MONA AWWAD
Toronto,ON
Summary
With over ten years of experience in political and social research, reporting/journalism (print & broadcast), as well as specialized support for immigrants and refugees in both Canada and the MENA region, I have an exceptionally diverse combination of expertise. I've worked, with high discretion, for both diplomatic and government institutions, as well as for NGOs and community based organizations.
My work portfolio includes sensitive field work bordering conflict zone areas, front line work with war victims and vulnerable groups, and news interviews with a state leader and high ranking officials.
In additional to my formal professional and academic background, I completed multiple trainings on research ethics and journalism, and received a national award in Public Policy. I work well both as part of a team and individually and handle multitasking professionally.
I am fluent in English & Arabic, with a working knowledge of French.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
News Reporter / Acting Producer
OMNI Television, Arabic Edition / Rogers Sports & Media
08.2020 - Current
- Research, pitch and produce original story content for the Arabic newscast
- Conduct interviews with officials, public figures, and community members (Included more than one interview with the Prime Minister of Canada and other high-ranking officials and politicians on controversial topics of interest)
- Cover and produce a variety of major news updates, with a full analytical and investigative content (Included coverage of provincial and federal elections in Canada, presidential elections in the United
- States, as well as news updates on major global crisis such as Gaza, Afghanistan, and Ukraine)
- Create & manage daily news rundowns on the softwares in use (Ross Inception, Quantel, GV Stratus)
- Co-lead a team of reporters and video journalists by assigning daily news stories, vetting and fact checking scripts, and following up on appropriate delivery and content
- Coordinate with hosts and technical team members to ensure the show goes to air properly
Media Development Trainer / Translator
Journalists For Human Rights
09.2019 - Current
- Deliver online training on human rights journalism, ethical reporting, and gender-based reporting to a diverse group of Arabic speaking journalists and academics
- Translate articles, reports, and research studies from English to Arabic and vice versa
Policy Development Intern
Ministry of Education / Ontario Government
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Researched and collected various sources of information (e.g., legislation, regulations, policies and programs in other jurisdictions) to support policy and program development
- Analyzed and evaluated policy information and data to synthesize data, identifying issues and trends, and preparing analytical and statistical reports, for review/action
- Under guidance, prepared briefing notes and materials for use by senior management
- Liaised with other branches/ministries to discuss research and exchange information
- Prepared presentations and question and answer packages for internal and external use
- Prepared draft correspondence in response to public inquiries.
Research Assistant
Centre For Refugee Studies / York University
04.2017 - 11.2020
- Study on Syrian Refugee integration and long-term health outcomes in Canada
- Recruited target group members as potential participants in the study
- Conducted survey interviews to collect data on the refugee resettlement process
- Tracked long term outcomes of refugee integration on physical and mental health
- Organized focus group sessions for the project target group by moderating discussions
- Participated in the processes of data analysis and writing final sectoral articles on findings
Immigrants & Refugees Settlement Counselor & Group
Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO)
07.2016 - 04.2019
- Performed case management services to Arabic speaking immigrants and refugees
- Communicated with service providers to connect newcomers to services they need
- Developed new partnerships with community organizations and public service programs
- Facilitated interactive group sessions on topics of interest to Arabic speaking newcomers
- Provided necessary interpretation services at various facilities to eliminate language barriers
- Contacted case workers, employers, and regulatory bodies to advocate on behalf of clients
- Participated in proposal writing for new funding opportunities and group-specific projects
- Tracked project outcomes and conducted research studies on client needs & feedback
Political Affairs Officer
Embassy Of Japan To Jordan
09.2008 - 07.2015
- Prepared a daily press briefing note to summarize main political news in Jordan and the region
- Prepared comprehensive reports and research studies on pressing political issues
- Drafted Ambassador’s speeches and press releases; translated political letters and documents
- Attended UN conferences and represented the Embassy in political forums and seminars
- Performed field visits for humanitarian purposes and followed up on Japan-funded projects
- Maintained a positive diplomatic interaction between the Embassy & government institutions
News Reporter / Investigative Journalist
Star Weekly / Addustour
05.2007 - 10.2011
- Covered news in various sectors for Jordan’s only English-written weekly publication
- Informed the public on political and social events by providing an in-depth news analysis
- Interviewed public figures, officials, and society members for investigative reporting
- Attended events & press conferences; conducted field visits to cover news events
- Wrote stories, news articles & investigative reports for publication
Education
MA - Public & International Affairs
York University - Glendon Campus
Toronto, ON06.2020
MA - Political Science
Université Laval
Quebec City, QC12.2019
BA - French Language & Literatures
University of Jordan
Amman, Jordan01.2007
Skills
- Strong Oral & Written Communication
- Relationship Building
- Community Engagement
- Leadership & Problem Solving
- Editing & News Judgement
- Creative Writing
- Interview Skills
- Research & Analysis
- Government Relations
- Session Facilitation
- Tech Savvy (News Softwares)
Certification
- Public Administration Case Competition (NAPACC)
- Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE): Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
- Investigative Reporting - Thomson Foundation/Reuters
- Journalists Role in Social Dialogue
- Communication Planning: Communication for Behavioral Impact (IMC/ COMBI) in Health and Social Development International Training Course by UNICEF
- Media and Parliamentary Elections Coverage
Timeline
News Reporter / Acting Producer
OMNI Television, Arabic Edition / Rogers Sports & Media
08.2020 - Current
Media Development Trainer / Translator
Journalists For Human Rights
09.2019 - Current
Policy Development Intern
Ministry of Education / Ontario Government
05.2019 - 08.2019
Research Assistant
Centre For Refugee Studies / York University
04.2017 - 11.2020
Immigrants & Refugees Settlement Counselor & Group
Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO)
07.2016 - 04.2019
Political Affairs Officer
Embassy Of Japan To Jordan
09.2008 - 07.2015
News Reporter / Investigative Journalist
Star Weekly / Addustour
05.2007 - 10.2011
MA - Public & International Affairs
York University - Glendon Campus
MA - Political Science
Université Laval
BA - French Language & Literatures
University of Jordan
- Public Administration Case Competition (NAPACC)
- Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE): Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
- Investigative Reporting - Thomson Foundation/Reuters
- Journalists Role in Social Dialogue
- Communication Planning: Communication for Behavioral Impact (IMC/ COMBI) in Health and Social Development International Training Course by UNICEF
- Media and Parliamentary Elections Coverage
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