Randa Housam Shelleh Palestine | +972-599997487 | Shellehranda@gmail.com SUMMARY Accomplished development professional with over 15 years of experience in project management, strategic planning, capacity building, and community engagement. Proven track record in designing and implementing large-scale programs focused on civic participation, youth empowerment, child rights, and sustainable development. Skilled in grants management, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and financial oversight. Expertise in utilizing play-based methodologies for psychosocial support (PSS) and child education. Holds a PhD in Project Management and an MSc in Strategic Planning and Fundraising. EDUCATION PhD in Business Administration, 2024. Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain PhD student in Business Management at Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain - expected to graduate in 2027. MSc in Strategic Planning and Fundraising, 2021 The American University, Al-Rehan, West Bank Thesis: "Empowering Palestinian Youth through Participatory Planning and Capacity Building Strategies" Higher Diploma in Facility Management, 2013 Birzeit University, Ramallah, West Bank Bachelor of Physical Education, 2004-2008 An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank Graduated with honors, specialized in sports psychology and child development PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Global Communities, Ramallah, Palestine Grants Manager , USAID Active Citizenry Activity (ACA) March 2022 – Feb 2025 • Managed the full lifecycle of a $29M USAID initiative, enhancing civic participation, governance, and advocacy. • Provided 360° support to 25 civil society organizations, strengthening administrative systems, governance structures, financial management, policy frameworks, strategic and operational plans, and communication strategies. • esigned and implemented robust M&E frameworks to track milestones, measure impact, and inform evidence-based decisions. • Conducted capacity assessments, designed tailored interventions, and developed actionable roadmaps to enhance organizational performance and sustainability. • Delivered training on proposal development, project management, financial oversight, and participatory planning, enabling CSOs to secure funding and implement projects effectively. • Served as a key member of proposal evaluation committees, reviewing applications and providing strategic recommendations aligned with donor objectives. • Oversaw financial disbursements and reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance with donor requirements. • Produced analytical reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) to guide strategic improvements and organizational growth. • Represented ACA in high-level meetings and public forums, advocating for citizen engagement and policy change. World Vision, Ramallah, Palestine Program Manager, IMPACT Clubs January 2018 – March 2022 • Led a $600,000 youth empowerment initiative, establishing 32 clubs across the Central West Bank to foster civic participation, life skills, and entrepreneurship. • Supported youth-led micro-initiatives valued at approximately $10,000 each, guiding them through the development of business plans, marketing strategies, budgets, and registration/licensing processes to ensure alignment with small business and SME standards. • Managed clubs in partnership with village councils to ensure community-led development, integrating youth and women's voices into decision-making and local governance. • Built regional partnerships between councils and youth clubs, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community cohesion. • Oversaw recruitment, training, and mentoring of club leaders, equipping them with project management, financial literacy, and technical skills for sustainable impact. • Designed and implemented M&E frameworks, managed budgets, and ensured full compliance with financial regulations. • Represented IMPACT Clubs in national and international forums, sharing best practices and promoting youth-driven innovation and leadership. World Vision, Ramallah, Palestine Sponsorship and Community Engagement Officer January 2018 – December 2020 • Managed $500,000 Canadian-funded program across 30 villages in Nablus to drive sustainable community development. • Conducted needs assessments, strategic planning, and data analysis to prioritize development initiatives. • Supervised 13-member team in project execution, M&E, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. • Built partnerships with local councils and organizations to align objectives and maximize community impact. • Developed quarterly and annual reports to track progress, document lessons, and guide data-driven decisions. • Key achievements: Implemented large-scale program enhancing community participation; strengthened local governance for sustainability; ensured financial transparency and operational efficiency Right to Play Foundation, Ramallah, Palestine General Supervisor of Programs, Northern West Bank August 2007 – December 2015 • Oversaw $6M USAID-funded program to drive education and child rights initiatives in Northern West Bank. • Championed the integration of play-based learning and psychosocial support in formal and non-formal education settings, reaching over 10,000 children in marginalized communities. • Trained 500+ educators and facilitators on child-centered methodologies, PSS techniques, and inclusive education strategies to create safe and engaging learning environments. • Identified and engaged diverse partners including schools, NGOs, educators, and community leaders to expand program reach and impact. • Facilitated strategic planning sessions, capacity building, and action plan development with partners, ensuring alignment with child rights principles and education best practices. • Conducted regular performance assessments, program monitoring, and evaluation to ensure quality, impact, and adherence to child safeguarding standards. • Collected data, stories, and testimonials to document successes, lessons learned, and the transformative impact of play on children's well-being, social-emotional development, and academic outcomes. • Managed procurement, financial compliance, and budget optimization to maximize resource efficiency while maintaining program integrity and donor requirements. • Key achievements: Established play-based education as a key strategy for promoting child rights, PSS, and inclusive learning; built strong multi-sector partnerships for sustainable impact; enhanced capacity of educators and local organizations to champion child well-being; ensured financial accountability and program excellence in complex operating environments