Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Certifications & Courses
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
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CLÁUDIA SABENÇA

Project Manager - Facilitator
Barcelona

Summary

Experienced project manager with a Sociology background and 7 years of field and office experience in the Humanitarian sector across 4 European countries. Currently leading the Change & Process Management team at Light for the World International, a disability rights organization headquartered in Vienna and operating in six African countries. Skilled in multicultural, high-pressure environments, demonstrating adaptability and excellence in dynamic situations. Certified trainer and facilitator and holder of an international certification as a life and professional coach.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

Work History

TEAM LEAD CHANGE & PROCESS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Light for the World International
05.2022 - Current
  • Led the design and implementation of internal innovative strategies, tools and digital workspace for 300 staff members across all offices.
  • Managed project plans, produced documents for MEAL purposes, conducted risk assessments, and devised practical solutions for complex challenges.
  • Facilitated workshops and training for staff in all offices, including senior management.
  • Developed cross-departmental processes and standards through stakeholder feedback.
  • Managed OKR framework for 6 global offices.
  • Oversaw a team of four and liaised with staff and senior management.

DIRECTOR OF A SPECIALIZED RECEPTION SHELTER

Red Cross Portugal
06.2020 - 09.2021
  • Led the design and implementation of a national pilot project, conducting comprehensive risk assessments and supervising the technical development of all processes to ensure compliance.
  • Supervised, managed, and provided professional training and development for a team of 20 staff members, including training new project staff nationwide.
  • Acted as a liaison between the project and all national and international stakeholders.

HEAD COORDINATOR

IHA - InterEuropean Human Aid Association - Germany eV
01.2019 - 04.2020
  • Managed all facets of IHA's operations in Greece, overseeing budgeting, staff and volunteer coordination, conducting diverse training programs for staff and partners and liaising with all stakeholders.
  • Formulated IHA's long-term regional strategy and led working groups focused on logistics, sustainable distribution, and integration practices for over 6000 beneficiaries.
  • Supervised warehouse, logistics, and Community Centre operations, conducted risk assessments, and provided MEAL documentation.


PROJECT COORDINATOR/ SITE MANAGER

A Drop in the Ocean (Drapën i Havet)
09.2018 - 12.2018
  • Directed five educational and recreational projects at Community Centre for people on the move in Lesbos with reach of about 600 people, overseeing all project management related topics and volunteer training across all functional areas.
  • Provided training and established collaborative relationships with various stakeholders for effective partnerships and joint initiatives.

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR/ PROJECT COORDINATOR

A Drop in the Ocean (Drapën i Havet)
01.2018 - 08.2018
  • Led management, supply, and distribution of food and Non-Food Items (NFIs) to over 800 camp residents and provided comprehensive training and support to new volunteers, ensuring clear communication of organizational processes and guidelines.


FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Love + Hope (Serbian NGO)
05.2017 - 09.2017
  • Led registration of an NGO in Belgrade to facilitate work within legal refugee camps and developed organizational strategy, website, and social media presence.
  • Created multiple project proposals for hygiene promotion in camps, presented to Serbian Authorities.


Education

MASTERS IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCE -

University of Porto
Porto, Portugal
01.2013 - 04.2015

BACHELOR IN SOCIOLOGY -

University of Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal
01.2009 - 04.2013

Skills

    Project Management

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Awards

Medal of Dedication, Red Cross Portugal, 05/2021

Certifications & Courses

  • 2021 - Institute of Behavioral Sciences and Management: International Certification - Personal and Professional Coaching
  • 2021 - IPAV: Ubuntu United Nations Leadership Academy
  • 2021 - Espiral Soft: Leadership and Coordination Course
  • 2020 - Humanitarian U: Core Humanitarian Certification
  • 2016 - Porto Business and Administration School: CCP - Certificate of Pedagogical Skills to Provide Training


Volunteer Experience

  • 2019/ 2020 - InterEuropean Human Aid Association - Board Member and Consultant
  • 2017 - Hygiene and Cleaning Project in Refugee Camp - Co-founder and project coordinator in Belgrade, Serbia
  • 2016 - Help Refugees UK – Member of the Welcome Caravan in a refugee camp in Calais, France



Timeline

TEAM LEAD CHANGE & PROCESS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Light for the World International
05.2022 - Current

DIRECTOR OF A SPECIALIZED RECEPTION SHELTER

Red Cross Portugal
06.2020 - 09.2021

HEAD COORDINATOR

IHA - InterEuropean Human Aid Association - Germany eV
01.2019 - 04.2020

PROJECT COORDINATOR/ SITE MANAGER

A Drop in the Ocean (Drapën i Havet)
09.2018 - 12.2018

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR/ PROJECT COORDINATOR

A Drop in the Ocean (Drapën i Havet)
01.2018 - 08.2018

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Love + Hope (Serbian NGO)
05.2017 - 09.2017

MASTERS IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCE -

University of Porto
01.2013 - 04.2015

BACHELOR IN SOCIOLOGY -

University of Coimbra
01.2009 - 04.2013
CLÁUDIA SABENÇAProject Manager - Facilitator