Sally Rabei
Senior Advisor – Energy & Geopolitics
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Senior researcher and advisor with over 14+ years of experience in geopolitics, foreign affairs, and socioeconomic development across North America and the Middle East. Professional background spans government, academia, research, and development, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to complex policy challenges. Educational background includes an MPhil in Politics and International Relations from the University of Cambridge, a MSc of Science in Energy Policy from the University of Sussex, and a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration from Cairo University. Skilled in research, analysis, policy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and government relations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
1970
1970
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Advisor, Strategic Policy
Ontario Energy Board
12.2023 - Current
- Lead project teams and consultants in research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to inform energy policy and provide thought leadership.
- Directed key initiatives including Distribution System Operators (DSO), Electrification and Energy Transition Panel Planning, DER Connections Cost, OEB's Policy Day and Youth Engagement Initiative.
- Advise executive leadership and commissioners on strategic priorities and complex regulatory issues.
- Provide actionable recommendations to senior management on sensitive and high-impact matters.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups.
- Mentor junior staff and Co-Op students, fostering professional development.
- Activities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (member).
Economic Specialist
United States Consulate General
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Advised on a broad portfolio including energy, climate, environment, housing, health, education, labor, Indigenous politics, DEIA, and ESG.
- Promoted U.S. government policies and advanced mission objectives across Ontario.
- Drafted cables, reports, briefing memos, and speeches on U.S.–Canada relations and public policy.
- Facilitated bilateral trade and business development initiatives.
- Represented the Consulate at conferences and public events.
- Built strategic relationships with government, industry, academia, and civil society.
- Managed high-level visits and events for senior U.S. officials.
- Supervised interns and contributed to staff development.
- Awards: U.S. Department of State Excellence Award (2023).
- Activities: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Council (member).
Senior Political Specialist
United States Embassy
07.2019 - 08.2022
- Advised the Ambassador and senior diplomats on energy, geopolitics, and local political developments.
- Conducted research and authored cables and annual country reports.
- Represented the Embassy at conferences and events to advance mission objectives and build strategic partnerships.
- Served as the official interpreter for the Embassy.
- Awards: Mission Achievement Award (2022), Eagle Award (2021 & 2020), Meritorious Achievement Award (2020), Meritorious Honor Award (2020)
- Activities: Member, Foreign Service Employees Committee (2019–2022)
Senior Freelance Research Analyst (Part Time)
BBC Media Action
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented analytical frameworks for projects in the Middle East and Africa to monitor and evaluate their progress, outcome, and impact, as well as provide key insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
Freelance Research Consultant (Part Time)
BBC Media Action
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Conducted research, interviews, case studies, and designed evaluation surveys to gather quantitative and qualitative data and produce project reports.
Research Officer
Singapore Embassy In Riyadh And Manama
05.2015 - 07.2019
- Provided strategic guidance to the Ambassador and produced factual, analytical, and media reports to accurately reflect the region's complexities.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to advance mission's priorities.
Translator (Part Time)
Centre For African Studies - Cambridge University
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Translated the manifesto of the terrorist group Boko Haram from Arabic to English and analyzed the group's extremist ideology.
Political Science Assistant Lecturer
Cairo University
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Held seminars and taught research methods in political science at graduate and undergraduate levels.
Program Coordinator
The Center For Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, And Responsible Business
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Designed, implemented, and managed projects that bolster civic awareness, political engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills among youth.
Research Assistant (Part Time)
The Center For Political Studies And Dialogue Of Cultures
09.2009 - 07.2011
- Collected and organized academic material, conducted critical literature review, translated documents, and tracked expenses for multiple projects.
Education
Master of Science - Energy Policy
University of Sussex
Brighton, United Kingdom 05.2001 -
Master of Philosophy - International Relations And Politics
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom 10.2013 - 2015.01
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Faculty of Economics And Political Science, Cairo University
Egypt 2007.09 - 2011.05
Skills
Quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, policy analysis, policy development, media analysis, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, drafting reports and written communication, presentation skills, public speaking, diplomacy and protocol, government relations, learning agility, leadership
undefinedTimeline
Senior Advisor, Strategic Policy
Ontario Energy Board
12.2023 - Current
Economic Specialist
United States Consulate General
08.2022 - 11.2023
Senior Freelance Research Analyst (Part Time)
BBC Media Action
12.2019 - 06.2022
Senior Political Specialist
United States Embassy
07.2019 - 08.2022
Freelance Research Consultant (Part Time)
BBC Media Action
03.2017 - 11.2019
Research Officer
Singapore Embassy In Riyadh And Manama
05.2015 - 07.2019
Translator (Part Time)
Centre For African Studies - Cambridge University
09.2014 - 06.2015
Master of Philosophy - International Relations And Politics
University of Cambridge
10.2013 - 2015.01
Political Science Assistant Lecturer
Cairo University
06.2012 - 12.2014
Program Coordinator
The Center For Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, And Responsible Business
09.2011 - 08.2013
Research Assistant (Part Time)
The Center For Political Studies And Dialogue Of Cultures
09.2009 - 07.2011
Master of Science - Energy Policy
University of Sussex
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Faculty of Economics And Political Science, Cairo University
2007.09 - 2011.05
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Publications
- Rabei, Sally. "Grand Deals: How they Affect the Interests of Regional Allies".Trending Events Journal, No. 27 (Future Center for Advanced Research and Studies, UAE, September - October 2018): 34 - 37.
- Rabei, Sally. "International Corridors: A New Arena for the Struggle over Economic and Geo-strategic Influence". Trending Events Journal, No. 24 (Future Center for Advanced Research and Studies, UAE, November - December 2017): 42 - 46.
- Yusuf, Mohammed. This is Our Doctrine and Our Method in Proselytization. Translated by Sally Rabei. Nigeria: University of Ibadan. (2016 - unpublished).
- Rabei, Sally. "Review of Assessing Egyptian Public Support for Security Crackdowns in the Sinai by Gregory Aftandilian" (Arabic). The Regional Center for Strategic Studies - Middle East. (Aug, 2015).
Conferences
- Rabei, Sally. "What Lessons Does Brexit Teach the GCC?". The 8th Gulf Research Meeting. Cambridge, United Kingdom (Aug 2017).
- Rabei, Sally. "President El Sisi's Challenge: Passing Neo-Liberal Reforms through Populist Discourse". A New Wave of Populism in Europe and the Arab World: Implications and Consequences for Civic Institutions Conference. Leipzig, Germany (Oct 2016).
- Rabei, Sally. "Capitalizing on the Rising Entrepreneurial Spirit among Egyptian Upper Middle Class Youth Working in the Gulf to Advance Economic Development in Egypt". The 7th Gulf Research Meeting. Cambridge, United Kingdom (Aug 2016).
- Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. The Second EuroMediterranean Youth Conference organized by the European Youth Parliament. Stockholm, Sweden (Jun 2016).
- Committee on Citizenship. La Forum Jeunesse (the Youth Forum) organized by l’Institut Français d’Egypte, l'Institut français de Tunisie, and l'Institut français.
Tunis, Tunisia (Apr 2013). - Committee on democratic participation and citizenship. The Third Arab Youth Forum organized by the Arab League. Cairo, Egypt (Jan 2013).
- The First Arab-Turkish Congress of Social Sciences organized by Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Strategic Thinking Institute and the Center for Civilization Studies & Dialogue of Cultures at Cairo University. Ankara, Turkey (Dec 2010).
Trainings
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), August 2025
- Introduction to Electric Utility Systems for Non-Engineers - Electric Utility Consultants Inc. (EUCI), June 2025
- Energy Regulation Course – Canada's Energy and Utility Regulators (CAMPUT), May 2024
- PowerPoint Design – Keystone Communications, July/August 2024
- Strategic Writing – Keystone Communications, September/October 2024
- Introduction to Utility Finance – National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Oct 2024
- Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Regulation – National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), October 2024
- Introduction to Administrative Law for Non-Lawyers – Ontario Energy Board, October 2024
- Understanding Unconscious Bias - FranklinCovey, May 2023.
- Cybersecurity and counterintelligence - Foreign Service Institute (FSI), May 2022.
- Research Ethics - Cairo University, Oct 2018.
- Debating and Moderation Skill - American University in Cairo, Aug 2012.
- Rights Media Training - American University in Cairo, Dec 2011.
- International Computer Driving License (ICDL) - March 2009.
Publications
- Rabei, Sally. "Grand Deals: How they Affect the Interests of Regional Allies".Trending Events Journal, No. 27 (Future Center for Advanced Research and Studies, UAE, September - October 2018): 34 - 37.
- Rabei, Sally. "International Corridors: A New Arena for the Struggle over Economic and Geo-strategic Influence". Trending Events Journal, No. 24 (Future Center for Advanced Research and Studies, UAE, November - December 2017): 42 - 46.
- Yusuf, Mohammed. This is Our Doctrine and Our Method in Proselytization. Translated by Sally Rabei. Nigeria: University of Ibadan. (2016 - unpublished).
- Rabei, Sally. "Review of Assessing Egyptian Public Support for Security Crackdowns in the Sinai by Gregory Aftandilian" (Arabic). The Regional Center for Strategic Studies - Middle East. (Aug, 2015).
Conferences
- Rabei, Sally. "What Lessons Does Brexit Teach the GCC?". The 8th Gulf Research Meeting. Cambridge, United Kingdom (Aug 2017).
- Rabei, Sally. "President El Sisi's Challenge: Passing Neo-Liberal Reforms through Populist Discourse". A New Wave of Populism in Europe and the Arab World: Implications and Consequences for Civic Institutions Conference. Leipzig, Germany (Oct 2016).
- Rabei, Sally. "Capitalizing on the Rising Entrepreneurial Spirit among Egyptian Upper Middle Class Youth Working in the Gulf to Advance Economic Development in Egypt". The 7th Gulf Research Meeting. Cambridge, United Kingdom (Aug 2016).
- Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. The Second EuroMediterranean Youth Conference organized by the European Youth Parliament. Stockholm, Sweden (Jun 2016).
- Committee on Citizenship. La Forum Jeunesse (the Youth Forum) organized by l’Institut Français d’Egypte, l'Institut français de Tunisie, and l'Institut français.
Tunis, Tunisia (Apr 2013). - Committee on democratic participation and citizenship. The Third Arab Youth Forum organized by the Arab League. Cairo, Egypt (Jan 2013).
- The First Arab-Turkish Congress of Social Sciences organized by Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Strategic Thinking Institute and the Center for Civilization Studies & Dialogue of Cultures at Cairo University. Ankara, Turkey (Dec 2010).
Similar Profiles
Gladys InyoboziGladys Inyobozi
Customer Service Representative at ICF(Ontario Energy Board)Customer Service Representative at ICF(Ontario Energy Board)
Alan FindlayAlan Findlay
Vice President Communications at Infrastructure OntarioVice President Communications at Infrastructure Ontario
Oscar ChiatuiroOscar Chiatuiro
Warehouse Associate at Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Ontario CanadaWarehouse Associate at Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Ontario Canada
Sabin MainaliSabin Mainali
Learning Ambassador at Amazon Delivery StationLearning Ambassador at Amazon Delivery Station
Moussa KeitaMoussa Keita
Sr, Bilingual IT Specialist/Applications Administrator at IAMGOLD CorporationSr, Bilingual IT Specialist/Applications Administrator at IAMGOLD Corporation