Larissa Prata Varella

• Managed the execution of over 25 programs, executive courses and masterclasses since 2023, targeting graduate students as well as national and international audiences from the public and private sectors.
• Coordinated logistics for masterclasses, executive courses, and programs, ensuring effective delivery of learning experiences.
• Oversees budget planning and financial tracking, having supported initiatives that doubled the BEI revenue between the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, and written funding applications for BSIA training programs.
• Facilitates proposal development, funding applications, course content coordination, and stakeholder engagement with internal staff, external partners, instructors, and participants.
• Manages CRM data, participant records, and digital communications across multiple platforms, enhancing program visibility and engagement.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of training activities through feedback surveys and assessment tools, leading to continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify skill gaps and design targeted training initiatives.
• Oversees special projects from inception to completion, aligning outcomes with organizational goals and objectives.
• Coordinates and supports events and meetings involving the Director, including liaising with senior executives and government officials.
• Manages communication with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Director, ensuring timely and effective information flow.
• Organizes travel logistics, including accommodations and itineraries, to streamline executive travel experiences.
• Acts as secretary for staff and council meetings, preparing agendas and minutes.

• Coordinated logistics for masterclasses, executive courses, and programs, ensuring effective delivery of learning experiences.
• Manages CRM data, participant records, and digital communications across multiple platforms, enhancing program visibility and engagement.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of training activities through feedback surveys and assessment tools, leading to continuous improvement efforts.
• Oversees events planning and special projects from inception to completion, aligning outcomes with organizational goals and objectives.
• Coordinates and supports events and meetings involving the Director, including liaising with senior executives and government officials.
• Manages communication with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Director, ensuring timely and effective information flow.
• Organizes travel logistics, including accommodations and itineraries, to streamline executive travel experiences.
• Acts as secretary for staff and council meetings, preparing agendas and minutes.

• Conducts feasibility studies and develops proposals for health and education projects in Angola and Brazil.
• Assists top management with strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and securing support from government and private-sector parties.
• Develops strategies to identify and engage potential clients, increasing lead generation effectiveness.
• Analyzes market trends to provide actionable insights, enhancing competitive positioning for new business opportunities.

• Conducted feasibility studies and develops proposals for health and education projects in Angola and Brazil.
• Assisted top management with strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and securing support from government and private-sector parties.
• Conducted in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends and competitive opportunities.
• Managed a long-term program that oversees the qualifications and residencies of over 50 Angolan health professionals.
• Managed a MBA training for over 30 healthcare leaders of the Clinica Girassol in Angola, liaising with faculty and administrators of the institution and the Fundação Getulio Vargas (course provider).
• Assisted with implementing a group-wide results-based management (RBM) methodology, acting as a liaison between the consultant company and the group’s leadership, and planning and supporting onboarding sessions on using the new RBM software.
• Supervised project deliverables, managing logistics, human and financial resources, and stakeholder relations across multiple projects in Brazil and Angola.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance client engagement and service delivery.
• Planned training-related events and Council meetings.
• Supervised the work of one design specialist and one analyst, as well as several project managers under contract.
• Identified and developed best practices and tools in accordance with the policies, procedures and standard project models (PMI methodology).

Remote placement part of the UNA-Canada’s International Development & Diplomacy Internship Programmes

• Supported program development and coordination for education initiatives in India under UNESCO Delhi’s Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management project.
• Assisted the UNESCO Education Sector with developing policy and project communication strategies, drafting briefing notes, speeches, and reports to enhance stakeholder engagement and program outreach.
• Supported the development of 5 teaching-learning modules and a report on menstrual health and hygiene management under the Spotlight Red initiative, a multi-stakeholder project developed in partnership with P&G.

• Developed project plans and timelines to ensure efficient execution of health management initiatives.
• Supervised project deliverables, managing logistics, communications, and stakeholder relations across multiple health and education projects in Angola.
• Analyzed project performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Assembled and distributed service packages and essential activities for project execution.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate communication and enhance project outcomes.
• Responsible for guaranteeing protocols for standardization and validation of project documentation.
• Analyzed the viability of proposals and prepared new contract overviews.
• Prepared proposals for the company’s new projects and contracts.
• Monitored training actions and in-company training for 20+ employees.

PO245-B Art and Science of Policy Design

• Designed and delivered a 13-week undergraduate academic course for 89 students.
• Developed and implemented engaging curriculum aligned with educational standards, fostering critical thinking and practical application of policy design principles.
• Facilitated interactive learning environments to enhance student participation and retention.
• Facilitated interactive workshops and policy discussions on topics such as climate change and healthcare policy.
• Evaluated student progress through assessments, ensuring alignment with learning objectives.
• Leveraged technology to enhance course delivery and student engagement in virtual settings.
• Conducted research to stay current with educational trends, integrating findings into course materials.
• Adapted curriculum materials as needed to accommodate diverse learner needs and styles, ensuring equitable access to education for all students.

“Think Tank To Think Tank Networking Conference:
Building A Bridge Between Canada And Brazil”

● Facilitated cross-institutional dialogue between the BSIA and Brazilian policy think tanks, strengthening research partnerships on global governance and policy innovation.
● Supported event coordination between BSIA ‘Conflict and Security’ and ‘STEM for Global Resilience’ research clusters and 2 Brazilian think tanks.
● Authored a project report to showcase initiative’s impacts.

Research Assistant to Dr. Colleen Loomis

Project: “Comparative Analysis of Early Years Policies in Ontario, Canada, and Two Other Countries”

• Collected historical records, conducted comparative analysis, and produced a policy synthesis report on early
  years education policies and initiatives since 1990 in Ontario, Canada, and Brazil.
• Conducted literature reviews to support research projects and ensure comprehensive understanding of relevant studies.
• Assisted in data collection and analysis, developing and maintaining a database for tracking research progress and findings efficiently.

Research Assistant to PhD Candidate Lana Gonzalez Balyk

Project: “Resettlement in the EU Periphery: A study
of migrant and refugee women’s community building in Porto”

• Assisted with research on migrant and refugee women’s community building in Porto, focusing on the
  impact of migration governance policies.
• Transcribed and translated research data collected in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Handled sensitive content and confidential material with discretion.