Mr. Abdou is a graduate of the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration from Helwan University and he holds a degree in NGO management from the faculty of Economics and Political Science in Cairo. Mr. Abdo also studied NGO and Income Tax laws. He has experience in financial analysis and cost accounting. Mr. Abdou has been an accountant in CDS since February 2008, and is currently engaged in all financial operations.
Mr. Mahmoud El-Sawy joined CDS in 2010. He has been responsible for logistics and is now a senior warehouse administrator. His main responsibilities include taking stock of all items stored at the warehouse and keeping them. He maintains the coding system of the items in the warehouse for easy identification and assists in revising and keeping all requests initiated by clients and beneficiaries.
Dr. Farouk is a medical doctor with a dual post graduate specialization in Transfusion Medicine and Healthcare Business Administration from Cairo University, Egypt and Clarkson University, US, respectively. Over his career path in both public and private sectors, he developed a special interest and experience in transfusion medicine, healthcare management and policy, and research methodologies. Among other posts during his 20+ years of experience in the development and medical fields, he served as the key expert for several EU technical assistance programs and Swiss Red Cross development projects in Asia, Africa, Middle East and Balkan regions
Ms. Isaak is currently working as the Partnerships Program manager at CDS. She has more than fourteen years of professional experience in development work. She authored several research papers and guides, conducted regional training workshops, and participated in the editing of several publications. She completed her post-graduate studies in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility at Nottingham University, UK. Her professional experience coupled with her academic qualifications give her a sound expertise in establishing institutional partnerships that enable the achievement of development goals and objectives, especially among stakeholders from diverse fields with particular emphasis on engaging the private sector in development. Ms. Isaak has excellent communication and networking skills and experience in managing regional and global networks.
Mr. Kamel holds the position of senior program specialist at the Partnerships Unit at CDS. Over eighteen years of professional experience in urban community development, Mr. Kamel has a considerable experience in conducting rural and urban research and particularly working with NGOs. Mr. Kamel conducts participatory needs assessment, participatory rapid appraisals, and field research using participatory methodologies and is experienced in monitoring and evaluation of development projects, budget handling and dispersing, documentation and reporting of development projects, and organizing workshops.
Mr. Mokhtar is a founding member and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CDS. Mr. Mokhtar has more than thirty years of international development experience.His postgraduate studies at the Cranfield School of Management in Bedford, England, focused his early career on economic development – particularly in relation to small and micro-enterprise development. Mr. Mokhtar provided technical assistance to different national and international organizations. He is experienced in complex program coordination with large agencies – whether in planning, management, or evaluation phases. His extensive field-based experience in community development and project management gained him the position of the Global Coordinator for the RCPLA Network as well as Jury member for the World Bank Development Market place.
Mr. Mowad is a multi-skilled photographer who joined CDS in 1990. He has documented almost all of CDS’ activities throughout the years. Mr. Mowad oversees the artistic design of CDS and its clients’ visual communication tools and print materials. He is in charge of formulating layout designs and copy writing for visual communications media for publications. Mr. Mowad’s field of work is centered around four tasks, namely creative design and development, review and management of printing and publications, program learning support, and communication and networking. His work demonstrates both a creative component in that he generates ideas for visual communications, and a logistical component in terms of maintaining and networking ties with clients and for various projects. His work is vital for promoting the vision, mission, and strategic goals of CDS and its individual projects.
Mr. Abdelaziz holds the position of the Financial Manager of CDS since 2006. He is responsible for managing the company’s financial accounting; monitoring all financial transactions to ensure that policies, procedures and legal requirements are applied. He is also responsible for cost and inventory control, and financial analysis. He prepares and updates financial reports to donors and clients, analyzing changes and advising accordingly, providing and interpreting financial information, monitoring and interpreting cash flows and predicting future trends, formulating strategic and long-term business plans, conducting reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities, and acting as business advisor to the CEO. He supervises other finance and admin staff members and performs the indirect audit and supports the external auditors. His financial management tasks also include the approval, processing, follow-up and closure of contracts and grants. He oversees invoices, the standardization of billings and income registration and controls expenditures. He, furthermore, provides technical assistance to management staff for understanding and dealing with financial management policies. Mr. Abdelaziz also conducts financial assessments, training and capacity building, and internal controls for NGOs in different governorates to help them comply with donor regulations.
Mr. Wahab is a development practitioner with more than seven years of experience promoting inclusive economic growth in environments of political fluidity and operational uncertainty in South Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. At CDS, Mr. Wahab manages the global team to keep abreast of global trends and challenges across our areas of expertise, and works together with our wide network of partners to extend our services in the MENA region and abroad. He has helped implement market development and poverty reduction programs, incentivizing corporate citizenship and private sector investment to enable access to economic opportunities for the underprivileged. He is a member at The Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and The Society for Development Studies Lebanon. He holds a Master of Development Practice from the University of Waterloo in Canada, and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Dr. Khalil is a senior development practitioner with more than twenty-two years of progressive experience in the field of development with special focus on socio-economic development, education and health programs in Egypt and the Middle East. Dr. Khalil’s competencies include strategic planning; program development and management; program implementation, monitoring and evaluation; qualitative research and impact assessments; advocacy; people management; donor relations and relationship building for influence; provision of capacity building and technical assistance activities in various development and humanitarian fields. Dr. Khalil holds a PhD in social anthropology from the University in Hull, UK and a M.A. in political science with specialization in professional development from the American University in Cairo.
Mr. Soliman is an E-Business manager with experience in software development and implementation and direct experience leading teams made up of developers, designers, and support professionals to deliver valuable business solutions. He is a computer engineering graduate from Pharos University in Alexandria. He was awarded a scholarship from the Institute of International Education (IIE) that took him to the United States for a summer course in Computer Science at the University of Western Michigan.
Mr. Kamal is a senior programs specialist in the Program Support Unit at CDS with more than 25 years of experience in the development sector. He has extensive experience in NGO capacity assessment, institutional capacity building and monitoring and evaluation. Over the years, he conducted training workshops and capacity building to a wide variety of audiences; community development associations, government officials, NGOs, agricultural cooperatives, youth, women and local/international aid organizations in Egypt and the MENA region. Mr. Kamal has led and taken part in numerous assessment and evaluation missions using quantitative as well as participatory tools and techniques in data collection and led tens of capacity building workshops.
Ms. Ahmed has over twelve years of professional experience in community development and participatory community research, combining qualitative and quantitative anthropological tools, methods and techniques. She has extensive experience in participatory approaches as well as rights-based approaches, especially child rights. Ms. Ahmed is experienced in design of training manuals and materials. She is capable of handling multiple tasks including field and office work. Ms. Ahmed is a qualified interviewer, conducts semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in several development projects. In addition, she has experience in budget handling and dispersing as well as documentation and reporting of development projects. She has organized a variety of workshops, including their logistical arrangements and communication strategies.
Ms. El-Kalamawi is a young health professional working in CDS since 2016 as a health programs specialist. In March 2016, she graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University with specialization in Internal Medicine and General Surgery. She is in charge of designing and following up on more than six health development projects since joining CDS. Her main area of expertise is designing and implementing reproductive and sexual health-oriented programs using peer-to-peer education model.
Mr. Haggag is a dynamic team player with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organization industry. Skilled in Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and innovation, he is locally well connected with many CSOs and stakeholders through being a fellow of the Lazord Foundation and part of the John D. Gerhart Center for civic education and philanthropy at the American University of Cairo (AUC). Mr. Haggag joined CRISP- Conflict Simulation in Berlin for one year as a project assistant for the MENA region as EVS before joining CDS.
Ms. Ramzy is a Program Specialist at CDS, contributing to research, report and proposal writing, as well as assisting with project development and implementation. Building on her Political Science background, she has experience in investigative journalism and reporting as well as teaching undergraduate university students. Ms. Ramzy is competent in conducting research and analysis on various topics namely Gender, Political Conflict and Resolution, Human Rights and Poverty. She holds a Masters in Globalization and Development studies from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
Ms. Ibrahim provides support in the implementation of many projects at CDS as well as assisting in research, report and proposal writing. She has professional experience in several development sectors: economic empowerment, child education, entrepreneurship, and community development. She coordinated a variety of workshops and vocational training as well as human development training’s with a focus on interpersonal skills and entrepreneurship for youth and women. Ms. Ibrahim focused her early career on educational development, working with children with learning disorders in private schools and volunteering at several development associations. Ms. Ibrahim has competences in fieldwork and grassroots development, studying impact assessments as well as providing coaching and mentorship services. She holds a B.A. in Spanish Translation from the Faculty of Al Alsun, Ain Shams University.
Mr. Ali is a program specialist, providing support in the implementation of many projects at CDS. He assists in research, report writing and participates in conducting capacity assessments and pre-award surveys for civil society organizations. Mr. Ali also supports the development of all capacity building plans and evaluates performance, making recommendations for program improvement and corrective actions. He also manages and co-facilitates workshops and training as part of long- and short-term projects.
Ms. Seoud is a program specialist at the CDS. She holds a M.A. in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society from the American University in Cairo and Eberhard Karls University in Germany and a B.A. in political science with a triple specialization in Middle East politics, International Law and International Relations. Before coming to CDS Ms. Seoud worked with Non-Violence International, New York on issues related to development and activism such as the Palestinian cause, women empowerment, education and nonproliferation. At CDS Ms. Seoud regularly holds and attends workshops, trains beneficiaries, documents projects’ processes and writes monthly and annual reports for donors and government institutions. Ms. Seoud also assists in developing concept papers and project proposals, as well as supporting the development and implementation of project plans.
Mr. Khaled is a mass communication graduate who is experienced in photography and videography. He is a programs specialist in the development field at CDS since 2016 and is currently responsible for the logistics of various projects as well as supporting many. Mr. Khaled regularly participates in many workshops, adding to his skills and experience.
Ms. Fahmy is a program specialist in CDS with experience in research focused on socio-economic development for the past year. She has professional experience in climate change, youth empowerment and gender equality sectors. Having coordinated workshops, capacity building training’s and supervised project implementation for many projects at CDS, she has further developed her project coordination and collaboration skills. Ms. Fahmy has extensive experience with community engagement and managing/supporting community-based initiatives across Egypt. Ms. Fahmy graduated with honors from the Modern Sciences and Arts University with a B.A. in Economics.
Ms. Negm is driven by her passion for sustainable development with an emphasis on gender equality and social innovation. She has worked on planning and implementing a diverse portfolio of projects in sectors including employment promotion, entrepreneurship, civil society strengthening, youth and women’s advancement, WASH and media communication for development. She has acquired extensive experience in acting as a focal point and coordinating across multiple key partners and stakeholders. Ms. Negm holds a B.A. in political science from AUC with a specialization in international relations and minors in economics and development studies. She is also a certified design-thinking trainer and a UN Women Global Champion for Change.
Mr. Ahmed Radwan is GFDs accountant. He is responsible for reporting on all GFD’s project accounts including preparing journal entries and reconciliations. He prepares financial reports and performs accounts payable and accounts receivable. He assists the Treasurer in preparing balance sheets and financial reports requested by the donor and social solidarity administration.
Ms. Samir is the Admin Officer at Gozour Foundation. She assists GFD with office management duties. She also facilitates and coordinates operations such as employee training, building security, safety, office equipment and maintenance supplies and schedules.
Ms. Sidhom joined Gozour Foundation 4 years ago. Throughout the 4 years, Ms. Sidhom has worked on the implementation of many different projects. She has extensive experience In Handicraft making and is also a skillful trainer, who provides training sessions for several Gozour Foundation’s women’s economic empowerment projects. Before joining GFD, she worked on employment projects and job placement for youth and organized job fairs in the German Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Fouly is an experienced administrator that has more than 25 years of experience, serving as an office manager, executive assistant, executive secretary, and translator. Most of her career revolved around providing administrative and logistical support for chief executive officers and senior management. She has been working in the field of development for the past 20 years.
Ms. Karout first joined Gozour Foundation as a trainer for 6/6 Eye Medical Caravans. She has extensive experience in the field of development, reaching more than 10 years. She has also worked with children and youth with a special focus on skills development. So co-facilitates and is a trainer in several other projects as well. Ms. Karout also has experience in several fields such as law, science and handicraft making.
Ms. Abdou is a receptionist at CDS, responsible for maintaining a telecommunication system as well as a security system by following procedures; monitoring logbook and issuing visitor badges. Ms. Abdou possess telephone skills, verbal communication skills, Microsoft Office skills and is very customer focused.
Mr. Hassan is responsible for providing all the company’s needs of external purchases as well as providing financial and technical assistance to the different teams working in different projects. Mr. Hassan stays in touch with the companies CDS purchases from to provide the company with the best deals, offers and assistance.
With more than eight years of experience between Marketing, Operations, Customer Service and IT, Ms. Abdelaziz’s educational background includes a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Alexandria University, with a Dean’s Recommendation of Honors. She obtained her Higher French affair Diploma from the Paris Chamber of Commerce and passed the Local Examination Syndicate from the University of Cambridge. Her strong academic background qualified her for an assignment in Nova Scotia, Canada where she served as a member of the YMCA Association and participated in fund raising initiatives and other social activities. Ms. Abdelaziz has held multiple Administrative and Marketing roles at the Egyptian Cabinet of Information & Decision Support Center and affiliates. She then became a Media Executive, playing a critical role in identifying sales opportunities, analyzing competitors’ information and other economic trends. Her role in tracking and implementing improvements to the sales process insured that budget goals are being met and or exceeded. Ms. Abdelaziz has recently joined CDS as an Office Manager, where she is providing support to senior level management in order to ensure a smooth effective work flow.
Mr. Hassan has been with CDS for over twenty years. He is currently assuring the quality of various capacity building and training materials for short- and long-term project implementation. He provides substantial input in the design and layout of materials for the different CDS program units. He also helps out with the field implementation. Mr. Hassan conducts needs assessments, organizes data and acquired information, designs and reviews training and capacity building materials and determines if the work is up to quality standards. His work is vital for the lessons-learned stage of project implementation.
Ms. Abdallah holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Bani-Suef University. During her university years, she was involved in many extracurricular activities such as the Arab League Simulation Model and the League of Arab States. She also volunteered in many NGOs and acquired HR management training skills.
Mr. El-Shahed is a senior accountant at CDS since October 2006 and has a solid experience in the accounting field where his academic background, career development and communication skills can be applied and further enhanced. He holds a diploma in financial analysis enhancing his financial expertise. Mr. El-Shahed is responsible for financial and administrative tasks in CDS such as financial assessments of a wide range of institutions including NGOs, private and public sector, for which he prepares balance sheets and headquarter financial reports submitted to different donors. Mr. El Shahed prepares cash flow reports, conducts cost analysis and reconciles between accounts; clarifying and interpreting variances that may arise. He also organizes the procurement system and controls the inventory system and salaries calculations.
Mr. Elsherif graduated from the Faculty of Arts French Department in 2018. At CDS he specializes in facilitation and coordination. He also participated in several trainings on themes related to family, women and child management.
Ms. Saleh graduated from the Faculty of Law, Cairo University. Before joining CDS as programs specialist in gender equality projects, she worked in several organizations focusing on gender, women’s rights and human rights such as HarassMap and Center for Egyptian Women Legal Assistance (CEWLA).
Ms. El-Menshawy is a development practitioner who earned her MSc degree in Development, Islam & the Muslim world from Aberdeen, Scotland. She has 7 years of experience in working between Non-governmental organizations and multinational companies. She has a proven track record in coalition building, internal and external communications, program development and implementation, tackling pressing social challenges in Egypt. She is currently responsible for project cycle management of projects and assignments implemented under the CDS Human Capital Development (HCD) program; ensuring delivery against project objectives, as well as provide significant contributions in the expansion of the program’s portfolio and clientele. One of her accomplishments during the management of Tawasol program that was in partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MOSS), is initiating tripartite community-based initiatives between MOSS, NGOs and the private sector across Egypt, consolidating partnership between the three entities and sustaining the program impact after it ends.
Ms. Shalaby is a programs specialist at the Health Management and Research Unit, supporting the development and implementation of project field work plans. She conducts desk reviews, research work and proposal writing. Ms. Shalaby participates in conducting capacity assessments and pre-award surveys for civil society organizations and supports the development of capacity building plans. She implements project activities, executes monitoring activities, assists in the design and development of workshops and trainings. She holds a B.A. in biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, with two years of experience in the medical analysis field. She has more than five years of experience in several development sectors: health, education, refugees, and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Nabil has over 9 years of professional experience in community development. He is experienced in designing and managing projects focusing on children and youth development. He also holds a strong experience in rural and urban development and community work. Mr. Mina has been working in the field of refugees’ empowerment and support since 2013, and has organized and hosted several workshops addressing young refugees’ coexistence and irregular migration problems. He has also attended various training’s and represented Egypt in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Premier Professional Exchange Program held in USA.
Mr. Salah has worked as a training specialist and project manager in several organizations in the education sector. Mr. Salah is working on several projects related to capacity building of schools and child education development. He has a B.A. in Arts (English Language) from the Faculty of Arts, Tanta University as well as a B.A. in Physical Education from the Faculty of Physical Education, Alexandria University.
Ms. Mikhail studied Political Science at The British University in Egypt. Before joining CDS, she worked as a teaching assistant in the Political Science department at BUE. In 2015, she started her M.A. in Middle East Studies at The American University in Cairo. In September 2018, she joined CDS. She is currently interested in issues related to migration and development.
Dr. Saber is a founding member and Chair of CDS. His postgraduate studies are in Behavioral Science at Cairo Medical School, and Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. In his over twenty-five career years, he occupied positions within public, business, and non-profit organizations, and served in diverse cultural settings in the Middle East and North America. Dr. Saber has had wide-ranging experiences and leadership in managing organizational change, strategic planning, team building, applications of participatory approaches, and designing analytic models for thinking organizations and society. He has built relationships with connections in academia, government, and civil society at regional and global levels. His work achievements are particularly obtained in the fields of development studies and action research, poverty assessment, training and organizational development, enhancing human resources management and development systems, fostering collaborative action, monitoring accountability and governance, and setting frameworks for community mobilization and development.