Aous Qutaishat
CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER /PROJECT DIRECTOR/ BOARD MEMBER
Amman,AM
Summary
High-performing board member with substantial experience in providing strategic leadership and governance to organizations. Proven track record of success in managing budgets and making sound business decisions. Known for delivering technical advisory to set strategic vision, establish organizational structure, develop operating models, and implement strategic plans with a keen focus on steering tactical programs and achieving long-term sustainable growth for organizations across the MENA region. Recognized for managing budgets, mobilizing resources, and building relationships with national and international stakeholders to implement large-scale programs that support mediation, negotiation, crisis management, electoral and democracy assistance activities across various countries. Expert in spearheading capacity-building initiatives to develop and strengthen skills, abilities, processes, and resources required by organizations to thrive in a fast-changing world with a special focus on negotiation, mediation, acceptance of others, and community dialogue. Experienced in managing complex projects in volatile regions impacted by geopolitics and migration from neighboring countries. Team-oriented and driven to building relationships and fostering a culture of excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Executive Board of Directors Member
Al-Sanabel International Holding
Amman, Amman Governorate
08.2024 - Current
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision-making.
- Served as advocate and ambassador for organization by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.
- Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization's fiscal health.
- Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
- Enhanced board effectiveness by implementing innovative strategies and best practices.
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive organizational growth and development.
- Drove strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.
Chief Technical Adviser/ Project Manager | Senior Adviser to the Chairman
Independent Election Commission Partnership Project (IPP) USAID/IEC
Amman-Jordan
01.2018 - Current
- Direct a project team of 140 members to ensure the provisioning of civic education, outreach, training, legal, and legislative support
- Deliver technical, procurement, and logistical guidance to drive elections, and political development process in Jordan (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022)
- Managed the support of USAID (also managed UKAID, UNDP, and French cooperation aid) to the IEC since 2016
- Delivered technical advice to lead ~15M$ IPP USAID/IEC partnership for the execution of civic education/outreach, institutional enhancement, and quality management
- Establishment of regional electoral training and research institute
- Delivery of technical advisory support to the IEC on all electoral matters
- Delivery of related electoral best practices research, technical and legal opinion papers
- Delivery of around 16,000 training sessions around Jordan just throughout 2023 alone
- Led 7 political participation training initiatives as well as authored 15 project/concept papers and funding proposals for the election's process/cycle
- Provided policy and technical assistance to the election management bodies and other implementing agents in the design, preparation, implementation, and coordination of the multi-donor program-supported activities to ensure its efficient and effective contribution to the successful conduct of the elections
- Delivered cross-cutting themes such as gender and human rights are incorporated into support of the electoral program and contribute to the formulation of cross-cutting initiatives
- Spearheaded the design and development of impact-oriented interventions, including work plans, results, deviations, mitigating strategies, resources, and expenses
- Supervised the development of curriculum development in specialized training management, electoral justice, and civic education fields, applying adult learning best practices and curriculum development standards and tools
- Introduced and orchestrated a new workflow system to move the business process to paperless workflow and reduce both internal and external labor force while maintaining production levels
- Managing a youth civic education project at 55 Higher education facilities in Jordan delivering more than 37,000 training sessions targeting 350,000 students in 24 months
- Navigated complex regulatory requirements to ensure compliance in all advisory activities.
- Enhanced team productivity with introduction of streamlined processes for client assessments and follow-ups.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
MENA Advisor and Advisory Board Member
The Cybrix Group, USA
Tampa , FL
01.2011 - 12.2020
- Ensured regional clients met HIPAA policies and requirements across MENA region by spearheading and conducting reviews
- Provided strategic advice for carrying out EHR cyber security analysis and managing programs and network security business
- Integrated on-site cyber-security analysis into national threat analysis and security plans
- Managed relationships with existing and potential clients to drive achievement of business development objectives; handled any issues pertaining to customer satisfaction to ensure long-term loyalty and trust
- Analyzed business models utilized by financial advisors to identify opportunities to incorporate additional products, create efficiencies, and effectively market/grow business
Senior Project Adviser | Interim Admin and Finance Director
EU-Afghanistan Project (Enhanced Sustainability/Electoral Integrity in Afghanistan- PROSES)
Kabul Afghanistan
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Strategically positioned as a Senior Project Adviser (Interim Admin and Finance Director) and security focal point for stakeholder management, organizational set-up, and threat analysis with the implication of project activities
- Coordinated with international organizations to drive capacity-enhancing activity design and implementation for Electoral Courts of Complaints, Security Structures, and Civil societies
- Facilitated institutional training, coaching, and in-service capacity development structure personnel
- Ensured the smooth running of day-to-day operations supporting in achieving the expected results in line with the agreed timelines and to high-quality standards
- Implemented internal controls for enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements and reduced errors in reporting.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new project employees.
- Reduced process discrepancies through measured implementation of performance reporting and data systems.
- Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
Senior Project Advisor | Chief Technical Adviser
Enhanced Support to Democratic Governance in Jordan - EU-JIDD
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Contributed to delivering electoral assistance to the Independent Electoral Commission of Jordan by implementing component two under the EU-funded JDID project
- Managed overall security aspects of executing both project activities and security assessments of electoral processes in a volatile region impacted by geo-politics and migration from neighboring countries
- Oversaw project components as the OIC of the project PMU, comprising the parliament, the Independent Election Commission, The Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, and civil society
- Headed component 2 (electoral support) and served as a Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of the IEC in Jordan
- Provided targeted formal and informal training and mentorship to the election commission staff, parliament, political parties, and civil societies staff on various topics
- Delivered strategic and operational guidance to oversee financial management, budgeting, and evaluation support
- Acted as a key member of the ISO/TC 176- SC2 for quality management and assurance
- Served as a Head of the Quality implementation team (ISO/TS 54001)
Chief Technical Adviser - Global Operations
European Center for Electoral Support, Belgium
Brussels , Belgium
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided technical and operational advice to support missions in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Comoros Islands, and South Africa with HQ in Brussels
- Monitored and executed multi-donor program activities through regular interaction with the election management bodies
- Managed delivery of results by using up-to-date best practices and know-how in electoral support and accordingly plan delivery of resources
Special Adviser to the Chairman
Independent Election Commission/UNDP-EU Funded, Jordan
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Delivered electoral technical advice that supported Chairman of the IEC in conducting major policy reviews and managing cross-sectoral policy issues while serving as a Project Coordinator and Team Leader
- Prepared special informational analysis and leads on the de-centralization law and upcoming elections
- Advised on all aspects related to security risks and threats of implementing electoral activities around the electoral cycle, such as national and regional political developments
- Collaborated with national and international non-governmental organizations
- Devised a resource mobilization strategy at the national and international level
- Spearheaded end-to-end development of the 2017 electoral atlas
- Played a key role in the formulation of institutional responses pertaining to security threats and risks based on the analysis of political situations and scenarios
- Drove project operations in support of regulatory and procedural development by creating strategic approaches, action plans, concept notes, and budget/logistics
- Led successful launch of 2017 elections cycle by ensuring harmony and synergy of key IEC actions, decisions, and relations in line with international codes, governance, and best practices
- Chaired the electoral emergency preparedness response team and plans
- Drove strategic, cohesive operations by building relationships with key stakeholders, including military and security personnel at national and regional level
Contracts & Operations Manager
Daoud & Partners Ltd, Jordan
01.2011 - 12.2017
- Delivered operational leadership to manage the joint training center (high-level Jordanian/US/coalition military training center for the central command)
- Provided direction to institute the field joint support centers
- Successfully negotiated, finalized, and managed government contracts
- Oversaw proposal preparation and contract negotiations with a focus on cost savings
- Led capacity building initiatives to increase organizational potential
- Achieved a 35% decrease in operating cost by introducing effective accounting and procurement practices
- Spearheaded successful execution of multi-national training initiatives by devising joint training plans and providing necessary logistics
- Ensured seamless communication between military personnel by planning and establishing multi-national military coordination cell
- Carried out detailed research to analyze competitive landscape as well as demographic/economic market data while formulating plans accordingly to drive bottom-line impact
- Maintained a fully compliant environment by aligning overall operations with establishing policies and regulations
Policies, Institutional Development and International Cooperation Adviser
Independent Election Commission/UNDP-EU Funded, Jordan
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Delivered comprehensive reporting and advice on the political, legal, institutional, technical, human rights, and security environment in the country during the pre-election time
- Oversaw sensitive and non-sensitive supply orders while ensuring adherence to the internal policies and executive instructions
- Carried out major policy and legislative proof-reads, reviews, and analyses within the executive instructions issued by the board of commissioners
- Delivered technical and strategic advice to the commission regarding public financial management issues including transparency, budgeting, planning, accountability, fiscal control, decentralization, and internal and external audit
- Conducted periodic and comprehensive evaluations of ongoing functions to ensure organization meets its stated goals and identifies areas pertaining to operational efficiency
- Designed and participated in broad development assistance assessments, program design, results framework development, and monitoring and evaluation planning
MENA Marketing Advisor
Prime Medical, USA
Amman-Jordan, Amman Governorate
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Directed end-to-end development of plans and strategies for driving organizational growth across the MENA region
- Defined robust systems/policies and established seamless communication channels to ensure operational excellence and encourage integrated efforts for achieving sustainability of the organization
- Facilitated successful execution of organizational strategies for MENA region by supporting the formulation of organizational structure, market, and the business model
- Strengthened existing PM relationships with partners and evolved regional networks
- Built the capacity of government and non-government actors by promoting the execution of best practices
- Steered organizational operations and programs across MENA region by administering annual budgets
- Conducted concept paper to understand decentralization in the Jordanian health sector
- Collaborated with sales team to increase brand awareness and enhance business development by building and maintaining relationships with key accounts.
- Assisted in development of products and services previously unrepresented in industry to increase shares in new MENA markets .
Special Strategy Adviser to the DG (2 star General/ Army HQ)
Royal Medical Services, Jordan
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Delivered guidance to set a strategic direction for creation and execution of policy
- Devised strategic plans and planned resources to achieve key organizational goals
- Expanded organizational operations by building alliances and partnerships across multiple sectors
- Contributed to the development of strategic vision 2020 of the organization
- Supported Jordan military to proactively respond during catastrophe and emergencies by implementing the disaster control center and the medical response plan
- Established a fully accountable work culture by implementing governance structures, RMS rules and processes, independent oversight mechanisms, audits, as well as policies and regulations
- Ensured smooth execution of an RMS health services de-centralization process through organizational restructuring
- Played a key role in conducting public-private partnership (PPP) feasibility studies and cost benefit analysis as well as developing financial models and managing project financials
- Assessed viability and adaptability of EHR through comprehensive evaluation
Education
Professional Certificate - Operations Management Strategy
Metropolitan School of Business
London 01.2022 - 02.2022
Mini MBA -
Pioneers International Academy
Amman 11.2018 - 01.2019
Mini MBA -
IBMI
Berlin 10.2017 - 01.2018
Certified ISO internal Auditor - ISO/TS 54001
IEC
Amman 01.2017 - 01.2018
Negotiations and Dispute Resolution - Disputes
Harvard University
MA-USA 01.1999 - 01.2000
Special Diploma - International Leadership
United Nations International Leadership Academy
Amman 12.1996 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Modern languages
Yarmouk University
Irbid-Jordan 01.1987 - 01.1991
BA - Modern Languages
Yarmouk University
Irbid-Jordan 09.1987 - 01.1991
Skills
- Strategic advisory services
Team leadership experience
Strategic business advisor
- Organizational growth strategies
- Strategic model formulation
- Financial management expertise
- Execution of strategic initiatives
- Community engagement efforts
- Organizational development
- Strategic operational planning
- Project oversight
- Policy development
- Project lifecycle management
- Strategic advisory services
Professional Development Courses
- International Business & Economics
- Strategy & Operations
- Essential Management Skills
- Marketing & Communications
- HR Management
- Digital Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Quality Management Principles
- Election Observation
- Cyber Security Principles
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Data Analysis/Data Quality Assessment
- Securing Digital Democracy
- Information Security
- Strategic Leadership and Management
- Brand Management
- Building Strong Sub-Partnerships
- Electoral Justice
- Theory of Change and Logframe
- Mobilizing Public Financial Management (PFM) Systems
- Financial Management for USAID Funding
- Efficient & Effective Project Management for EU Funded Projects
- Management and Coordination of E.C Funded Projects; the PM methodology.
- USAID Advanced Project Management
Timeline
Executive Board of Directors Member
Al-Sanabel International Holding
08.2024 - Current
Professional Certificate - Operations Management Strategy
Metropolitan School of Business
01.2022 - 02.2022
Mini MBA -
Pioneers International Academy
11.2018 - 01.2019
Chief Technical Adviser/ Project Manager | Senior Adviser to the Chairman
Independent Election Commission Partnership Project (IPP) USAID/IEC
01.2018 - Current
Senior Project Adviser | Interim Admin and Finance Director
EU-Afghanistan Project (Enhanced Sustainability/Electoral Integrity in Afghanistan- PROSES)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Mini MBA -
IBMI
10.2017 - 01.2018
Certified ISO internal Auditor - ISO/TS 54001
IEC
01.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Project Advisor | Chief Technical Adviser
Enhanced Support to Democratic Governance in Jordan - EU-JIDD
01.2017 - 01.2019
Chief Technical Adviser - Global Operations
European Center for Electoral Support, Belgium
01.2017 - 01.2019
Special Adviser to the Chairman
Independent Election Commission/UNDP-EU Funded, Jordan
01.2017 - 12.2017
Policies, Institutional Development and International Cooperation Adviser
Independent Election Commission/UNDP-EU Funded, Jordan
01.2016 - 12.2016
MENA Marketing Advisor
Prime Medical, USA
01.2015 - 12.2016
Special Strategy Adviser to the DG (2 star General/ Army HQ)
Royal Medical Services, Jordan
01.2014 - 12.2015
MENA Advisor and Advisory Board Member
The Cybrix Group, USA
01.2011 - 12.2020
Contracts & Operations Manager
Daoud & Partners Ltd, Jordan
01.2011 - 12.2017
Negotiations and Dispute Resolution - Disputes
Harvard University
01.1999 - 01.2000
Special Diploma - International Leadership
United Nations International Leadership Academy
12.1996 - 01.1997
BA - Modern Languages
Yarmouk University
09.1987 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Modern languages
Yarmouk University
01.1987 - 01.1991
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