Melinda Maniaci-MacDonald
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Project Manager, Senior Manager with Analyst and Implementation background, with exceptional teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Over 25 years of experience working on large-scale projects as well handling daily operational requests. Exceptional technical understanding to meet project deadlines. Results-oriented, skillful in managing and breaking down large volumes of information, while working in a collaborative manner, leveraging skills and breaking down silos. Proactive at heading off issues in operations, workflow and production by uncovering trends affecting business success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Analyst-Performance Measurment
Canadian Border Serives Agency
Ottawa, ON
01.2018 - Current
- Mentored junior analysts, fostering professional development while enhancing overall team performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement, leading to increased operational effectiveness.
- Investigated system issues and implemented resolutions to reduce downtime.
- Improved company efficiency with the development of key performance indicators and tracking metrics.
- Provided expert advice for senior management, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Played a pivotal role in the successful completion of high-stakes projects by providing crucial analytical support and insights.
Evaluator
Global Affairs Canada, SADEV, DFID, DFATD, DFAT
International
04.2004 - Current
- Presented concise evaluation reports to management, supporting strategic decision-making processes.
- Provided valuable input during proposal writing processes, contributing to successful project acquisitions for the organization.
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism when dealing with sensitive information or challenging situations during the course of an evaluation.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among colleagues by presenting key insights from completed evaluations at internal meetings.
- Managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and attention to detail.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing evaluation frameworks, identifying areas for improvement or adaptation based on changing circumstances or needs.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends and benchmarks, resulting in more accurate evaluations.
International Development Consultant
CIDA, SADEV, SIDA, DFID, USAID, AusAID, DFAT
International
01.2003 - Current
- Developed innovative solutions to complex problems through critical analysis and a deep understanding of the regional context.
- Increased organizational and individual capacity by providing guidance on best practices, monitoring progress, and evaluating program effectiveness.
- Strengthened partnerships with local government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to ensure sustainable development results were achieved.
- Enhanced project outcomes by conducting thorough needs assessments and developing tailored strategies for international development initiatives.
- Presented project findings and recommendations at conferences and meetings, effectively disseminating knowledge to a broader audience of practitioners and researchers.
- Promoted gender equality by incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into programming design and implementation across all projects undertaken.
- Provided technical assistance in the design and execution of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, ensuring accurate measurement of program impact.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprising economists, sociologists, political scientists, or public health experts to develop holistic approaches for addressing development challenges.
- Secured funding for projects by writing compelling grant proposals and presenting to potential donors, leading to successful implementation of programs.
- Facilitated multi-stakeholder workshops aimed at fostering consensus around key project objectives and implementation strategies.
- Reviewed and provided feedback on project proposals from partners, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
- Conducted field visits to monitor projects'' progress in remote locations, providing timely feedback and support to local implementing partners for improved performance.
- Delivered impactful training sessions on various topics such as project management, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement that enhanced participants'' skills and knowledge.
- Improved collaboration between stakeholders through effective communication and relationship-building efforts within diverse cultural contexts.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Mitigated risks associated with international development work by proactively identifying potential challenges and devising appropriate contingency plans when needed.
- Contributed to policy advocacy efforts by engaging policymakers on important social issues related to poverty reduction, human rights promotion, or environmental sustainability efforts.
Senior Gender/Human Rights Expert/Deputy Director
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Bangkok, SE Asia Location
10.2004 - 01.2011
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
- Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with other International Aid Agencies ASEAN Secretariat as well as UN agencies (UN Women, UNDP, UNIAP, UNODC (to name a few) to accomplish key objectives.
- Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
A/Executive Director of CICR
Canadian Institute For Conflict Resolution
St. Paul's University, Ottawa, ON
04.2001 - 03.2003
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Senior Mediator
Alternative Resolution Centre
Ottawa, ON
03.1990 - 02.2000
- Led interviews and collected evidence to support either side and achieve favorable resolutions.
- Drafted detailed mediation documentation and meeting notes to support case files and move towards comprehensive conflict resolution.
- Read and analyzed details of disputes, absorbing minutia and often overlooked but critical information.
- Assisted lawyers/clients in drafting agreements that accurately reflected negotiated terms and conditions of settlements.
- Conducted thorough research on case backgrounds to better understand the context of disputes and inform mediation approaches.
- Established calm environment for dispute settlement, utilizing conflict resolution techniques to reach agreements to contentious issues.
- Conducted individual meetings between parties, utilizing empathetic listening skills and documenting relevant details.
- Built trust and rapport with disputing parties, enabling productive dialogue and effective problemsolving.
- Conducted initial meetings to outline process, answer questions and set expectations for both parties.
- Educated clients on the benefits of alternative dispute resolution methods compared to traditional litigation processes.
- Provided training in conflict resolution techniques to help clients navigate future disputes independently.
- Resolved conflicts by applying mediation techniques and fostering open communication between disputing parties.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, laws affecting mediation practice, and professional ethics standards through continual professional development activities.
- Evaluated success of mediation sessions by tracking outcomes, client feedback, and ongoing impact on relationships between parties.
- Devised and implemented dispute resolution processes for companies, enabling fast resolution of disputes.
- Conducted interviews with disputants, witnesses and any additional relevant groups or individuals.
Education
Ph.D. - Human Rights And Peace Studies
Mahidol
Thailand07.2013
Graduate Certificate in International Developmetn - International Development
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON06.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Psychology
Carleton University/University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON05.1989
Graduate Course Clinical Pyschology - Clinical Psychology
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON09.1988
Master of Arts - Philosophy/Classics
St. John's College
Annapolis, MD08.1988
Graduate Certificate Human Rights/Justice - Human Rights Justice
American University
Washington DC05.1986
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Program implementation
- Organizational Development
- Program coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Staff Management
- Risk Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Employee Relations
- Consulting
- Leadership and People Development
- Relationship and Team Building
- Approachable leader
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Results Orientation
- Analytical and Critical Thinker
- Stakeholder Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Client Engagement
- People and Culture
- MIssion and Vision
- Management Team Leadership
- Goal Setting
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Limited Working
French
Elementary
Certification
Third Party Neutral (Mediator) , CICR (Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution - 1985
Timeline
Senior Analyst-Performance Measurment
Canadian Border Serives Agency
01.2018 - Current
Senior Gender/Human Rights Expert/Deputy Director
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
10.2004 - 01.2011
Evaluator
Global Affairs Canada, SADEV, DFID, DFATD, DFAT
04.2004 - Current
International Development Consultant
CIDA, SADEV, SIDA, DFID, USAID, AusAID, DFAT
01.2003 - Current
A/Executive Director of CICR
Canadian Institute For Conflict Resolution
04.2001 - 03.2003
Senior Mediator
Alternative Resolution Centre
03.1990 - 02.2000
Ph.D. - Human Rights And Peace Studies
Mahidol
Graduate Certificate in International Developmetn - International Development
University of Ottawa
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Psychology
Carleton University/University of Ottawa
Graduate Course Clinical Pyschology - Clinical Psychology
University of Ottawa
Master of Arts - Philosophy/Classics
St. John's College
Graduate Certificate Human Rights/Justice - Human Rights Justice
American University