Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
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Salah Asmar

London,United Kingdom

Summary

Accomplished Development and Project Management Specialist with extensive experience in overseeing multi-sectoral humanitarian and reconstruction projects, ensuring strategic alignment with donor priorities and sustainable impact. Expertise in master planning, strategic project delivery, and results-based management (RBM), designing and executing large-scale programs with a focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, economic recovery, and resilience-building. Proven ability in process development and optimization, streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency, accountability, and impact measurement frameworks, including Logical Frameworks (LogFrames) and Theories of Change (ToC).

Skilled in agile methodologies and adaptive programming, implementing flexible, data-driven approaches to optimize project outcomes. Strong financial oversight capabilities, managing multi-donor budgets while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. Expertise in innovative financing models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Outcome-Based Financing (OBF), to drive sustainable funding and long-term project viability.

Currently pursuing an MSc in Construction Economics and Management at UCL, with research focused on Innovative Business Models in Humanitarian Construction, exploring alternative funding mechanisms to enhance project sustainability and efficiency. A dedicated leader in team empowerment and capacity building, fostering collaboration through training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Exceptional communication skills, adept at engaging donors, policymakers, and partners to drive evidence-based decision-making and policy development. Passionate about leveraging strategic financing, innovative business models, and sustainable construction methodologies to create lasting impact in crisis-affected regions.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Program Development Manager

White Helmets
London, United Kindom
01.2023 - Current
  • Led development, writing, and submission of funding proposals for institutional donors such as USAID, EU, FCDO, and GFFO, ensuring alignment with donor priorities, results-based frameworks, and impact-driven programming. Managing over 50 calls for proposals during 2024.
  • Designed and planned projects to drive economic growth in response areas, focusing on sustainable reconstruction, livelihoods, and resilience-building interventions.
  • Developed and integrated innovative business models, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Outcome-Based Financing (OBF), to enhance sustainability, financial efficiency, and long-term impact of humanitarian programs.
  • Designed and implemented Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks, including Logical Frameworks (LogFrames) and Theories of Change (ToC), to strengthen project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Developed results and impact measurement tools, applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies to track program effectiveness, inform decision-making, and ensure accountability.
  • Applied social research methods, particularly quantitative data analysis, to assess program performance and generate evidence-based insights for adaptive programming.
  • Facilitated the development and operationalization of institutional policies and procedures to standardize RBM approaches and strengthen organizational accountability.
  • Bridged link between results measurement and evaluation, ensuring monitoring frameworks support data-driven learning and program adaptation.
  • Managed donor reporting and compliance, overseeing the creation of Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs) and ensuring high data quality in performance monitoring.
  • Provided strategic insights on private and public sector investments, evaluating financial mechanisms to optimize funding sustainability and program scalability.
  • Conducted capacity-building initiatives for internal teams and partners on results-based management, proposal development, impact measurement, and innovative financing approaches.
  • Effectively communicated complex analytical findings in written reports and presentations, ensuring clarity and actionable insights for stakeholders, donors, and leadership teams.

Projects Planning Manager

White Helmets
London, United Kingdom’s
01.2020 - 12.2022
  • Developed comprehensive business strategies to align with the organization’s long-term objectives, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and impact across humanitarian programs.
  • Designed the annual funding plan for the White Helmets International Donors Group, ensuring sustainable financial resources to maintain and expand operations.
  • Led the master needs assessment and strategic planning across all programs, integrating multi-year projections, program expansion strategies, and alignment with ultimate organizational objectives.
  • Coordinated multi-sectoral planning efforts, ensuring that humanitarian response activities were data-driven, scalable, and responsive to emerging needs.
  • Developed scenario-based financial and operational plans to enhance preparedness and adaptability in dynamic humanitarian contexts.
  • Designed frameworks for long-term program sustainability, incorporating innovative funding mechanisms, including blended finance and private sector engagement.
  • Facilitated coordination with internal departments and donor partners, ensuring streamlined communication, resource allocation, and program execution.
  • Enhanced data-driven decision-making by integrating performance monitoring systems and financial forecasting tools into project planning.

Roving Senior Projects Officer

MayDay Rescue
Istanbul , Turkey
01.2019 - 12.2019
  • Supported unit directors by collecting and analyzing data to finalize Theories of Change (ToC), results frameworks, and proposal narratives, ensuring alignment with program objectives and donor requirements.
  • Prepared narrative reports against agreed indicators, ensuring accurate documentation of project progress, challenges, and impact.
  • Reviewed field-level needs assessments, synthesizing data to develop evidence-based project outlines and funding proposals that responded to emerging humanitarian priorities.
  • Facilitated cross-sectoral coordination between field teams and program units to ensure cohesive planning and data integration across multiple humanitarian interventions.
  • Conducted data validation and quality assurance for programmatic assessments, ensuring that information used for decision-making was accurate, reliable, and aligned with strategic priorities.
  • Contributed to program design and expansion strategies, integrating lessons learned from field assessments to refine project methodologies and operational plans.
  • Developed technical inputs for donor proposals, ensuring a results-based approach in line with the Logical Framework (LogFrame) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

WASH Projects Coordinator

Hand in Hand for Syria Organisation
Gaziantep , Turkey
02.2016 - 12.2018
  • Designed and planned WASH projects, ensuring alignment with humanitarian standards, community needs, and donor requirements.
  • Led project implementation and supervised engineering teams, ensuring that construction and infrastructure projects progressed according to plan and were completed within the designated timeframe and budget.
  • Coordinated with contractors, vendors, and stakeholders, ensuring timely procurement of materials and smooth execution of construction activities.
  • Managed project documentation and compliance, overseeing the preparation and processing of key documents, including tender documents, GRN certifications, and regulatory approvals.
  • Conducted regular site visits and quality inspections, ensuring all work adhered to safety standards and high-quality benchmarks, while taking corrective actions as needed.
  • Oversaw project financial management, including budget development, expense monitoring, and financial reporting to ensure efficient use of resources.
  • Resolved project-related challenges and disputes, collaborating with stakeholders to find solutions that ensured continuity and successful project completion.
  • Contributed to strategic program planning, integrating lessons learned from field implementation to improve future project designs and methodologies.

Rehabilitation of Infrastructure Officer

SHAFAK organisation
Idlib, Syria
03.2015 - 12.2015
  • Conducted infrastructure assessments and evaluations, identifying needs and proposing effective implementation strategies aligned with organizational goals and humanitarian priorities.
  • Developed comprehensive rehabilitation plans, including timelines, budget projections, and resource allocation strategies to ensure efficient project execution.
  • Led the implementation and oversight of multiple infrastructure rehabilitation projects, including agricultural roads, artesian wells, bakeries, and sewage systems, to enhance community resilience and improve living conditions.
  • Coordinated with engineering teams, contractors, and local stakeholders to ensure projects adhered to safety standards, quality benchmarks, and humanitarian principles.
  • Managed project financials, ensuring budgets were efficiently allocated, expenses monitored, and financial reporting complied with donor and organizational requirements.
  • Conducted in-depth economic and social research, analyzing local needs, infrastructure gaps, and the socio-economic impact of rehabilitation efforts.


Instructor of Engineering Programs Design

Syrian Engineering Syndicate
Idlib, Syria
06.2014 - 03.2015
  • Designed and conducted structured training programs in 3D-MAX and AutoCAD , equipping students with essential engineering design and modeling skills.
  • Provided in-depth instruction and hands-on guidance to students on the effective use of 3D-MAX and AutoCAD software, ensuring they mastered both fundamental and advanced design techniques.
  • Developed engaging and interactive lesson plans, covering a wide range of topics, including 3D modeling, rendering, drafting, and technical drawing principles.
  • Monitored student progress, providing individualized feedback, troubleshooting support, and performance assessments to enhance learning outcomes.


Education

Master of Science - Construction Economics and Management

University College London
London
09.2024 -

Bachelor of Science - Architecture

University of Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria
09.2009 - 09.2014

Professional certification - Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institution
Egypt
10.2022 - 11.2022

Skills

  • evelopment Management Leadership – Overseeing multi-sectoral development projects, ensuring strategic alignment with donor priorities
  • Master Planning & Strategic Project Delivery – Designing and executing large-scale humanitarian and reconstruction programs
  • Process Development & Optimization – Streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and enhancing impact measurement frameworks
  • Agile Methodologies & Adaptive Programming – Implementing flexible, results-driven approaches for humanitarian and development projects
  • Budget Control & Financial Oversight – Managing project finances, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and financial sustainability
  • Product Management & Innovation – Designing impact-driven business models
  • Team Empowerment & Capacity Building – Leading teams, fostering collaboration, and developing training programs for knowledge-sharing
  • Communication Excellence – Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for engaging with donors, policymakers, and implementing partners

Languages

English
Upper intermediate

Certification

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) - 2022
  • PMD-Pro training course - 2016
  • Recovery workshop training course PCM - 2016


Timeline

Master of Science - Construction Economics and Management

University College London
09.2024 -

Deputy Program Development Manager

White Helmets
01.2023 - Current

Professional certification - Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institution
10.2022 - 11.2022

Projects Planning Manager

White Helmets
01.2020 - 12.2022

Roving Senior Projects Officer

MayDay Rescue
01.2019 - 12.2019

WASH Projects Coordinator

Hand in Hand for Syria Organisation
02.2016 - 12.2018

Rehabilitation of Infrastructure Officer

SHAFAK organisation
03.2015 - 12.2015

Instructor of Engineering Programs Design

Syrian Engineering Syndicate
06.2014 - 03.2015

Bachelor of Science - Architecture

University of Aleppo
09.2009 - 09.2014

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Salah Asmar