International Rescue CommitteeCommunity Development Specialist
Oct. 2000 - Oct. 2002Gjilan, District of Gjilan, KosovoAs a Community Development Specialist for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Kosovo's Kamanica and Novo Burdo Counties, I oversaw the day-to-day management of a $2.5 million USAID funded-program, ensuring that resources were committed and utilized in accordance with grant goals, objectives, budgets, work plans, and timelines. Additionally, I oversaw the implementation of participatory-based programming, working closely with staff to improve program partners' ability to prioritize their needs and encourage broad-based participation during project identification, design, implementation, and evaluation. In addition, I administered, committed, monitored, and tracked expenditures for over 120 community grants, ranging from $250 to $50,000, totaling $1.5 million. Through my experience in peacebuilding, I also developed materials that provided community members with timely and accurate information regarding new local government structures and their rights and responsibilities. As part of my role, I was responsible for program monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on activities in preparation for donor reports. Additionally, I provided direct supervision, including recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating bi-annually, to 12 national field staff members. Through my leadership and expertise, we facilitated positive outcomes, including enhanced community engagement, improved governance practices, and increased social cohesion. Let's connect and explore how we can build a more peaceful and just world, one that centers healing and wellbeing for all.