Shaden Khallaf
Dubai
Summary
Seasoned international leader with over 20 years of practitioner expertise in the United Nations, academia, and private sector. Forward-thinking pioneer in public-private partnership design and execution of inclusive policy frameworks for social impact and development. Deeply experienced in government engagement and management of complex policy environments, regulatory readiness, and multilateral issues. Recognized international advisor on sustainable development and humanitarian crises, multi-stakeholder partnership, climate action, digital transformation, and institutional effectiveness. Collaborative leader, team builder, and mentor, dedicated to empowering teams for diverse and inclusive organizational cultures. Catalyst and convener, network builder, diversity enabler, and supporter of transparency and opportunity in the workplace. Lifelong learner, seeking to nurture intellectual curiosity and advance the legacy of humanity.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
4044
4044
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Public Policy, North Africa, Sustainability and National Storytelling Policy Lead
Meta
Dubai, UAE
01.2022 - 02.2025
- Spearheaded cross-regional public policy strategic planning to create conducive environments for inclusive digital transformation, economic empowerment, and social impact
- Transformed company convening power with milestone activations bringing together partners and stakeholders in region’s largest markets with a focus on tech for development and artificial intelligence adoption
- Developed thought leadership on policy and regulatory frameworks for innovation and emerging tech including metaverse and artificial intelligence use cases in emerging markets
- Shielded impact of approximately USD 240 million processed in Egypt in 2024, through advocacy for the significance of the market in the midst of an abrupt currency devaluation, allowing client processing in the country to remain
- Led first Youth Safety and Wellbeing Campaign in the Arab region with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Egypt to reach almost 30 million young people and families, building awareness and capacity around digital literacy
- Successfully launched first global use of emerging technology for cultural and historic restoration in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt in the largest ever Meta activation in Egypt, reaching a viewership of over 600 million persons
- Spearheaded first Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence Week in Egypt in close collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and participation of over 200 developers, academics, universities, and industry peers
- Contributed to first national dialogue on regulatory framework for ethical and responsible use of AI
- Steered women's economic empowerment through online safety and digitization awareness in partnership with civil society organizations
- Led and coordinated regional engagement on sustainability leading up to Climate Change conferences COP 27 and COP 28, focusing on use cases for data for good
- Developed partnerships and policy narratives at most senior levels of government around privacy and safety and the enabling role of tech for economic development
- Designed stakeholder dialogue on tourism policy leveraging emerging technology to enhance business development targets with governments and partners
- Represented company among key industry players and regional business and commercial associations and international public fora
- Collaborated cross-functionally to mitigate risks of offline harm from content on digital platforms and stayed up-to-date on public policy landscape, anticipating challenges and obstacles faced by the business during regional crises
- Brokered strategic public-private partnership with United Nations Tourism to leverage policy equity of destination promotion analysis as a driver of growth and social impact
- Led first company visit to refugee camp to amplify digital literacy, led establishment of first regional chapter of refugee awareness group
- Initiated first ever contribution to local civil society and digital up-skilling and support to organizations providing humanitarian relief in conflicts and social impact
- Demonstrated ability to effectively interact at the highest corporate and political levels and continuously upheld highest personal levels of ethical conduct and integrity
Senior Policy Advisor and Head of MENA Policy Unit
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Amman, Jordan
01.2014 - 12.2021
- Spearheaded regional partnership landscape analysis for MENA region during largest global humanitarian emergency, leading to institutional reform and more inclusive policy frameworks
- Advised senior government officials with expert knowledge in international relations and domestic affairs on legal and policy frameworks for economic inclusion of refugees
- Streamlined operations through effective team leadership and project management skills, including clear communication channels with various internal and external stakeholders to foster buy-in
- Headed regional private sector engagement management for resource mobilization and financial inclusion of displaced populations
- Convened first dialogue on Climate Change and Displacement among experts, policymakers, civil society
- Pioneered engagement with civil society, academia, private sector, faith-based organizations, and cultural influencers to form unique multi-stakeholder platform for policy influence
- Led coordination on innovative humanitarian financing with non-traditional donors, including though faith-based philanthropy
- Pioneered first regional Arabic journal on displacement, catalyzing research for policymaking
- Coordinated regional strategic engagement with World Bank on displacement and development
- Issued first operational engagement guidance for sustainable development goals, prevention of violent extremism, peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Coordinated strategic and operational plans for the Global Refugee Forum, the largest gathering on displacement
- Led United Nations Development System Reform processes with analysis of links to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus
- Extensive high level representation in diplomatic, academic, and media circles
Lecturer
School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Cairo, Egypt
09.2011 - 06.2013
- Delivered graduate course on 'Refugee and Migration Movements in the Middle East and North Africa, including international refugee law and human rights law, population displacement trends analysis in the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies
- Delivered graduate course on 'Human Rights in the Middle East' in International Law Department, covering Islamic Sharia and human rights, gender, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, human rights NGO networking
- Supervised and acted as reader for Masters thesis candidates
- Developed new areas of research and provided policy advice to Center management, including on field studies on Syrian refugees
- Edited and peer reviewed research papers on refugee, migration, and human rights for publication
- Pioneered short courses for practitioners from the field on refugee and migration management and public policy in MENA
- Upskilled NGOs on human rights and refugee law
- Published articles, book chapters, and peer reviewed research papers
- Reviewed and revised curriculum regularly, maintained course relevance in an evolving society
- Implemented innovative teaching methods, improved student engagement rates
Diverse Policy, External Relations, Advisory Functions
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Cairo, Geneva, Beirut
09.1998 - 02.2010
- Analyzed political trends, identifying impact on population displacement patterns, human rights and gender
- Co-authored first report on UNHCR's flagship Iraq Operation, leading research, writing, editing, and publication consultations
- Crafted external facing messaging, communication, and official statements
- Strengthened relations with diplomatic missions of Arab States to the United Nations, NGOs, academic institutions, civil society
- Designed pioneering quick impact projects for refugees and host communities fostering inclusion and co-existence
- Led national inter-agency partnership design and development for financial inclusion and educational awareness
- Co-organized largest international ministerial conference on Iraq, bringing together governments, civil society, and international organizations
- Built strong relationships with donors whilst ensuring transparent communication on fund usage
- Enhanced brand reputation by designing and implementing strategic external relations campaigns
- Managed relationships with external stakeholders, resulted in successful collaborations on community projects
Education
Executive Education Program - Climate Policy and Economics
Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University
Visiting Fellow - Global Shifts Program
University of Pennsylvania
USAStrategic Leadership Program - undefined
United Nations Staff Council College
Women and Senior Leadership - undefined
United Nations Staff College
Senior Fellow - undefined
Geneva Graduate Institute for International Development
Certification Program for Representatives and Heads of Offices - undefined
Budapest
Master of Arts - International Relations
The American University in Cairo
Bachelor of Arts - Public International Law
The American University in Cairo
Skills
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Strategic planning
- Public speaking
- Leadership
- Public Relations
- Multilingual
- Policy analysis
- Government relations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Social impact assessment
- Critical thinking
Accomplishments
- Selected as a “Women of Egypt Hero” (2020)
- Selected among 365 Inspiring Arab Women by Women in Business Arabia (2020)
- Selected among 40,000 candidates as an Alumnus of the Century by the American University in Cairo (2019)
Timeline
Head of Public Policy, North Africa, Sustainability and National Storytelling Policy Lead
Meta
01.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Policy Advisor and Head of MENA Policy Unit
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
01.2014 - 12.2021
Lecturer
School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
09.2011 - 06.2013
Diverse Policy, External Relations, Advisory Functions
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
09.1998 - 02.2010
Strategic Leadership Program - undefined
United Nations Staff Council College
Women and Senior Leadership - undefined
United Nations Staff College
Senior Fellow - undefined
Geneva Graduate Institute for International Development
Certification Program for Representatives and Heads of Offices - undefined
Budapest
Master of Arts - International Relations
The American University in Cairo
Bachelor of Arts - Public International Law
The American University in Cairo
Executive Education Program - Climate Policy and Economics
Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University
Visiting Fellow - Global Shifts Program
University of Pennsylvania
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