George Mason University

Harvard University

Georgetown University

Experienced international development professional evolving dynamic approaches to stabilization, countering violent extremism, peacebuilding and social cohesion programming. Forward-thinking innovation related to integration of trauma-informed and psychosocial approaches to support communities interrupt cycles of violence and create sustainable social transformation. Over 20 years of field experience engaging community leaders, change agents, marginalized groups, youth and women in projects in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Zimbabwe.  Experience implementing USAID, FDCO, GIZ and GAC funds.

International Development Consultant

Country Lead for complex 6 month start up simultaneously in Moldova and Romania to include: strategy development, identification and engagement with 20+ partners, development and implementation of psychosocial activities to address gender-based violence and refugee trauma, burn out prevention and mentorship for partner organizations and VOICE team members. Execution of the full HR process in two countries to hire 6 staff members, facilitated funding for 10+ partner organizations. Team member for rapid gender protection assessment for refugees fleeing from Ukraine across 5 countries in Eastern Europe with VOICE Amplified to determine the safety needs of women and girls and the needs of women run organizations responding to the crisis. Contributing author to Waiting for the Sky to Fall: The Unprecedented Crisis Of Women and Girls Fleeing Ukraine, Romania and Moldova Reports

VOICE

Country Start Up Lead, Moldova and Romania

As a USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Country Representative and Senior Advisor I have a demonstrated leadership in strategy development, program management and team capacity building to effectively implement projects in unpredictable stabilization, violent extremism and conflict environments. I contributed to the creation of bottom-up methodologies to integrate team analysis into strategy development to increase ownership and understanding of how to operationalize objectives into grassroots programming.  I improved efficient and rapid integration of lessons learned to rapidly adapt programming and build on best practices through increased team involvement in the development of evaluation indicators and processes.

Michelle Girard