Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Courses And Trainings
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mohamad Baa

Toronto,ON

Summary

Dedicated and accomplished program manager with fifteen years of proven expertise at Red Cross Red Crescent movement. Recognized for exemplary proficiency in comprehending and addressing organizational needs while overseeing functional operations and projects pertaining to water, sanitation, construction, and procurement. Experienced in the entire project lifecycle from assessment and design to proposal writing, logistic planning, procurement, contracting, and quality control. Adept in leading teams to enhance employee satisfaction and drive business success while demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and persuasive communication skills. Known for building and nurturing strong relationships, earning trust, and delivering successful negotiations. Committed to employee training and development with a diplomatic and approachable demeanor.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Leading & Advisor Water and Habitat Engineer

The International Committee Of The Red Cross (ICRC) - Water And Habitat Department
07.2018 - 02.2024
  • Duties and responsibilities:
  • Project Management: As a dedicated team leader, I skillfully managed WatHab projects across two Syrian provinces, ensuring their seamless execution. My primary responsibilities centered around overseeing critical water, sanitation, and shelter initiatives within detention facilities. In challenging Hard-to-Reach areas, I strategically devised action plans and efficient response strategies for emergencies.
  • Managing ICRC-WatHab humanitarian convoys, I ensured timely delivery of life-saving supplies. These critical resources directly impacted thewell-being of those in need.
  • Collaboration and Liaison: Collaborating closely with ICRC Health Department, I aligned our efforts with health-related initiatives. This synergy allowed us to address holistic well-being.
  • Representation and Advocacy: My collaboration extended to ICRC Economic Security Department, where I contributed insights on economic aspects related to WatHab projects.
  • Coordination: I maintained a robust relationship with Syria’s National Society (SARC), fostering effective partnerships that amplified impact.
  • Logistics and Operations: As a passionate advocate, I actively represented WatHab in national cluster meetings. My goal was to champion humanitarian priorities and advocate for vulnerable communities.
  • Capacity building: I played a pivotal role in capacity building for Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) team, empowering them to deliver essential services effectively.
  • Officer in-charge: During the absence of WatHab zone head, I stepped up as Officer in Charge, maintaining operational continuity and demonstrating unwavering commitment.
  • Impact:
  • My commitment extends beyond accolades; it stands as evidence of my unwavering dedication. Each life positively impacted by WatHab projects—whether through access to clean water, sanitation, or shelter—reflects the change I tirelessly pursue. By fortifying humanitarian response and resilience, I uphold health, safety, and dignity within vulnerable communities across Syria.
  • Recognition:
  • My accomplishments deserve acknowledgment. Considerations include:
  • Exceed expectation level in my overall performance reviews.
  • Leadership Excellence: Recognizing my ability to guide teams effectively.
  • Collaboration Award: led successful partnerships with ICRC and SARC teams.

Water and Habitat (WatHab) – Engineer

The International Committee Of The Red Cross (ICRC) - Water And Habitat Department
04.2015 - 07.2018
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Field Assessments and Emergency Interventions
  • I conduct field assessments for water and habitat projects, including emergency interventions. Specific examples of my work include rehabilitating water pumping stations, health facilities, and bakeries. I also enhance the capacity of forensic departments.
  • Designing and managing shelter settlements, as well as rehabilitating apartments for internally displaced persons, are part of my responsibilities.
  • I strive to improve living conditions within places of detention.
  • Technical Designs and Project Management:
  • I prepare technical designs, plans, schedules, and financial follow-ups for each project or intervention.
  • My role involves overseeing the implementation of projects, closely monitoring progress, and ensuring quality outcomes.
  • Collaboration and Representation:
  • I liaise with water authorities and representatives from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). This collaboration ensures effective coordination.
  • As a representative of the ICRC Water and Habitat, I engage with interlocutors and participate in multi-sectorial meetings in the field.
  • Impact:
  • My work directly contributes to sustainable living environments, access to essential services, and improved infrastructure. By addressing water and habitat needs, I help reduce suffering and enhance resilience in conflict-affected communities.

Consultant Engineer

The International Organization For Migration – IOM
06.2014 - 03.2015

Technical Evaluations and Assessments: Project Location Analysis: Technical Documentation and Reporting: Supervision and Quality Assurance:

  • Conducted rigorous technical evaluations for shelter improvement projects, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with humanitarian goals.
  • Carried out 10 assessments related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) operations, focusing on critical infrastructure needs.
  • Evaluated project locations meticulously, considering various factors: workforce availability and capacity.
    Key stakeholders and their roles.
    Accessibility, especially in challenging environments.
    Climate conditions and their impact on project sustainability.
    Terrain specifics affecting construction feasibility.
    Detailed site information, including local building codes and permits.
    Availability and suitability of utilities (water, electricity, etc.).
  • Prepared detailed studies, bills of quantities, and precise drawings.
  • These documents served as essential blueprints for successful project execution.
  • Regularly submitted comprehensive reports to project team leader, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
  • Actively supervised project implementation, collaborating closely with selected contractors.
  • Ensured adherence to project specifications, quality standards, and timelines.
  • Evaluated quality of executed works and provided valuable feedback.

Program Manager

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) - Water And Sanitation Department
10.2013 - 03.2015
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Humanitarian Interventions in IDP Centers:
  • Take charge of SARC’s water and sanitation interventions in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) Centers. This involves ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities for vulnerable populations.
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response:
  • Actively contribute to contingency planning and Emergency Response Plan for Aleppo city. My goal is to enhance resilience and readiness during crises.
  • Additionally, I participate in setting up water treatment units along Qwaik River in Aleppo, addressing critical water needs.
  • Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Coordination:
  • I supervise sewage network rehabilitation projects in conflict zones. These projects directly impact public health and environmental well-being.
  • Collaborating with various INGOs and organizations in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) field, I ensure effective coordination and resource utilization.
  • Reporting and Collaboration:
  • Providing regular situation reports, I keep stakeholders informed about progress, challenges, and opportunities.
  • I collaborate with local authorities—the Waterboard, Sewage Company, and Municipality—to plan, execute, and monitor joint projects that benefit communities.
  • Water Quality and Storage Optimization:
  • I strategically plan for adequate water storage capacities, ensuring resilience even in challenging circumstances.
  • Regular monitoring of water quality in public spaces and IDP centers is essential for health and well-being.
  • Cross-line Missions for Alleviation:
  • Undertaking cross-line missions, I actively work to alleviate suffering of civilians and vulnerable individuals.
  • Whether through negotiations, repairing water sewage pipes, or electrical networks, my actions directly impact lives.
  • . Project Mapping and Hygiene Supplies Distribution:
  • I meticulously map out SARC projects, ensuring efficient implementation and resource allocation.
  • As part of our commitment to hygiene, I plan and supervise distribution of essential supplies.
  • Impact:
  • · Lives saved through clean water access, sanitation, and hygiene.
  • · Infrastructure rehabilitation contributes to community well-being.
  • · Cross-line missions directly alleviate suffering during conflict.

Field Team Leader

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) – Field Intervention team
06.2012 - 03.2015
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
  • . Negotiation and Crisis Management:
  • Negotiated with various stakeholders on ground. These negotiations were essential to:
  • Maintain Water Stations: Ensuring access to clean water for affected communities.
  • Neutralize Civilian Assets: Balancing safety and security while minimizing harm to civilians.
  • Address Aleppo Water Crisis: Tackling pressing humanitarian issue head-on.
  • . Humanitarian Cross-line Missions Coordination:
  • In coordination with relevant authorities, I embarked on cross-line missions. These missions involved:
  • Network Repairs in Conflict Zones: Restoring critical infrastructure despite challenging conditions.
  • Besieged Central Prison Missions: participation in numerous humanitarian missions to besieged central prison of Aleppo exemplifies courage and dedication. These missions likely involved:
  • Providing Aid and Support: Ensuring detainees’ well-being, access to essentials, and medical care.
  • Navigating High-Risk Environments: Operating in complex, volatile setting.
  • Impact:
  • Lifesaving interventions, infrastructure restoration, and humanitarian relief.

First Aid Trainer and Ambulance Squad Leader

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) – First Aid/ Ambulance service
02.2012 - 03.2015
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Life-Saving Training and Community Empowerment:
  • Through numerous successful first-aid training, I’ve equipped individuals with essential skills. These training empower communities to respond effectively during emergencies.
  • My facilitation of first aid courses in affected neighborhoods of Aleppo city directly enhances community resilience.
  • Volunteer Capacity Building:
  • I’ve played pivotal role in updating knowledge of Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s First Aid squad volunteers. Their proficiency ensures timely and effective responses.
  • By investing in their training, I contribute to stronger humanitarian network.
  • Ambulance Service Leadership:
  • As Squad Team Leader, I oversee ambulance service. Our actions directly impact lives during critical moments.
  • Ensuring safer access for my team, patients, and myself is paramount. We operate with precision and urgency.
  • Operational Excellence and Accountability:
  • Rigorous preparation—keeping ambulance and equipment ready—ensures swift responses.
  • After each shift, I provide detailed reports to my line manager, driving continuous improvement.

Education

Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Leadership And Management - Leadership And Management

ICRC Amman, Jordan And Luzern University
Switzerland
03.2020

Master’s Degree in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management

Syrian Virtual University, Syria
Syria
01.2020

Civil Engineer, Specializing in Topography - Civil Engineering

Aleppo University, Syria
SYRIA
06.2013

Skills

  • Leadership and management
  • Project management
  • Business Administration
  • Logistics management
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Decision-Making
  • Problem-Solving
  • Strategic Planning
  • Policy and procedure improvements
  • Training and mentoring
  • Stakeholder Management
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Data Management

Courses And Trainings

  • Water & sanitation engineering in the humanitarian context, Nairobi, Kenya with the ICRC, 2023
  • Geographical information systems using ArcGIS, 2023
  • Retrofitting of earthquake damaged structural elements course, 2023
  • Construction management training, 2022
  • Retrofitting of war damaged structural elements course, 2021
  • Leading a team training, 2019
  • Effective presentation techniques, 2018
  • Operational communication, 2018
  • Protection of civilian population in conflicts, 2018
  • Borehole design, 2017
  • Safety and security in the field, 2017
  • Water pump course, 2016
  • Basics of Solar power systems, 2016
  • Receipt of construction works – Campus training, 2015
  • Water and sanitation in emergencies, 2014
  • Interlocution to the water network fittings & accessories, 2014
  • TOT (training of trainers) – SARC, 2012
  • The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – SARC, 2012
  • First aid in conflicts – SARC, 2012
  • Minor surgery - SARC, 2012
  • Safer access – ICRC, 2011
  • Disaster Management – SARC, 2011
  • Advanced first aid course – SARC, 2010
  • Basics of first aid - SARC, 2009
  • Tracing training - SARC, 2009
  • Public health – SARC, 2009
  • Psychological support - SARC, 2009
  • Worksop about Community based disaster risk reduction, CBDRR – SARC, 2008
  • Safety roads – SARC and Syrian automobile and touring club, 2008
  • International computer driving licence (ICDL) – New Horizons institution, 2008

References

Available upon request.

Languages

Arabic
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
French
Elementary

Timeline

Leading & Advisor Water and Habitat Engineer

The International Committee Of The Red Cross (ICRC) - Water And Habitat Department
07.2018 - 02.2024

Water and Habitat (WatHab) – Engineer

The International Committee Of The Red Cross (ICRC) - Water And Habitat Department
04.2015 - 07.2018

Consultant Engineer

The International Organization For Migration – IOM
06.2014 - 03.2015

Program Manager

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) - Water And Sanitation Department
10.2013 - 03.2015

Field Team Leader

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) – Field Intervention team
06.2012 - 03.2015

First Aid Trainer and Ambulance Squad Leader

Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) – First Aid/ Ambulance service
02.2012 - 03.2015

Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Leadership And Management - Leadership And Management

ICRC Amman, Jordan And Luzern University

Master’s Degree in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management

Syrian Virtual University, Syria

Civil Engineer, Specializing in Topography - Civil Engineering

Aleppo University, Syria
Mohamad Baa