Adnan Nordeen Basher Abuhamed
Amman
Summary
With over 17 years of experience in Administration and Finance at UNHCR, and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Operation I served in include Libya, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan (MENA Coordination Office), Sarajevo Regional Office for Southeastern Europe, MENA Regional Bureau. While managing resources, I had the opportunity to work closely with HQ counterparts from DFAM, DHR, LAS, OIOS, BoA, etc. I have comprehensive experience with UNHCR’s Business Transformation Program (BTP) and Cloud ERP systems, having engaged in the process-design and coordinated the Cloud ERP rollout training for over 550 trainees across the MENA region in 2023. As a Senior Finance Officer at the MENA Regional Bureau for more than five years, I have supported operations across the MENA region, gaining familiarity with their unique challenges. Throughout my career, I covered cross-functional areas such as Administration, Finance, HR, ICT, and Program – managed administrative & financial activities, liquidity issues, budgeting & planning, and coordinated operational support with UN Missions and UN Agencies. I’ve had the honor to represent UNHCR in different undertakings such as OMT, at both Country and Regional levels, and as a Chair of the Finance Working Group. As a certified UN BOS Practitioner, I have guided Country Offices on the UNSG Efficiency Agenda, led BOS reviews, and ensured accurate reporting of UNHCR cost-savings. I have always worked towards building viable teams. I enjoy sharing knowledge and contributing to capacity development, having facilitated and coordinated regional meetings, workshops, and training for MENA Country Offices as well as other regions. Leveraging my expertise in Change Management, I have guided offices through significant change projects such as restructuring, office moves, MSRP upgrades, COMPASS rollout, and the recent Cloud ERP rollout.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Snr Finance Office
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
04.2022 - 12.2025
- I've been overseeing the administrative and financial activities for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, ensuring that robust procedures were implemented and adhered to in all country offices within the region.
- My responsibilities included establishing and maintaining administrative and financial processes, conducting regular reviews and analysis to ensure compliance, and providing guidance, support, and training to staff to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in these areas.
Finance Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2019 - 03.2022
- Under my regional responsibility, I held the role of overseeing the administrative and financial activities within the MENA region.
- This involved providing guidance and support to Country Offices in the region, ensuring compliance with established procedures and standards.
- Additionally, I facilitated communication and coordination between headquarters, regional bureau, and country offices to streamline operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Regional Admin Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
03.2016 - 11.2019
- In my role overseeing regional Administration, Finance, HR, and ICT functions for the Southeastern Europe Region (Balkans), I focused on streamlining and harmonizing processes across multiple countries.
- I provided comprehensive support and oversight to ensure the consistent implementation of policies and procedures, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a cohesive regional identity for countries that previously operated independently.
- I successfully managed the rollout of new systems and conducted structural reviews within the region to align the workforce with new strategic objectives and goals.
Admin/Finance Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2014 - 03.2016
- During the peak of the Syrian Emergency, I managed and oversaw the Administration and Finance responsibilities for the MENA Director's Office in Amman, Jordan which led the emergency response for the impacted countries which his Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt.
- In this critical role, I provided essential support to the MENA Director, navigating the challenging operational environment and coordinating with various stakeholders in Jordan and the six countries heavily impacted by the crisis.
- I played a pivotal role in budgeting, financial reporting, and monitoring expenses, optimizing resource allocation to support the office's activities effectively.
- My focus was on ensuring that the office's administrative and financial functions operated smoothly and efficiently, thereby strengthening the emergency response efforts in the region.
Assc Admin/Finance Officer (P2)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2012 - 11.2014
- In my role overseeing Administration, Finance, HR, and ICT responsibilities for the Sub-Office of Tindouf, Algeria, which covered five refugee camps and five field units, I played a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the office and its field units within a complex and challenging operational environment.
- Classified as an “E” Duty Station, this location posed unique operational and administrative challenges due to its remote setting and the situation in the camps.
- I was responsible for managing the administrative functions of the office, including facilities management, logistics for daily personnel movements, coordination with the UN mission and other stakeholders, and procurement to support activities in the camps and field units.
- Additionally, I oversaw financial management, budget planning and monitoring, HR activities, and ICT, ensuring that all functions operated efficiently to support the mission's objectives.
Asst Admin/Program Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2008 - 11.2012
- In my role overseeing Administration, Finance, HR, ICT, and some Program activities, I played a crucial role in supporting the operation when the office was small.
- My successful relationships with stakeholders, particularly with Libyan authorities, facilitated access for operational activities.
- I provided guidance to Representatives on administrative and financial procedures, ensuring compliance with established rules.
- Additionally, I played a key role in capacity building by training local teams, empowering them to effectively manage administrative and financial aspects.
- During the Libyan Emergency in 2011, I was instrumental in maintaining operational continuity, stepping in as Officer in Charge (OIC) during civil war and armed conflict.
- This involved overseeing the day-to-day activities of the office and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure the smooth functioning of operations.
Assc Admin/Finance - Deployment to Baghdad
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
03.2012 - 06.2012
- As the first Admin/Finance Officer deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for the high-profile 'Ashraf Project,' I was tasked with establishing the administrative framework and managing related staffing and logistics.
- In a challenging and security-driven context, I successfully coordinated with the UN Mission to support an Office with over 50 new international staff.
- This included arranging accommodation, adequate Office space, secure daily transportation and meals for the staff while meeting work-related requirements in that situation, ensuring the project's smooth operation despite the difficult circumstances.
Snr Admin Assistance
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2007 - 08.2007
- Responsibilities included admin/finance related tasks at transactional level including, among other things, processing transactions on MSRP ERP system.
NUNV PR/IT (Admin)
UNV/UNDP
08.2005 - 12.2006
- Despite the title of this UNV position (was the only available option then), I effectively provided comprehensive administrative and financial support to the Administration Unit.
- Notably, after attending the new ERP system training in Geneva, I led the rollout implementation in Libya Office.
Project Manager Assistant
All Computers Ltd.
01.2005 - 06.2005
- Overall, my experience in reselling and developing IT service packages for clients, primarily oil companies operating in Libya, has equipped me with valuable skills in communication and negotiation.
- To ensure profitability, I adeptly negotiated pricing with suppliers to secure the best possible deals and managed costs effectively to maximize profit margins.
- Additionally, I analyzed market trends and competitors pricing to keep the company competitive in providing these services.
Day Manager - Customer Service
Woodhaven Country Lodge
03.2001 - 10.2002
- Working as a customer service representative at a country lounge provided me with valuable experience in interacting with customers and ensuring that the services provided met their expectations.
- I was responsible for addressing customer inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive experience for each guest.
- These skills have been essential in my career growth and have helped me become more customer-focused in all aspects of my work.
Quality Control Analyst
Provance Technologies Inc
11.2000 - 02.2001
- At Provance Technologies Inc., I was part of the quality control assurance and testing team for Compaq software, overseeing and ensuring the quality of software before its release to clients.
- In this role, I conducted thorough testing of software products to identify and resolve any bugs or issues prior to shipping to client companies.
- This experience significantly enhanced my attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as I meticulously reviewed software to catch potential errors that could impact the client's experience.
- Additionally, I gained valuable insights into the concept of internal control, which later became crucial in designing and managing efficient processes.
- This role also heightened my awareness of risks and mitigation strategies.
Education
Master Degree Study - MBA
University of Bath
10.2008
Skills
- Cloud ERP
- UNHCR Administrative and Financial rules
- IPSAS accounting principle
- Internal Control and Risk Management
- Budgeting
- ABOD budgeting
- Staffing budgeting
- COMPASS
- OMT
- UN Efficiency Agenda
- Business Operations Strategy
- Common Back-Office
- Administrative management
- Financial management
- Data analysis
- Effective coordination
- Capacity development
- Effective resource management
Locations
- Amman, Amman, Jordan
- Sarajevo, Sarajevo, BiH
- Tindouf, Tindouf, Algeria
- Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
- Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
- Cobourg, Cobourg, ON, K9A
- Gatineau, Gatineau, QC, J8T
Languages
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Snr Finance Office
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
04.2022 - 12.2025
Finance Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2019 - 03.2022
Regional Admin Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
03.2016 - 11.2019
Admin/Finance Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2014 - 03.2016
Assc Admin/Finance Officer (P2)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2012 - 11.2014
Assc Admin/Finance - Deployment to Baghdad
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
03.2012 - 06.2012
Asst Admin/Program Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2008 - 11.2012
Snr Admin Assistance
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2007 - 08.2007
NUNV PR/IT (Admin)
UNV/UNDP
08.2005 - 12.2006
Project Manager Assistant
All Computers Ltd.
01.2005 - 06.2005
Day Manager - Customer Service
Woodhaven Country Lodge
03.2001 - 10.2002
Quality Control Analyst
Provance Technologies Inc
11.2000 - 02.2001
Master Degree Study - MBA
University of Bath
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