Meriem Elissa Goucem
Geneva
Summary
Driven expert in quality management systems and accountability, with a wealth of experience in international development and humanitarian work. Committed to enhancing quality assurance mechanisms and driving sustainable, impactful change within humanitarian organisations. A dedicated team leader who is deeply passionate about empowering innovative approaches. Skilled in fostering collaboration through multi-stakeholder consultations, shaping strategic directions, and managing complex projects. Experienced in auditing, organisational capacity building, crisis management, donor relations, and the design and delivery of engaging training programs. Combines hands-on expertise with a results-oriented approach to create lasting positive outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
5
5
Languages
Work History
Senior Coordinator - Facilitation Fund & Localisation
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed the Facilitation Fund for localisation, developing and implementing a transformative strategy in collaboration with the Board of Directors and supervisory committee
- Led high-level advocacy, partnership engagement, and representation efforts for HQAI, securing over 500K CHF annually from global donors through persuasive advocacy and strategic partnerships
- Drove impactful change by creating innovative certification access schemes for local and national NGOs, while effectively managing the allocation of project grants to support audits, training, and groundbreaking initiatives
Head of Quality Assurance
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Directed the Quality Assurance department, managing a team of 42 staff and consultants, and ensuring the seamless delivery of HQAI certification audits
- Secured and maintained international ISO17065 accreditation for HQAI's certification schemes over five consecutive years, reinforcing global credibility and standards compliance
- Strategised organisational development, overseeing budget planning (550K CHF/year) and driving innovation in third-party quality assurance systems across international operations
- Led the HQAI Subsidy Fund for Localisation (200-500K CHF/year), representing the initiative to high-level stakeholders, donors, and beneficiary organisations, ensuring effective allocation and impact of audit grants
Quality Assurance Manager
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed a pool of 35 auditors and staff, leading the design and execution of quality assurance programs
- Spearheaded the application of third-party quality assurance audits against the Core Humanitarian Standard, and participated in the design of HQAI's global information management systems
- Designed and delivered corporate training of auditors, integrating psychometric testing and training on-site
- Designed global security and safety processes for staff and consultants as well as data security management systems
Quality Assurance Consultant
CHS Alliance
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed and piloted the first quality assurance framework for the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS)
- Led the training of the first cohort of CHS auditors, guiding them in executing pilot audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness
- Delivered data-driven insights and strategic recommendations through comprehensive analysis of pilot audit findings, presenting results at high-profile multi-stakeholder events
Researcher - Private Sector, Conflict & Peace-building
Fundación Ideas para la Paz
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Led the creation of national guidelines for responsible business practices in Colombia, emphasising ethical land acquisition and labor rights to promote sustainable development
- Conducted in-depth field research to assist multinational corporations in crafting effective human rights strategies and implementing robust due diligence processes focused on social responsibility
Intern - OCHA Colombia
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
01.2011
- Coordinated the National Network of NGOs and facilitated workshops on humanitarian accountability standards
- Organised international stakeholders consultations on humanitarian law application in conflict zones
Education
Master's Degree - International Security, Conflict Management, and Humanitarian Affairs
Sciences Po Paris
Bachelor of Arts - Middle Eastern Studies
Sciences Po Paris
Advanced Arabic Studies - undefined
Institut Français du Proche Orient
Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Mastering Design Thinking Executive Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2021
Timeline
Senior Coordinator - Facilitation Fund & Localisation
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2023 - 01.2024
Head of Quality Assurance
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2018 - 01.2023
Quality Assurance Manager
Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI)
01.2016 - 01.2018
Quality Assurance Consultant
CHS Alliance
01.2015 - 01.2016
Researcher - Private Sector, Conflict & Peace-building
Fundación Ideas para la Paz
01.2012 - 01.2014
Intern - OCHA Colombia
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Middle Eastern Studies
Sciences Po Paris
Advanced Arabic Studies - undefined
Institut Français du Proche Orient
Master's Degree - International Security, Conflict Management, and Humanitarian Affairs
Sciences Po Paris
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