Dana Alzouma
Rockville
Summary
Adept at fostering impactful partnerships and leading cross-functional teams, I leveraged my problem-solving and communication skills at USAID to enhance program efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. My approach combines strategic analysis with a keen ability to adapt, driving significant improvements in operational processes and team collaboration.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Partnerships Initiative Lead
US Agency for International Development, USAID
01.2021 - Current
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Country Desk Officer, Office of West Africa
US Agency for International Development, USAID
07.2009 - 01.2021
- Supported and provided keen insight into operational and programmatic activities.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing relevant information when needed.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients through prompt responses to inquiries, rigorous follow-ups on pending issues, and proactive problem-solving efforts.
- Reduced response times to inquiries with efficient management of incoming calls, emails, and messages.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse tasks as assigned while maintaining a high level of attention to detail under tight deadlines.
- Promoted adherence to organizational policies by ensuring proper documentation was completed for all work activities.
- Contributed to the development of new procedures by participating in process improvement initiatives.
- Managed sensitive information discreetly while adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines established.
- Played a key role in fostering a positive work environment by actively participating in team building activities, offering assistance to colleagues, and maintaining open lines of communication with peers.
- Provided guidance in selecting, designing and applying analytic methodologies.
- Acted as a reliable liaison between different departments, fostering collaboration and facilitating information exchange.
- Handled urgent matters effectively with quick thinking and decisive action whenever required during crisis situations or last-minute changes in plans or priorities.
- Conducted and supervised needs assessments and feasibility studies.
Program Analyst
US Agency for International Development, USAID
01.2008 - 07.2009
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential issues and develop mitigation strategies.
- Led change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions during periods of organizational growth or restructuring.
- Coordinated closely with finance teams to manage budgets effectively throughout the lifecycle of each project or initiative.
- Managed cross-functional teams, resulting in successful completion of program objectives.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective services and materials, contributing to budget efficiency.
- Increased stakeholder satisfaction by delivering timely and accurate reports on program progress.
- Oversaw recruitment and training of new team members, ensuring high level of competence and commitment to program objectives.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement, resulting in increased operational efficiency across the organization.
- Tailored communication strategies to different stakeholder groups, enhancing message reception and program support.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
- Leveraged on-site observation and personal interviews to identify team and individual strengths.
Program Analyst
Datex, Triumph, AMA Technologies
10.1998 - 01.2008
- Managed cross-functional teams, resulting in successful completion of program objectives.
- Coordinated closely with finance teams to manage budgets effectively throughout the lifecycle of each project or initiative.
- Developed and maintained project schedules, ensuring key milestones were met on time and within budget.
- Implemented quality assurance measures, leading to a significant reduction in errors and rework.
- Facilitated effective communication between team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing data-driven improvements.
- Analyzed unstructured information to derive key insights.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.
- Enhanced program visibility and stakeholder engagement by organizing and leading public forums and workshops.
- Led cross-functional teams in execution of program initiatives, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction with regular update meetings, keeping all parties informed on project progress and challenges.
- Optimized resource allocation through careful analysis of program requirements and constraints.
- Coordinated with external partners to expand program reach and impact, building beneficial relationships that supported program goals.
- Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
- Recommended [Type] operational improvements based on tracking and analysis of [Type] data.
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Tailored communication strategies to different stakeholder groups, enhancing message reception and program support.
Forestry Extension Agent Volunteer
US Peace Corps
10.1995 - 04.1998
- Enhanced community engagement by conducting workshops and seminars on various topics relevant to local needs.
- Recruited volunteers for various initiatives by leveraging personal networks, tapping into existing resources within the organization, and clearly communicating project goals or expectations.
- Conducted research on industry trends to ensure the relevancy of educational content provided during workshops or trainings.
- Managed budgets efficiently for several initiatives while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
- Addressed specific challenges faced by underrepresented populations within the communities served, tailoring outreach efforts and resource allocation to ensure equitable access to programming.
- Established trust among clients by maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information when necessary while still providing helpful assistance in resolving issues encountered.
- Kept current with industry advancements by attending professional conferences and seminars, as well as participating in online learning opportunities.
- Served as a liaison between the cooperative extension office and local stakeholders to facilitate open communication channels and identify emerging issues or concerns.
- Secured grant funding for multiple projects by researching opportunities, writing proposals, and maintaining positive relationships with funders.
- Created educational materials tailored to specific audience needs, ensuring effective communication of complex concepts.
- Collaborated with colleagues across disciplines on interdisciplinary projects that addressed complex community challenges from multiple perspectives.
- Organized successful community events that showcased extension programs while fostering increased public awareness and support.
- Helped create comprehensive program to meet [Type] needs.
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
- Created educational materials to convey important information to service recipients.
- Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs.
- Approached issues proactively to best meet current and future community needs.
- Encouraged community gardening efforts to promote sustainable living.
- Strengthened volunteer team effectiveness by providing training sessions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English And World Religions
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA 05.2001 -
Skills
Problem-solving
Team management
Flexible and adaptable
Calm under pressure
Organization and time management
Supervision and leadership
Excellent communication
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
[Area of certification]
Timeline
Partnerships Initiative Lead
US Agency for International Development, USAID
01.2021 - Current
Country Desk Officer, Office of West Africa
US Agency for International Development, USAID
07.2009 - 01.2021
Program Analyst
US Agency for International Development, USAID
01.2008 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Arts - English And World Religions
University of Mary Washington
05.2001 -
Program Analyst
Datex, Triumph, AMA Technologies
10.1998 - 01.2008
Forestry Extension Agent Volunteer
US Peace Corps
10.1995 - 04.1998
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