DIRECTOR – GROWTH, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & INNOVATION
Dubai,DU
Summary
Strategic leader with 15+ years of cross-sector experience driving organizational growth, ESG transformation, and stakeholder impact across MENA and Africa. Proven expertise in market entry, software strategy, cross-functional team leadership, and sustainability-driven innovation. Adept at turning market intelligence into actionable growth and partnership strategies. Fluent in Arabic and English; intermediate proficiency in Spanish.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4033
4033
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Growth, Business Development Manager
SUSTAINABLE SQUARE
04.2024 - Current
Lead cross-functional teams across BD, marketing, and advisory enablement to align on ESG service growth and software adoption.
Opened new markets in Bahrain and Africa, securing strategic partnerships and reseller agreements within the first month.
Conducted gap assessments and market intelligence that directly influenced ESG software enhancements and client engagement strategies.
Trained internal teams on ESG solution selling, client demos, and stakeholder engagement to increase conversion and retention.
Oversaw marketing content strategy including brochures, social media, and thought leadership, ensuring message-market fit.
UAE & Bahrain – Hybrid
Senior Partnership & Growth Specialist
TALABAT
06.2023 - 04.2024
Forged strategic alliances with various sector entities to accelerate Talabat Kitchen’s market expansion and innovation in the F&B sector.
Achieved 100% occupancy in a new Talabat Kitchen within 3 months, onboarding high-performing vendors and optimizing revenue streams.
Drove digital transformation initiatives through impactful business proposals, leading to increased market share and ecosystem collaboration.
Negotiated and managed profitable contracts, aligning partner goals with Talabat’s long-term growth strategy in the cloud kitchen industry.
Senior Project Specialist
TALABAT
08.2022 - 06.2023
Spearheaded regional expansion through market research, competitor intelligence, and partner performance reviews, guiding cross-functional initiatives.
Successfully managed the construction and relaunch of two Talabat kitchens, overcoming legal, administrative, and operational challenges—despite no prior engineering or construction background.
Launched Talabat’s Bahrain call center, leading interior design, branding, and operational planning to ensure a seamless market rollout.
Delivered high-impact reports to senior leadership, directly influencing product and operational strategies.
Project Officer
IOM / UNITED NATIONS MIGRATION
12.2020 - 08.2022
Oversaw multi-stakeholder projects advancing ethical labor practices and sustainable supply chain governance in the region.
Designed and delivered capacity-building programs for vulnerable populations, aligning interventions with international sustainability benchmarks.
Facilitated alignment between project activities and the UN’s global sustainability agenda through cross-agency collaboration.
Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant
AIESEC / US Department of State
10.2020 - 02.2021
Created M&E frameworks to assess long-term program effectiveness and donor return on investment.
Translated stakeholder feedback and project data into actionable recommendations for improved delivery.
Quality Assurance & Communications Consultant
IOM / UNITED NATIONS MIGRATION
01.2019 - 01.2020
Elevated program visibility by implementing cohesive communication strategies aligned with impact and quality assurance standards.
Authored high-impact reports and ensured brand consistency across multi-channel engagements.
Communications Consultant
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UNIT
06.2018 - 09.2018
Led storytelling initiatives through interviews, articles, and publications that amplified the impact of sustainable energy programs.
Created strategic communication assets to boost stakeholder awareness and project visibility.
Program Associate
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
10.2014 - 06.2017
Led the development of regulatory frameworks for national sustainable energy policies, collaborating with senior government stakeholders to drive policy alignment with SDG goals.
Directed the budgeting and financial reporting processes for multiple projects, ensuring financial oversight and accountability by preparing detailed reports and sharing them with key stakeholders.
Assumed full ownership of procurement activities, overseeing the preparation of contracts, vendor management, and the execution of procurement processes, contributing to project efficiency.
Stepped into a leadership role in finance during the absence of the finance officer, overseeing payroll, financial reporting, and ensuring smooth financial operations for ongoing projects.
Managed the onboarding of consultants, streamlining the process by preparing contracts, arranging travel, and ensuring seamless execution of deliverables.
Organized and facilitated 7 high-impact workshops focused on women empowerment, diplomacy, energy, and trade, taking responsibility for end-to-end event management, strategic content planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Acted as a critical liaison between UNDP and senior government officials, ensuring alignment with national development goals and promoting effective collaboration in SDG-aligned initiatives.
Senior Administrator & Industry Liaison Coordinator
BAHRAIN POLYTECHNIC
03.2008 - 10.2014
Built strategic academic-industry partnerships that enhanced student employability and workforce readiness.
Launched and managed internship and placement programs, preparing students for professional success.
Curated large-scale career fairs and training programs, directly influencing graduate outcomes and stakeholder engagement.
Education
MPA - Public Administration: Sustainable Communities