Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Rebaz Khursheed

Rebaz Khursheed

Kitchener,Canada

Summary

Experienced with program management, including designing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives. Utilizes strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to drive project success. Track record of managing cross-functional teams and ensuring alignment with organizational goals in the non-profit field.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Officer, Emegency Travel & Cash Assistanec

Rainbow Railroad
08.2023 - Current
  • Managed over 70 client cases through comprehensive needs assessments, safety planning, financial assistance, and international relocations.
  • Provided timely crisis support and applied problem-solving strategies to assist clients in urgent situations.
  • Coordinated referrals to service providers and established partnerships to expand the organization’s support network.
  • Contributed to program design, strategic planning, and sustainability initiatives, including the development of performance frameworks and quality standards.
  • Strengthened organizational capacity by mentoring staff, supporting recruitment, and promoting knowledge sharing across teams.
  • Monitored and evaluated program outcomes using data analysis, identified trends, and implemented improvements to enhance effectiveness.
  • Maintained accurate documentation across the case lifecycle, supporting knowledge retention and streamlined workflows.
  • Utilized Salesforce, Google Suite, Smart Sheets, and Slack for case management, data tracking, and team collaboration.
  • Maintained and analyzed databases to generate insights, guide decision-making, and report on program performance.
  • Represented the organization at public events, promoted its mission, and ensured compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Settlement Worker, Community Settlemenet Services

YMCA of Three Rivers
02.2022 - 08.2023
  • Conducted comprehensive needs assessments, developed strengths-based settlement plans, and coordinated referrals to over 40 clients each month, using OCMS and HART databases, along with MS Office Suite, Zoom, and SetMore.
  • Provided crisis intervention, advocacy, and empathetic support to ensure client safety and well-being and delivered individualized case management for clients with complex needs, assisting them with applications for social benefit programs such as ODSP, OW, and CPP.
  • Designed and implemented outreach strategies to engage hard-to-reach populations, increasing participation, including facilitating orientation sessions and workshops on employment, housing, legal rights, and financial literacy to empower clients with knowledge and resources.
  • Maintained accurate records, updated internal databases, and produced reports to track client progress, support eligibility reviews, and inform strategic decisions.
  • Built strong relationships with partner agencies, schools, and community organizations to streamline access to services and develop tailored support programs.
  • Kept current on immigration policies, regulations, and service delivery trends through professional development and training.
  • Promoted cross-cultural understanding through organizing community events, facilitated volunteer and mentorship opportunities, and supporting educational integration for newcomer students.

Policy and Program Advisor, Youth Justice

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
02.2019 - 09.2021
  • Analyzed laws and regulations concerning urban Indigenous populations and drafted policy briefs, offering evidence-based recommendations aiming at increasing access to services and reducing youth recidivism.
  • Collaboratively developed multiple responsive and culturally-appropriate projects within the Restorative Justice and Child & Family Policy programs.
  • Provided strategic input on program design, integrating DEI frameworks and Indigenous knowledge systems into the service delivery models and the data collection & analysis frameworks.
  • Supported the executive leadership's strategic planning through community-based research, aligning the organization's policy objectives with program goals and funding priorities.
  • Led the creation of implementation plans to guide scalable, sustainable programming, ensuring consistent cross-departmental program delivery.
  • Developed effective MEAL plans and logic models, leading to a more comprehensive knowledge management and impact measurement, producing detailed reports for the donors.
  • Created training materials and toolkits to ensure consistent data collection to evaluate program outcomes, informing future strategies and grant proposals.
  • Managed budgets to align resources with policy-driven program objectives.
  • Engaged stakeholders to ensure collaborative, community-informed program development, ensuring wider participation and community ownership.

Program Officer, Indigenous Peoples Solidarity

Community Peacemaker Teams
06.2017 - 01.2019
  • Led advocacy campaigns on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and facilitated public education events, including land-based learning delegations.
  • Built cross-sector partnerships among Indigenous and settler stakeholders to advance reconciliation and mutual understanding.
  • Recruited and trained volunteers, developed engagement strategies, and organized workshops to promote program participation.
  • Produced proposals, MEAL plans, donor reports, and training materials to support effective program design and implementation.
  • Served as the 'Finance Lead', creating and managing budgets, ensuring efficient resource utilization and fiscal accountability.
  • Served as the 'Communications Lead', developing and executing communication plans to increase public engagement and promote program goals, including managing the program's news letter.
  • Supported organizational Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts through active service on the its 'Race Relations' and 'Undoing Oppressions' committees.
  • Contributed to sustainable programming through facilitating stakeholder consultations, analyzing community trends, supporting strategic planning, and sharing best practices.
  • Maintained regulatory compliance and up-to-date program documentation, creating a knowledge base for internal use.

Senior Program Coordinator, Iraq Program

International Media Support
02.2016 - 06.2017
  • Managed grants and supervised up to 12 Partner Contribution Agreements, ensuring timely fund disbursement and alignment with program goals. Oversaw financial reporting to maintain transparency and donor compliance.
  • Developed grant proposals, MEAL plans, training materials, and annual reports to clearly communicate objectives, track performance, and demonstrate program impact.
  • Planned, budgeted, and executed direct-implementation projects in Iraq, delivering results on time and within scope, with a focus on civic engagement and access to information.
  • Forged partnerships across media, civil society, and development agencies to enhance collaboration, share resources, and amplify program outcomes.
  • Led capacity-building for Iraqi civil society organizations and journalists, providing tailored training and support to strengthen advocacy, transparency, and media freedom.
  • Recruited and trained a national network of volunteer Iraqi lawyers and activists, supporting legal aid, public education, and grassroots advocacy for human rights.

Program Manager, Camp Management & Coordination

Rehabilitation, Education, & Community Health
09.2014 - 01.2016
  • Designed and led livelihood programs for IDPs and refugees, including small grants, co-ops, and vocational training, boosting economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
  • Conducted vulnerability assessments to prioritize support based on needs, risks, and eligibility criteria.
  • Managed cross-functional teams and daily operations across three regional offices, ensuring timely, compliant delivery within budgets and policies.
  • Developed strategic plans with clear milestones and KPIs; conducted program evaluations and implemented actionable improvements.
  • Built and maintained strong partnerships with government, civil society, and donors to enhance coordination and program reach.
  • Delivered training to government agencies on camp management, data systems, and referrals; facilitated staff workshops and mentoring programs.
  • Applied data-driven decision-making and risk management to optimize outcomes and proactively resolve financial, technical, and operational challenges.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance throughout the program lifecycle by aligning with industry standards and donor guidelines.
  • Led recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and mentoring to build a high-performing, engaged team.
  • Oversaw grant writing, MEAL plans, donor reporting, and proposal development to support funding acquisition and accountability.
  • Negotiated vendor contracts and participated in procurement processes, securing favorable terms and streamlining resource use.
  • Leveraged digital tools for project tracking, communication, and reporting, improving collaboration and transparency.

Senior Project Manager, Human Rights Program

Norwegian Peoples Aid
01.2012 - 08.2014
  • Led the design, budgeting, implementation, and reporting of direct-implementation projects across Iraq, aligning with the organization's 2015–2020 strategic plan and donor requirements.
  • Managed a national human rights program, including grants administration, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
  • Secured new funding by developing successful proposals and Partner Contribution Agreements, expanding program scope and regional impact.
  • Developed and operationalized MEAL frameworks to evaluate outcomes, guide decision-making, and drive continuous program improvement.
  • Delivered capacity building to civil society organizations and activists, focusing on sustainable management, advocacy, and access to justice.
    Built strong partnerships with government actors, NGOs, and community-based organizations to enhance program reach and influence policy.
  • Supervised and mentored staff, established performance metrics, and streamlined workflows to improve coordination and team effectiveness.
  • Conducted risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to ensure operational continuity and program impact.
  • Oversaw procurement, vendor selection, and contract monitoring to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery aligned with project goals.
  • Maintained transparent communication with stakeholders through regular reporting, progress updates, and engagement meetings.
  • Facilitated knowledge-sharing workshops to strengthen team capacity and promote learning across the program portfolio.

Project Manager, Human Rights & Rule of Law

International Human Rights Law Institute
02.2006 - 12.2011
  • Led the design and execution of Human Rights, Legal Education, and Historical Documentation projects, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and strategic objectives.
  • Drafted successful grant proposals and partnership agreements, securing funding and building multi-sector collaborations with civil society, government, and academic stakeholders.
  • Provided capacity building to Iraqi civil society organizations and justice sector actors through targeted human rights and legal education trainings.
  • Recruited, trained, and managed networks of volunteer law students and lawyers, enhancing grassroots legal advocacy and service delivery.
  • Designed and implemented Theory of Change models and MEAL frameworks, enabling evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement.
  • Oversaw full project lifecycle planning, from scope definition and budgeting to procurement, execution, and milestone tracking.
  • Delivered all projects on schedule and within budget, adapting resource plans and workflows in response to evolving challenges.
  • Liaised regularly with government authorities, academic institutions, and NGOs to promote program visibility, stakeholder buy-in, and policy alignment.
  • Provided timely and transparent updates to donors and executive leadership through detailed status reports and performance evaluations.
  • Negotiated and managed third-party contracts, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with organizational and legal standards.
  • Conducted post-implementation reviews to assess impact, extract lessons learned, and apply improvements to future initiatives.

Education

Master of Arts - Peace and Conflict Studies

University of Waterloo
Canada
2023

M.D. - Law

University of Sulaimaneyah
Iraq
2013

Master of Laws - Law

University of Sulaimaneyah
Iraq
2008

Skills

  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Research and analysis
  • Monitoring and evaluation
  • Training and facilitation
  • Partnership development
  • Problem-solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Organizational development
  • Project management

Languages

English
Full Professional
Arabic
Full Professional

Timeline

Program Officer, Emegency Travel & Cash Assistanec

Rainbow Railroad
08.2023 - Current

Settlement Worker, Community Settlemenet Services

YMCA of Three Rivers
02.2022 - 08.2023

Policy and Program Advisor, Youth Justice

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
02.2019 - 09.2021

Program Officer, Indigenous Peoples Solidarity

Community Peacemaker Teams
06.2017 - 01.2019

Senior Program Coordinator, Iraq Program

International Media Support
02.2016 - 06.2017

Program Manager, Camp Management & Coordination

Rehabilitation, Education, & Community Health
09.2014 - 01.2016

Senior Project Manager, Human Rights Program

Norwegian Peoples Aid
01.2012 - 08.2014

Project Manager, Human Rights & Rule of Law

International Human Rights Law Institute
02.2006 - 12.2011

Master of Arts - Peace and Conflict Studies

University of Waterloo

M.D. - Law

University of Sulaimaneyah

Master of Laws - Law

University of Sulaimaneyah

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Rebaz Khursheed