP Counsel leadership
- Reports encompassed completed and planned activities, concept notes, strategy papers, post-meeting and post-training assessments, project achievements, challenges, proposed solutions, budget adherence, administrative matters, and project-related activities
- Served as a global ambassador for the Colombo Plan, representing the organization at conferences, conventions, and international forums
- Led the conceptualization and execution of new CPGAP projects and initiatives on an international scale, overseeing project proposals and budgets
- Directed efforts to maintain a positive public image for the Colombo Plan through effective public relations strategies
- Provided guidance and advice to ensure timely and favorable coverage of program initiatives
- Emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and confidentiality in all publicity, fundraising, and informational materials.
Program Director/Sr. Gender Justice Advisor for National Justice Support Sector Program (NJSS) & Supporting Access to Justice for Afghanistan (SAJA) under Rule of Law Programs
International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
Kabul, Afghanistan
06.2011 - 03.2018
- Managed supervision of 22 women's centers spanning various provinces in Afghanistan, overseeing programs such as Women's Protection Centers (WPCs) and 4 Children's Support Centers
- Ensured alignment with the Supporting Access to Justice for Afghanistan Program (SAJA II) performance measurement plan (PMP), focusing on deliverables, outcomes, and outputs
- Pioneered the establishment of the Afghan Shelter Network (ASN) to provide support to the Ministry/Departments of Women's Affairs (MOWA/DOWA) in addressing challenges encountered by WPCs
- Facilitated technical capacity building and ensured sustainability efforts, while connecting shelters with gender justice resources, including the INL-funded Gender Justice Programs
- Strengthened the capabilities of IDLO WPC personnel in executing deliverables and meeting PMP targets
- Evaluated and refined existing legal training materials from a gender perspective
- Developed new training resources for legal professionals on contemporary laws and regulations
- Conducted assessments such as the Maturity Capacity Model
- Formulated and implemented Reintegration, Media, and Confidentiality Policies for WPC Guidelines, setting standards of conduct and ensuring compliance with MOWA's regulations
- Pioneered a Media Network for Violence against Women and Children, fostering collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, including US State Department funded programs
- Directed awareness campaigns and engaged with media officials to address violence against women (VAW) issues, highlight shelter roles and services, and underscore the importance of victim confidentiality
- Partnered with the Colombo Plan, an INL implementing partner, to enhance skills and sustainability of WPCs
- Cultivated relationships with relevant governmental, donor, UN, and civil society stakeholders through active participation in meetings and timely reporting, supporting the completion of SAJA II work plan objectives as requested by the COP
- Developed comprehensive monitoring & evaluation plans for the WPC component, ensuring adherence to IDLO procedures and donor specifications
- Collaborated with the finance department to manage component expenditures and prepare financial forecasts
- Generated proposals for innovative initiatives to advance program goals.
Sr. Instructor for Afghanistan-Pakistan Regional Expertise Training Program
Booz Allan and Hamilton
Northern Virginia/Washington D.C/ Various US States
12.2009 - 02.2011
- Designed and delivered a range of courses within the AFPAK Regional Expertise Training Program, catering to diverse levels of complexity
- Topics covered encompassed Culture and Language, Economics of Afghanistan, and Economics of Pakistan
- Emphasized the integration of Gender issues, with particular attention given to Narcotics and the Opium culture prevalent in Afghanistan
- Conducted instruction at various Military Base Units across the US, as well as at CENTCOM and the National Defense University
- The student demographic comprised military personnel, government civilians, and contract professionals, predominantly intelligence specialists, either preparing for deployment to Afghanistan or engaged in other relevant US Afghanistan and Pakistan initiatives
- Additionally, facilitated specialized courses within the Afghan Hands Program focused on preventing mechanisms of Islamic radicalization
- Innovated and formulated advanced specialization courses centered on Infrastructure and Economic Development
- These courses delved into topics such as Health and Education, aiming to provide in-depth knowledge and skills essential for addressing pertinent challenges in the region.
Sr. Consultant
The Masy Group
Lorton, Virginia
08.2009 - 11.2009
- Conducting research and crafting proposals for business development and technological advancements
- Spearheading a special project focused on Afghanistan's telecommunications sector in collaboration with the US telecom industry
- Collaboratively writing and editing proposals for new projects within Afghanistan's telecommunications industry.
Program Director of Development
ARZU, Inc.
Washington DC/Kabul, Afghanistan
09.2005 - 12.2008
- Directed comprehensive field initiatives to advance Arzu's goals under a USAID-funded program, overseeing all compliance aspects and reporting
- Conducted monitoring of ongoing programs, database projects, and facilitated workshops on capacity-building skills for women
- Facilitated programmatic consultations and information exchanges between international institutions and partners regarding emerging markets in the commercial carpet industry
- Spearheaded collaborative sub-regional research ventures focusing on gender roles within the carpet industry, defining objectives at micro and macroeconomic levels
- Emphasized quality assurance, skill assessment of women clients, child labor protection, transportation, raw material acquisition, and local market access
- Fostered collaboration among regional and national economic research groups to analyze the carpet sector's dynamics and income generation opportunities for Afghan women, addressing gaps and constraints in commercial markets
- Expanded Arzu's project objectives through fieldwork, coordinating registrations, monitoring existing programs, and conducting workshops for capacity building
- Initiated new projects such as water reservoirs, Hamams, and water filter systems to benefit rural communities
- Orchestrated programs for Community Health Workers and assistant Midwives, collaborating closely with health officials on workshops for child and maternal development, prenatal and postnatal care, and newborn immunizations
- Led project development in vocational education, maternal and child development, and provided project oversight for regional offices, clinics, and primary education institutions
- Ensured compliance with Arzu's educational literacy requirements and maternal healthcare services, while enhancing income generation programs in rural areas
- Verified compliance with educational and healthcare requirements, obtained feedback on healthcare benefits and services, and managed income generation programs for rural communities
- Conducted regular visits to schools and literacy classes to monitor student attendance and project quality
- Worked closely with medical service providers to monitor project quality and family participation/outcomes, while providing capacity building and training programs for local staff
- Conducted analytical research to improve medical technology dissemination and adoption in the region, focusing on collective efforts, training, and capacity building for midwives
- Strengthened national health institutions by mobilizing resources to implement demand-driven markets
- Developed effective implementation strategies and analyzed emerging markets within Afghanistan's agricultural sector, including food processing mechanisms, equipment, and new technologies' effectiveness
- Participated in training programs funded by USAID and FAO to identify market access for locally produced dried fruits and processed vegetables
- Designed and implemented regional research programs, enhancing national livelihood programs with donor support and focusing on emerging markets such as fish farms, dairy products, and potato storages.
Researcher and Program Coordinator
The World Bank Group/World Bank Institute
Washington, DC
01.2002 - 08.2006
- Led an economic research initiative focusing on the efficacy of microfinance in promoting women's participation
- Oversaw research teams, conducted qualitative impact assessments on microfinance initiatives in various Afghan provinces, with a specific emphasis on women's roles
- Collaborated closely with local and international microfinance institutions to enhance portfolios and operational strategies
- Possess a comprehensive understanding of Afghanistan's microfinance landscape and have actively addressed its challenges
- Published a seminal impact analysis study titled 'The Positive and Negative Impacts of Microfinance,' advocating for gender equality and providing insights crucial for designing rural and urban development programs
- Implemented a range of qualitative research methodologies, including household interviews, observations, case studies, and focus group discussions across four regions of Afghanistan: Herat, Balkh, Bamyan, and Kabul
- Contributed to advancing gender equality as a policy priority by furnishing key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development, the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA), and other development partners with actionable data to inform the design and implementation of inclusive rural and urban development initiatives aimed at empowering Afghan women economically and socially.
Afghanistan Project Coordinator/Consultant, Global Development Learning Network
The World Bank Institute
Washington, DC
03.2003 - 07.2005
- Orchestrated a 12-part videoconference series linking centers in Kabul and Washington as part of the Institute's Global Dialogue Series
- Topics spanned gender issues, governance, political participation, education, employment, legal matters, health, human rights, trade, media, and Information Technology
- Fostered information and technology exchange among urban and rural institutions, forging partnerships among public, private, civil society, and international organizations
- Delivered skills training sponsored by the British Council for Afghan Parliamentary candidates, encompassing leadership, media relations, and political advocacy
- Additionally, authored a toolkit tailored for Afghan women leaders
- Led a series of videoconferences and training workshops on health, poverty, and gender in the South Asia region for the World Bank, engaging NGOs and Afghan government stakeholders
- Executed numerous training programs and assessments, resulting in comprehensive studies such as 'A National Development Framework and Budget' and 'MoH Policy and Strategy Extracts from Securing Afghanistan's Future.'
Project Coordinator/Consultant, Global Development Learning Network
World Bank Institute - Central Asia Region
10.2003 - 06.2004
- Supported knowledge dissemination on gender aspects of reforms in Central Asia, focusing on economic empowerment, social protection, and property entitlements
- Contributed to the development and implementation of gender-responsive legislative reform strategies, with tailored programs for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Brussels.
Database Development Consultant for Afghanistan
World Bank South Asia Region - Country Team Unit
01.2002 - 02.2003
- Conducted workshops, conferences, and research on reconstruction and development projects for the Afghanistan Directory of Expertise
- Provided briefings to the WB's Afghan country team on multilateral activities involving the international donor community and the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF).
Editor
The Development Gateway - Afghanistan Reconstruction Focus
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Generated content for the gateway website, spotlighting Afghanistan Reconstruction, with topics including Gender, Refugees & IDPs, and Afghan Culture and Religion.
Director of Chapters / Grassroots Outreach / Lobbying
AMC, (National Advocacy Group)
Washington, DC
03.2000 - 05.1998
- Advanced grassroots organization and citizen empowerment by offering essential information and training across North America
- Organized numerous press conferences and served as a speaker at national conferences to educate citizens on voter registration and political participation
- Spearheaded fundraising campaigns and led communications, media, and public relations outreach efforts.
Legislative Assistant
American Task Force for Bosnia (Coalition of Human Rights)
07.1996 - 12.1997
- Coordinated national grassroots outreach projects and collaborated closely with members of Congress and key staffers
- Researched and drafted language for Bosnia-related legislative proposals.
Education
Master's in education Distance Learning and Adult Training -
University of Arizona
01.2006
Certificate, Program of Peacekeeping Policy -
George Mason University
01.2000
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations -
George Mason University
01.1996
Minor in Global Systems -
George Mason University
01.1996
Skills
- Native Fluency: English, and Persian Dari
- Familiarity with Arabic, and French languages
- Budget Administration
- Written Communication
- Performance Management
- Policy and Procedure
- Partnership Development
- Performance Quality Assurance
- Analytical Skills & Program Evaluation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Strategic Leadership & Program Management
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Program Guidelines Adherence
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem-Solving Aptitude
- Performance Standards and Analysis
- Data Verification & Effective Communication
Special Panels
- International Congress of Women at Work, Ankara, Turkey
- Honorary Speaker to the Embassy of Finland, Norway, Bratislava, Slovakia, Czech Republic.
- Persian Gender Network, Harvard University and the World Bank-Boston, MA
- American Task Force of Bosnia- Washington DC- Special Report on Sanjak
- Debriefing at the White House on Afghanistan Washington, DC
- George Mason University Program of Peacekeeping Policy- Arlington, VA
- World Bank Seminar: Afghanistan Directory Expertise & Repatriation Efforts
- Rebuilding a Nation: Afghanistan Reconstruction and Reconciliation- University of Connecticut
- Mobilization and Civic Empowerment (WAMA) Conference, Westchester, New York
- Effective Grassroots Strategy: Political Enfranchisement and Muslim Activism
- Americans for Tax Reform- Washington, DC-Special Topic Women in Afghanistan
- Vital Voices- Georgetown University- Global Voices for Development for Afghan Women
Recognition Awards
- Award of Service from the US Afghanistan Embassy
- Recognition and Speaker for US Embassies of Finland, Norway, Czech Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Recognition for contributions to women's empowerment in Turkey's International Congress by the Prime Minister- Ankara, Turkey.
- Award of Appreciation from Sarah Lawrence College for the WAMA conference in NY
- Global Literacy Conference, New York (Achieved recognition with the US Administration), NY
- Recognition of Work with Afghanistan for Arzu- CEO Conference in NY
- Recognition and Special mention in First Lady's Speech on Global Literacy for Afghanistan- NY
- Recognition & Participation of The Closing Bell on New York Stock Exchange with US's First Lady.
Honorary Board Member
- AMFI-CHF International-Afghanistan's Microfinance Institute (2007-2010)
- Afghans4Tomorrow (2002-2014)
Research Projects And Publications
- The Challenge of Implementing Gender Responsive Legislation in Central Asia-The World Bank
- Microfinance and Gender Roles in Afghanistan-Research and Assessment Report- Oct. 200
- World Bank and Microfinance Support Investment Agency of Afghanistan.
Professional Highlights
- Project Management
- Procurement/Contract Management
- Leading and Developing Teams
- Monitoring, and Evaluation Execution
- E-Learning Education/Project Development
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Training and Building Capacity
- Effective Communication and Writing Skills
- Team Leadership and Development
Timeline
Director of Programs for Gender Affaires for CP-GAP 27 Member Nations
Colombo Plan, Gender Affaires Programme (CP-GAP)
04.2018 - Current
Program Director/Sr. Gender Justice Advisor for National Justice Support Sector Program (NJSS) & Supporting Access to Justice for Afghanistan (SAJA) under Rule of Law Programs
International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
06.2011 - 03.2018
Sr. Instructor for Afghanistan-Pakistan Regional Expertise Training Program
Booz Allan and Hamilton
12.2009 - 02.2011
Sr. Consultant
The Masy Group
08.2009 - 11.2009
Program Director of Development
ARZU, Inc.
09.2005 - 12.2008
Project Coordinator/Consultant, Global Development Learning Network
World Bank Institute - Central Asia Region
10.2003 - 06.2004
Afghanistan Project Coordinator/Consultant, Global Development Learning Network
The World Bank Institute
03.2003 - 07.2005
Researcher and Program Coordinator
The World Bank Group/World Bank Institute
01.2002 - 08.2006
Database Development Consultant for Afghanistan
World Bank South Asia Region - Country Team Unit
01.2002 - 02.2003
Editor
The Development Gateway - Afghanistan Reconstruction Focus
01.2002 - 01.2003
Director of Chapters / Grassroots Outreach / Lobbying
AMC, (National Advocacy Group)
03.2000 - 05.1998
Legislative Assistant
American Task Force for Bosnia (Coalition of Human Rights)
07.1996 - 12.1997
Master's in education Distance Learning and Adult Training -
University of Arizona
Certificate, Program of Peacekeeping Policy -
George Mason University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations -
George Mason University
Minor in Global Systems -
George Mason University
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