Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Custom
Personal Information
Languages
Timeline
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Mai Mohamed Darwish Shehata

Mai Mohamed Darwish Shehata

Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Summary

Accomplished professional with expertise in stakeholder engagement and community-based tourism, demonstrating a strategic vision in international liaison and capacity building. Proven track record in policy facilitation and project leadership, driving successful event and partnership development initiatives. Committed to advancing career goals through impactful contributions to organisational growth and development.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Senior Non-Key Expert/ Executive Technical Assistant to the Team leader and Project Experts

DAI Belgium SRL
Riyadh
04.2025 - 08.2025
  • Assistance in the work planning of project activities, follow-ups with stakeholders;
  • Support with stakeholders mapping and engagement;
  • Provide the technical support needed to convene high-profile EU-GCC Business Forums, events and roundtable dialogues.
  • Be the focal point in communication with the EU and GCC partners of success;
  • Assistance in the search for NKEs with GCC excellent records and drafting required tasks;
  • Close coordination with communication & visibility as well as event management experts to ensure communication aspects in compliance with EU requirements and guidelines;
  • Co-managing the incidental expenditures related to project events in GCC (round tables, business for a etc.), local office costs, prep. of local tender if any and documenting the efficient and effective allocation of all financial resources in relation to the Project;
  • Assistance in monthly review and audit of individual costs and acknowledges planning, implementing, coordinating, and supervising.
  • Oversaw financial management practices, maintaining fiscal responsibility and boosting profitability .
  • Established key relationships with stakeholders, contributing towards long-term success of the company .

Projects Manager/ Technical Expert

Confederation of Egyptian European Business Association – CEEBA
Egypt
02.2025 - 05.2025
  • Coordinate the planning, execution, and monitoring of EU-funded project activities as delegated by the COO, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines.
  • Contribute to the development and execution of research studies and analytical reports, particularly within the agriculture sector to support evidence-based decision-making.
  • Facilitate technical workshops, policy dialogues, and capacity-building sessions to enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure project deliverables.
  • Support strategic meetings with project partners, ensuring alignment with EU funding priorities and fostering collaboration.
  • Ensure compliance with EU regulations, reporting requirements, and performance benchmarks, assisting in the development of monitoring frameworks.
  • Spearheaded efforts to bridge trade gaps between Egyptian producers and international buyers, with a focus on food sector exports (cereals, nuts, frozen products, honey, fruits, dairy, processed foods, and high-value crops).
  • Facilitated B2B matchmaking events, trade fairs, and investment forums, connecting Egyptian businesses with potential investors, distributors, and key stakeholders.
  • Supported the business evaluation process, assisting SMEs in developing competitive business models, investor pitches, and trade expansion strategies.
  • Supported the COO and selected experts in driving EU-funded projects, ensuring alignment with EU investment priorities and business expansion objectives.
  • Represented CEEBA in regional and international expos, trade fairs, and investor roadshows, advocating for Egyptian trade expansion and SME competitiveness.
  • Prepared reports in compliance with donors’ standards.

Trade Policies Program Coordinator

Palladium Groups
Egypt
07.2024 - 01.2025
  • Collaborate closely with Trade Policy, Trade Facilitation, Food Safety, and Foreign Direct Investment advisors to support the effective implementation of trade policy activities.
  • Supported the experts who provide advisory support to GAFI (General Authority for Investment and Free Zones) and government trade entities, helping structure investment incentive programs to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Provide support for initiatives as identified by the Team Lead, contributing to 'USAID TRADE project Result 3: Improved trade and investment policy, regulatory, and institutional environment, and the overall success of the TRADE Activities'.
  • Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops with government agencies, industry associations, and private sector representatives to gather insights, address challenges, and foster collaboration.
  • Coordinate with project teams to ensure an integrated and cohesive approach to achieving project goals.
  • Prepared and contributed to weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, ensuring accurate documentation of policy developments, trade facilitation progress, and investment climate improvements.
  • Ensured activities aligned with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks, tracking policy impact and compliance with international trade agreements.
  • Ensure activities align with established frameworks, maintaining thorough documentation for each initiative.
  • Assisted the key national and international short-term experts in policy adoption surveys, capacity-building activities, and business process planning to streamline regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and trade policies.
  • Supported with the logistics for the audits from the EU and Saudi authorities.
  • Supported the key experts and export advisors as needed in identifying and coordinating the certifications required for exports to enhance market access for Egyptian producers and SMEs.
  • Drafted, reviewed, and monitored Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants and service providers.

Technical Expert/ Projects Manager

Confederation of Egyptian European Business Association – CEEBA
Egypt
11.2021 - 06.2024
  • Organise multi-party workshops and dialogues with government ministries, EU partners, private sector and community representatives. These fostered collaboration on cultural tourism and local enterprise development.
  • Design and manage community-based tourism programs (e.g. familiarisation trips, Slow Tourism itineraries) and incubation activities. Mentored Egyptian SMEs (especially women/youth-led) to strengthen heritage tourism and local value chains.
  • Act as a bridge between CEEBA and international bodies. Engaged EU donors and investors in collaborative forums, trade fairs and B2B events to connect Egyptian cultural-heritage businesses with global partners.
  • Implement technical training and coaching sessions for beneficiaries and partners (e.g. coaching SMEs in business planning and EU compliance). Supported sub-grantees in tourism projects, ensuring inclusion of environmental and cultural sustainability principles.
  • Ensure the effective delivery of EU-funded project assignments delegated by the COO, including planning, coordinating actions, and monitoring implementation progress.
  • Support the identification and mapping of incubators and technology transfer service providers to enhance entrepreneurship support structures and innovation-driven business models.
  • Manage the activities and overall execution of projects assigned by the COO, ensuring timely and successful outcomes.
  • Contribute to the preparation and implementation of familiarisation trips for both national and international tourists under the MEDPEARL Project.
  • Supervise three tourism sub-grantees, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and the integration of Slow Tourism principles in 30 targeted itineraries.
  • Act as a help desk for sub-grantees, mentees, and trainees under the MEDPEARL, INTECMED, MEDBEES, and INVESTMED Projects, providing guidance and technical support.
  • Assist in content creation for the project's hub: www.medbees.eu, ensuring high-quality and relevant Egyptian content.
  • Represent projects by participating in international training programs in Cyprus and Italy.
  • Engage in local and international expos in Tunisia, Greece, and Egypt, promoting project initiatives and fostering global collaboration.
  • Take part in B2B events aimed at advancing internationalisation and commercialisation of project initiatives.
  • Facilitate public-private dialogues (PPD) to advocate for SME challenges and policy recommendations, strengthening regulatory frameworks to support trade and investment growth.
  • Manage and monitor technical and business training services for SMEs and startups under multiple EU-funded projects, including INTECMED/INVESTMED, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and investment attraction strategies.
  • Played an active role in integrating sustainability and ESG principles in SME development and investment promotion, supporting EU efforts in green economic growth and trade facilitation.

Consultant

Abdin Consultancy Group – ACG
Egypt
01.2022 - 10.2022
  • Conduct outreach efforts to identify and engage potential beneficiaries and stakeholders, ensuring broad project participation.
  • Oversee the Needs Assessment and Consultation Sessions, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder input and alignment with project objectives.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with project stakeholders, team members, and donors, facilitating smooth project implementation and effective communication.
  • Oversee project implementation, ensuring compliance with GIZ regulations and adherence to established guidelines.

Project Manager

Ta’heal for VET Skills Excellence
Egypt
01.2022 - 07.2022
  • Oversee the overall effective and efficient management of Ta’heal Sustainable Green Tourism School.
  • Provide implementation support and capacity building to facilitate the launch and execution of green training programs and gender-sensitive practices.
  • Develop, implement, and oversee the monitoring and evaluation framework and work plan for the projects.
  • Prioritize resource allocation and conduct frequent monitoring to assess progress, identify challenges, and take timely and appropriate actions to achieve project goals.
  • Execute risk management processes to mitigate potential risks and ensure project sustainability.
  • Manage the Green Master Trainers' Program in close collaboration with the Finnish partner OEP.
  • Lead the development of short-term training programs in alignment with the Finnish qualification framework and occupational standards.
  • Design and facilitate training sessions based on needs assessments, ensuring a strong focus on measurable outcomes.
  • Delegate project tasks strategically, leveraging junior staff members' strengths, skill sets, and experience levels to maintain a structured and efficient working environment across projects.

Intermediaries Relationship Manager

TVET Egypt Programme
Egypt
10.2018 - 12.2021
  • Company Overview: EU Funded Program
  • Serve as the key liaison among international experts, Egyptian ministries (e.g. Education, Tourism), TVET institutions, NGOs and private industry. Ensured cohesive implementation of Egypt’s vocational training strategy, especially in tourism and hospitality.
  • Organise strategic dialogues, steering committees and site visits across multiple governorates (Luxor, Red Sea, Sohag, etc.) to align training programs with local community needs and labor market demands. Engaged local schools and enterprises to gather input on skill gaps.
  • Deliver training-of-trainers workshops on hospitality standards and green tourism for TVET teachers and industry trainers. Contributed to developing the TVET tourism occupational map and European-aligned qualification frameworks to enhance youth employability.
  • Facilitate internships, apprenticeships and women’s empowerment initiatives in tourism and related sectors. Integrated gender-sensitive practices and green-skills components (e.g. eco-tourism training) to promote inclusive growth.
  • Oversaw project implementation, ensuring adherence to EU guidelines and effective communication with donors. Supported procurement and resource allocation for training center enhancements, focusing on outcomes (skill development) over administrative detail.
  • Act as a liaison between hospitality, RMGs, industrial sectors, TVET industry service providers, beneficiaries, program partners, private sector entities, stakeholders, and NGOs.
  • Participate in strategic dialogues with key stakeholders, donors, and partners, fostering collaboration and policy alignment.
  • Conduct field visits to technical education schools and relevant units across multiple governorates in Egypt to assess training needs and project impact.
  • Design and deliver training workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of teachers and private sector representatives in Occupational Skills Standards models.
  • Serve as a liaison between international and national experts and Egyptian ministries, supporting the Government of Egypt’s ongoing Human Resources Development Strategies, policies, and governance reforms.
  • Contributed to the development of the tourism sector occupational map, aligning job profiles with European standards to enhance mobility and employability of Egyptian youth.
  • Facilitated the integration of Egyptian technical education institutions into international qualification frameworks, ensuring TVET graduates meet global labor market demands.
  • Managed stakeholder engagement efforts for the establishment of sectoral qualification frameworks, ensuring alignment between industry needs and training curricula.
  • Oversee the implementation of multiple Green initiatives and skills competitions, contributing to the social and image perception enhancement of TVET in Egypt.
  • EU Funded Program

Senior Governance Specialist

TVET Egypt Programme
Cairo, Egypt
11.2016 - 10.2018
  • Company Overview: EU Funded Program
  • Coordinate governance workshops, strategic meetings, and conferences related to Tourism TVET strategies, policies, and sectoral skills council development, in collaboration with service providers, donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
  • Act as a liaison between key program players, including Ministry officials, the EU, program partners, stakeholders, Enterprise TVET Partnerships (ETPs), and the private sector, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
  • Facilitate the development and validation of the TVET Tourism Sectoral Qualification Framework (SQF) in alignment with the European Qualification Framework (EQF) to standardize training and enhance international employability.
  • Coordinated efforts to align the Tourism HRD Strategy 2023 with labor market demands, ensuring it addresses emerging trends and international benchmarks.
  • Worked closely with international hospitality brands to integrate private sector-driven skills competitions and training programs, fostering direct employment opportunities for TVET graduates.
  • Prepare reports, data analyses, and documentation related to the development and enhancement of employment and training activities.
  • Support the planning and implementation of gender-based and women empowerment initiatives in Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea.
  • Lead activities focused on the development of the Tourism Occupational Map, identifying priority new occupations within the sector.
  • Design and deliver training workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of teachers in relevant technical fields.
  • Implement capacity-building programs and facilitate training workshops/sessions for relevant stakeholders and direct beneficiaries.
  • EU Funded Program

Hotels Sector Manager

Egyptian TVET Partnership/ ETPs of Tourism and Hotels
Cairo, Egypt
09.2015 - 10.2016
  • Manage development projects in collaboration with international organizations, including IOM, ITC, and ILO.
  • Led the successful piloting of skilling mobility programs in the hospitality sector, ensuring TVET graduates were equipped with EU-recognized qualifications for employment in European markets.
  • Oversaw the integration of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) into vocational training curricula, aligning hospitality training with international standards to enhance workforce mobility.
  • Facilitated public-private partnerships between Egyptian and European hospitality institutions, promoting skills exchange programs and strengthening labor market integration efforts.

Training Coordinator (Training Manager in Charge)

Kempinski Nile Hotel
Cairo, Egypt
10.2014 - 10.2015
  • Deliver Kempinski Fundamentals and Essential programs, ensuring adherence to corporate training standards.
  • Identify future training needs, tailor programs accordingly, and implement interactive and participatory workshops.
  • Plan and conduct training sessions to enhance employees' intrapersonal skills, aligning with corporate office guidelines.
  • Utilize corporate evaluation tools to assess and measure training outcomes based on guest satisfaction surveys.
  • Develop individualized development plans for employees and provide ongoing follow-up on their implementation.
  • Update training programs and manuals, ensuring they remain effective, relevant, and aligned with industry best practices.
  • Design and implement trainers’ development programs for hotel departmental trainers, fostering continuous professional growth.
  • Introduce and implement new initiatives and techniques to meet Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) requirements.
  • Empower women and youth trainees, providing opportunities for growth and career advancement within Kempinski.
  • Manage outsourced training procedures and oversee the implementation process.

English and Soft Skills Trainer

Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF)
Cairo, Egypt
10.2010 - 10.2014
  • Implement training courses as scheduled, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and engagement.
  • Identify training needs and requirements for various hotels, tailoring programs to address specific skill gaps.
  • Evaluate existing training materials produced by third parties for appropriateness and relevance, recommending necessary updates.
  • Assist in modifying or developing course materials and training manuals to meet specific training needs, particularly in Upper Egypt.
  • Assess trainees’ skills, talents, performance, and productivity, providing written evaluations and recommendations for improvement.
  • Collect and analyze training data, maintaining up-to-date training records and generating accurate reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Prepare detailed feedback reports on trainee performance, offering insights and improvement strategies.
  • Align ETF training courses with training programs used by leading hotel chains, maximizing learning benefits.
  • Empower women in remote governorates, supporting their sustainability and career growth in the hospitality sector.

Education

Bachelor Degree - English Literature

Cairo University
09.2005 - 06.2009

Skills

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Community-Based Tourism
  • International Liaison
  • Capacity Building
  • Policy Facilitation
  • Project Leadership
  • Event and Partnership Development
  • Strategic visioning

Custom

  • Skilled in stakeholder mapping and engagement
  • Proven expertise in sustainable tourism and community-based activities
  • Acted as a liaison between donors, governments, and beneficiaries
  • Extensive experience in capacity building and training
  • Strong background in policy and program facilitation
  • Project management experience with EU, USAID, and GCC-funded initiatives
  • Committed to empowerment and inclusion

Personal Information

  • Date of birth: 09/30/88
  • Nationality: Egyptian (UAE Residency Visa)
  • Marital status: Single

Languages

English
Advanced
French
Intermediate
Arabic
Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Senior Non-Key Expert/ Executive Technical Assistant to the Team leader and Project Experts

DAI Belgium SRL
04.2025 - 08.2025

Projects Manager/ Technical Expert

Confederation of Egyptian European Business Association – CEEBA
02.2025 - 05.2025

Trade Policies Program Coordinator

Palladium Groups
07.2024 - 01.2025

Consultant

Abdin Consultancy Group – ACG
01.2022 - 10.2022

Project Manager

Ta’heal for VET Skills Excellence
01.2022 - 07.2022

Technical Expert/ Projects Manager

Confederation of Egyptian European Business Association – CEEBA
11.2021 - 06.2024

Intermediaries Relationship Manager

TVET Egypt Programme
10.2018 - 12.2021

Senior Governance Specialist

TVET Egypt Programme
11.2016 - 10.2018

Hotels Sector Manager

Egyptian TVET Partnership/ ETPs of Tourism and Hotels
09.2015 - 10.2016

Training Coordinator (Training Manager in Charge)

Kempinski Nile Hotel
10.2014 - 10.2015

English and Soft Skills Trainer

Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF)
10.2010 - 10.2014

Bachelor Degree - English Literature

Cairo University
09.2005 - 06.2009

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Mai Mohamed Darwish Shehata