Our Team

A graduate of the University of Loughborough, UK, in water and waste Engineering.

Over the past 40 years in water and environment, a key founder of several institutions including the Community Health Unit of Bir Zeit University, the Environmental Authority in Palestine, CHF international in Palestine, Waste Recycling Company, and finally, the Water Sector Regulatory Council.

Prepared a number of internal institutional and National bylaws, manuals, policy papers and procedures covering water tariff, regional water utilities, medical waste, solid waste, environmental law and others.

A University teacher in Environmental Assessment, solid and hazardous waste. Mr. Mohammad Hmaidi recently served as the executive director of Water Sector Regulatory Council of Palestine.

Rüdiger Heidebrecht graduated from the Applied University of Cologne as a Civil Engineer in Water Resources at the ITT.

He worked three years for the Higher Water Authority as well for the German Development Agency (DED) in Nepal in the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Kathmandu. From 1992-2022 he worked for DWA-German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste in the field of standardization, training, certification and international cooperation as Head of Training and International Cooperation. Since 2022 he works as a Senior Advisor for WorldSkills Germany to promote the skill #55 „Water Technology “as well as further skills.

He was a member of the GIZ Board of Trustees, TVET expert in the BIBB-Federal Institution for Vocational Education and Training, Member of the IWA Chapter Germany, Member of the IFAT Advisory Board, TH Cologne ITT Advisory Board and Honorary Member of ACWUA. He also worked as a senior consultant for GIZ and KfW in the MENA-Region and in many Asian countries.

Mr. Heidebrecht focuses on Curricular and Competence Development, Development of modern Digital and Blended Learning Formats, Development of new Learning Material, Training of Trainers, Learning Management System (Moodle), Use of YouTube Channel & social media in Training, VR/AR, Learning in Competitions (WorldSkills)

He is a senior professional with more than 25 years of experience, with more than 20 years of them in the area of infrastructure management and systems building. He had done extensive work in the water sector in Kuwait, Palestine, Syria and Jordan as Water Utility Manager at executive level.

Mr. Al Madhoun is WASH expert with expertise in customer service systems management, domestic network and service provision in rural and urban settings. He managed WASH services in areas in conflict as an integral part of his day to day workload. His contribution focused on supporting communities transitioning from crisis to development where systems need to be established and/or rebuilt.

He is a qualified trainer, public educator and analyst in multiple areas; Monitoring & Evaluation; WASH; utilities management, setting performance indicators; managing Non-Revenue Water (NRW), capacity building and organization development; needs assessments and gap analysis; strategic and corporate planning; design & implementation of computerized billing and CS systems; resilience and recovery in post conflict settings. He has deep understanding to the MENA region and its socio-political complexities, which enabled him to analysing the different situations and anticipate scenarios as they evolve.

Mr. Al Madhoun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Economics of Development (Economics), with research on “Performance of Water and Wastewater Services Providers and Requirements to achieve sustainable development goals in Gaza Strip”

Maha Al-Zu’bi has a PhD from the University of Calgary in Environmental Design. She has over fifteen years of experience in managing public and international (UNDP, WB, GIZ, JICA, KOICA, UNEP, USAID) funded programs and projects in various development sectors including water, energy, agriculture, tourism, transport, waste, and environment. Further, she has more than 5 years of experience in managing academic/research initiatives, such as the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources -funded by Canada First Research Excellence Fund- at the University of Calgary. She has extensive experience in international development, donor coordination; resource mobilization and financial management with different organization both in Canada and the Middle East.

Maha conducted most of her research in the Middle East, focusing on the Arab region, with the goal of proposing local climate policy and principles for governance of climate change adaptation and mitigation. She has published in peer-reviewed journals related to climate change governance, green roof policy, and energy-water-food nexus. Maha’s areas of expertise are environmental policy design, action planning, climate change adaptation and governance, public policy, green growth/economy, energy environmental systems, public participation, and sustainable development.

Senior development expert, team leader, and trainer with more than 15 years’ experience in strategic planning, project management, local governments, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation, rule of law, and justice reform. Highly skilled in project design, management, and administration for internationally funded multi-million programs and projects. Designed, managed, and supervised the implementation of over $100 million of donor’s programs focusing on community infrastructure, municipal services, planning, capacity building, and policy formulation in the local government sector.

Dr. Rajab facilitated and supported the development and review of various strategic documents and plans including: The Area C National Strategy, the Agriculture Sector Strategy, the Environmental Cross Sectoral Strategy and Policy, Local Government Strategic Development and Investment Planning Policy and Manual, and numerous strategic plans for municipalities. He also provided institution technical assistance support to various projects including: The Development of Waste Water Strategy in Palestine, and the Development of Water Master Plan in Hebron. Served as a team leader for many local and regional evaluations including: Team Leader for the Mid-Term Evaluation of the “NDC- Cultural Organizations, E. Jerusalem 2016-2019” Project; Senior Evaluator for the final evaluation of the “Jordan Communication, Advocacy and Policy (JCAP)” funded by USAID; Evaluator for the ex post evaluation of the “Employment generation program” in Palestine funded by KfW; Final Evaluator of the regional project: "Food Security Governance of Bedouin Pastoralist Groups in the Mashreq (Egypt, Jordan, Palestine)" funded by the EU; Principal Evaluator for Reproductive Health and Violence Prevention Project funded by IFRC; and Principal Evaluator of Japan funded Project “Promote peace building through cross boundary wastewater management in the occupied Palestinian territories” implemented by UNDP

Mr. Martin Strähle has more than 10 years of professional experience in development cooperation as consultant, trainer, facilitator, and project manager mainly in the fields of Private Sector Development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and Environmental Management and Technology. With working knowledge of German, English, Spanish and Portuguese he has work experience in countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Mr. Strähle holds a degree from University of Technology in Berlin as Engineer for Environmental Technology with specializations in water treatment, environmental management and soil sciences and a Certification as European Energy Manager (EUREM). Regular further qualifications like Capacity Works (GIZ) and Facilitation in the International Context (Inwent) complete his profile.

Souheil Rouphael is a senior water, wastewater expert along with a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from University of Balamand, Lebanon and 8 years of experience in WASH projects with international companies, donors and NGOs in the field of environment, water and wastewater treatment.

During his previous experience at Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) and World Vision Lebanon (WVL) as Process & Quality Engineer responsible for all technical issues on the processes of the different plants in Bekaa region. He has acquired wealth of practical experience in the technical operational and process advisory of water and wastewater treatment plants.

His main tasks were following up and monitoring the operation of the three largest stations in the Bekaa Valley (Iaat, Zahle and Joub Jenin wastewater treating plants), which are under the responsibility of the BWE, that were occupied by contractor companies. His role and the role of the unit that he worked within, was to monitor the contractor’s works and laboratories results and to monitor the work of these stations before disposing the water in the rivers or in the sewers that the water takes when it leaves the station, Moreover, he had to ensure that the contractor adheres to the MOU and signed agreements between him, the BWE and the Ministry of Energy and Water.

During his years of experience, He also had the opportunity to participate in trainings, researches, capacity building activities, and to plan and contribute to the designing and operation of water systems and new water plants in different INGOs, development agencies and consultancies firm teams. His work was mainly in the areas that include Syrian refugee camps and towns that are witnessing a new population density due to the displacement that took place in the recent years.

Irrigation and environment specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the fields of soils, irrigation and climate change in Jordan, Palestine, Uganda and Yemen. Eng. Abdoh has rich experience in the field of irrigation and TWW reuse as he served as The Irrigationwater department manager of the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), the Irrigation and dams section Head of Consulting Engineering Centre in Jordan, The National TWW reuse expert for waste water strategy done by USAID for Palestinian Water Authority 2019, the Reuse specialist and the conceptual designer of the following projects in Palestine: TWW reuse scheme of Hebron Governorate WWTP, TWW reuse scheme of Nablus East WWTP, Wadi An-Nar WWTP, Rawabee regional WWTP project. And finally, as the Reuse specialist of the following projects in Jordan: Wastewater Collection, Treatment and Effluent Reuse for Municipalities and the Developed Areas Project, Al Fara’a and Jerash Integrated Watershed Management Project and The Reuse of treated waste water in Northern Jordan valley project.

In addition to that he also has experience in Climate change as he was the formulator of the “Agriculture sector Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2018-2020” for the benefit of ministry of agriculture through GIZ Takaiof Project, the state of Palestine UNFCC National Communication Report Coordinator, the coordinator of the training package and climate change and irrigation expert of GIZ Climate Change Adaptation Programme Training Package “Management of natural resources to adapt with climate change.” And the coordinator for the Sustainable Production and Consumption Demo Projects Coordinator for the Palestinian Quality Authority.

He is the responsible expert for the development of “Forward Looking Paper Natural resources management in the context of Climate Change Adaptation” for FAO, which serves as the basis for formulating the National Investment plan of the country food and nutrition security policy for the SDG1 group. He was the expert of agriculture damages and risk for the Establishment of Early Warning and Geographical Information System for Management of Agricultural Risks for the benefit of the Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction & Insurance Fund (PADRRIF).

Raed Rajab is a seasoned professional in MSME development and finance, with over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship training, product design for financial institutions, and development projects across the Middle East. He has trained more than 4,000 young entrepreneurs, including individuals with special needs, in Palestine and the UAE. With expertise honed at Arab Bank and through regional development projects, he has provided impactful coaching and training, focusing on micro-insurance, loan guarantee funds, and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Currently a Financial Management Consultant with the World Bank Group, Raed plays a key role in MENA Global Practice task forces, ensuring the adequacy of financial management in governance, energy, and green financing projects. He has contributed to Climate Change Development Reports and green finance strategies for the EU Southern Neighborhood through his work with the Frankfurt School of Finance and EIB. Raed’s extensive portfolio also includes advising on sustainable finance, green economy initiatives, and MSME-focused COVID-19 response strategies. Certified in multiple disciplines (CPA, CMA, CFC), he has worked across seven countries, contributing to diverse sectors in project management, business analysis, and training, including significant roles with the EU and leading institutions in the Arab region.

Dipl.-Ing. Hans Hartung, M.A.Sc., is a known water expert in international development with more than 35 years of experience.  Trained as mechanical engineer, specialised in water pumps and systems engineering, he has a strong theoretical and practical background in water supply, sanitation, water resources management and renewable energies. Through his experience in the developing world, he has come to realise the importance of a comprehensive approach to and responsible management of our water resources.

He can draw from a much-diversified experience in industry as well as with NGOs, governments, bilateral-, multilateral and UN organizations, in rural as well as urban environments, in designing and planning as well as training, in developing as well as industrialised countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. He has planned, accompanied and evaluated many programs and projects in conventional water supply and sanitation and pioneered unconventional systems such as rainwater harvesting and ecological sanitation. He is actively accompanying the capacity development conceptualising measures, such as face-to-face as well as online trainings is one of his key competences. In the last years he has actively accompanied the development, advice and training for Solar Powered Irrigation Systems.

Mohamed Boudaya is a water, wastewater expert along with a B. Sc. degree in mechanical engineering from Lebanese international university and a Certificate in wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance from California state university, with 12 years’ experience in the field of water, wastewater networks and plants.

His experience with private contracting companies and municipalities as a Process & Operation Manager responsible for all technical issues of WWTPs from the construction phase to dry commissioning, wet commissioning, test performance period and managing operational, process, safety, health and environmental aspects, technical assistance to other WWTPs and government agencies such as the Litani river authority, Bekaa water establishment west Baalbeck union of municipalities, in addition to participation in the study and implementation of a water reuse system and sludge management and reuse in Ablah, setting up and managing a complete water and sludge lab in both Ablah and Fourzol WWTP, capacity building of the staff, environmental awareness training for university students.

Razan Freij Habash is a projects and programs management expert with more than 14 years of professional experience in managing infrastructure, construction and rehabilitation programs and projects as well as humanitarian aid and community development projects. Mrs. Habash holds M.Sc. in Business Administration and Management and B.A. in Civil Engineering from BirZeit University, Palestine.

In addition to projects management, Razan possesses more than 10 years of experience in structural analysis and design and structural evaluation of buildings as well as in QA/QC management, risk management, and setting of mitigation plans for construction and infrastructure projects. She is also experienced in the preparation of contracts, design drawings, BoQs, tender documents, SoPs, MoUs, RFPs, RFQs, organizational processes and procedures, organizations and programs’ guidelines, work plans and programs budgets.

During years of extensive working, Mrs. Habash has built excellent experience in leading market studies and surveys, needs assessments, capacity building and empowerment of organizations and individuals. She has also gathered experience in strategic planning and economic development and support of businesses and individuals.

Professor Dr. Eng. at Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, and international project coordinator- Sakarya University, – Türkiye. Graduated from Kassel University Germany (1990) and was director of Environmental and Rural Research Center from 1992 to 2002. Acting as professor in Environmental and Earth Science Department, Faculty of Science/ Engineering Faculty - IUG. Chairperson of National Steering Committee of Small Grand Program (SGP) of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in Palestinian Authority Territories, hosted by UNDP and member of Regional Steering Committee of (SGP) of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) – Reference for Global Worming and Climate Change 1998 to 2010. Field of research concentrate on Integrated Resources management and specialized in Solid Waste / Wastewater treatment and reuse, Groundwater/Hydrogeology and Knowledge Management.

Has experience in fundraising, projects managing and coordination (EU programs, UNDP FCM, World Bank) in the field of water, wastewater, solid waste and green agriculture in addition to consultation and evaluation of research/ academic programs and a member of many academic and professional institutions. Has participated in many International and local conferences and workshops in the fields of water, wastewater and other environmental issues and has many scientific and technical papers published.

Has professional expert in Integrated Water Resources and Solid Waste Management with extensive experience in Capacity Building activities through planning and participation in short and long programs. During the last years increased has intensive experience with the development of professional networks (Knowledge networks and Communities of Practice) to activate and stimulate applied research and other collaborative work, like joint EU cooperation network project, special emphasis is on the Mediterranean and EU counters.

Mr. Mahmoud is a consultant in Engineering Education and Training/Professional Qualification and Accreditation Council (PQAC) with 42 year of experience out of which 39 years in Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training. He has a Master’s degree and a higher diploma degree in Education, and BSc in Electrical Engineering. In addition to almost 20 months of training (Diploma and certificate courses) in the field of TOT, Management, Vocational Training. in Jordan, England, Italy, USA, and Canada.

Since 1989 he was a consultant, project manager, team leader and as a Trainer and Consultant on TVET and Engineering  projects in Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, KSA, UAE/Dubai, Palestine, Italy, Libya, Egypt ,Turkey, Malaysia,  Oman and Palestine with international organizations such as GIZ, ILO, UNDP, UNESCO, USAID, ARADO, ACWUA, AFTE and World Bank.  

He is a member of Jordan Engineers Association, since 1979; Jordan Society for Quality; Board of Directors/Engineers Training Centre/Jordan Engineers Association (JEA); Classification Habitation and Certification Committees (JEA); Sustainability and Green Council (JEA);; Member on board of directors Vocational Training Corporation (VTC)

Bashar is an experienced professional in the areas of international development, program Management, institutional reform and capacity building.

He acquired his 25 years of MENA regional experience through working for international organizations such as World Bank, United Nations and Donors' Agencies. The core of his expertise covers project and portfolio development, management and monitoring.

Bashar has led on the design and implementation of a diverse portfolio of multi-sectoral projects that exceed the value of $30 million mostly acknowledged within the Middle East. In addition, he was involved in managing a portfolio of more than 300 projects of a total value of $1.9 billion that were managed by United Nations agencies.

Bashar is engaged in delivering project management and soft skills training as well as providing advisory services and mentorship to numerous clients within the Arab region covering a wide variety of sectors including United Nations, government, non-profit organizations, financial services institutions, manufacturing and construction.

Bashar holds a B.Sc in Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology.

Alvaro Altamirano Montoya is an economist and data scientist with expertise in labor markets, green jobs modeling, and pension economics research. He has gained extensive experience through positions at international institutions including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Global Green Growth Institute. He holds an M.Sc. in Data Science for Public Policy from Georgetown University, an M.Sc. in Family Economics from the Federal University of Viçosa, and a B.Sc. in Applied Economics from the Central American University

Dr. Saed Jasser is a development expert, with more than 20 years of solid experience in socio-economic researches, Participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation. Dr Jasser holds a Ph.D. in Economics and Development, throughout his work with national, international and the private sector he accumulated experience in organizational capacity building, national strategic planning and policy building, program analyses, feasibility studies. Moreover, Dr. Jasser, has experience in formulating national gender and inclusive education policies and strategies.

Ms. Nadia Saad has 30 years of experience in project design and management, monitoring and evaluation, communication, networking and outreach, conducting social, economic, gender and cultural researches and assessment studies. She has provided consultancy services to government institutions, municipalities and civil society organizations in Palestine and the MENA region with funds from donors specifically: EU, SIDA, USAID, World Bank, AFD, GIZ, DFID and others. Ms. Saad has a Master degree in Planning, Social and Political development. And intensive experience as a manger and team leader in 35 projects

Ms. Saad has extensive experience in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating communication and outreach awareness and campaigns programs in water and wastewater sectors.  Communication plans involved stakeholders at leadership level such as: senior officers in government, municipalities and NGOs. At the community level the consultant ensured giving space for vulnerable people and engage them with the research studies, vulnerable target groups varied from women, youth, farmers, children, workers and refugees.

Throughout her career, she has carried out 45 evaluation projects, assessment and impact studies with special focus on: water, wastewater, environment, social protection, social inclusion, employment, economic empowerment, education, equality and justice, decentralization and administration reform for government ministries, institutional development and strategic planning for municipalities and CSOs.

Ms. Saad has an extensive experience as a gender expert provided training in gender topics and integrating gender interventions and indicators in different developmental programs. In addition to her experience as trainer and education expert in designing training materials and implementing training courses.

Nour Baalbaki is an electrical engineer, holding a Master degree in Energy Studies. Nour has experience in electro-mechanical contracting, solar contracting, electro-mechanical consultancy, robotic, and energy audit. Her experience varies within the following functions:

• Facilities Maintenance and Supervision
• Preventive maintenance of the mechanical systems: HVAC system, Data Center Cooling system, Building Plumbing system, Drainage system, Fire Fighting, Heating and Fuel systems
• Preventive maintenance of the electrical systems: Fire Alarm system, Generators, Lighting system, Panel board system
• Design, Implement, and Maintain solar PV electrical systems.
• Conduct an energy audit study on Lebanese private industry within REESTART project (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Energy Transition and Reinforced Trust) funded by the European Union. This study compromised several processes including data collection, findings, measurement and verification, analysis, investigation, and recommendations.

Claudia is an interdisciplinary advisor with technical expertise as well as profound experiences in project management. She holds an MA in Geography and Political Science from the University of Munich, and an MSc in Integrated Water Resources Management from the Technical University of Cologne and the University of Jordan.
In her research and work, she has concentrated on climate change adaptation methods, processes and activities of participation, hydrologic modeling, as well as the interactions between land/soil and water. Claudia has strong project management skills, both as a leader and team member, and worked for national and international projects in different fields, such as urban water, regional development, capacity development and continuing education.

In addition to her technical background, Claudia has a broad experience in marketing and communication, including strong networking, digital marketing and presentation skills.

Her international experiences include projects in Jordan, Tunisia, Vietnam, Peru, North America and Germany

Sharhabil Maswadeh is a senior water, wastewater and Environmental Expert along with a B.Sc Degree in Chemical Engineering from university of engineering and technology, Lahore, Pakistan and 20 years of experience in mega projects with big companies in the field of environment, water and wastewater treatment.

During his previous experience at Degremont & Kharafi National companies as Process & Operation Manager responsible for all technical issues of the plants (plants size vary from 100,000 m3/day up to 300,000 m3/day), he has acquired wealth of practical experience at that national, regional and international level in the technical operational and process advisory of water and wastewater treatment plants. His main tasks were ranging from pre commissioning, dry commissioning, wet commissioning, test performance period, managing operational and process aspects, heath, safety and environmental aspects, technical assistance, sludge and waste management, control budget, preparing training planes, managing power production facilities, optimizing operational cost, preparing KPI's, capacity building of the staff, and prepare technical reports.

Moreover, Mr. Maswadeh was the manger of Water Center of Excellence, which is under the umbrella of the Vocational Training Cooperation and funded by the European Commission. The Center offers training in the water sector to provide workforce with skills needed to enter the workforce of the water sector. He supportedthe establishment of the center; he is also a certified wastewater trainer by CAQA-Jordan

Eng. Mohammad Mashatleh is an agricultural expert at WEE Pros GmbH; he has considerable experience in designing and implementing, constructing of green houses, hydroponic and soilless culture systems. Previously he was a senior specialist at Hydroponic developing Unit at Royal Scientific Society (RSS) during his work he was successfully provided strong support and service to numerous organizations, NGOs and customers, while implementing efficient and innovative hydroponic solutions and support for clients. From 2015 to 2020, Eng. Mashatleh was a senior specialist in the Water and Environment Center at Royal Scientific Society (RSS). Before Royal Scientific Society he worked at Modern Aluminium Industrial com. MODAL-Industrial Complex (Nuqul group) as an Industrial Water & Waste Water & Raw Water Treatment Unit Supervisor. Due to his experience and continuous effort, he was able to obtain Al Hussein award for Excellence, Water and Environment sector, (2016, 2018), about his project titled "Hydroponic on rooftops: a new and innovative approach to achieving food security in urban areas”. Mohammad holds a BSc degree in Land, Water and Environment from University of Jordan and a Diploma degree in Environmental Engineer: Water and Waste Water Treatment Technology from Al-Balqaa Applied University.

Civil engineer with 23 year’s experience in various engineering fields, including infrastructure, hydraulics, water supply, water quality, water pollution and treatment, water and wastewater treatment, in addition to structural design. Mr. Khoury have done research work on wastewater and sludge treatment in French and German universities. Where he gained a various spectrum of scientific knowledge, specialized in hydraulics, environment, and water treatment, including the following tasks: 

• Technical specifications, quality control, approval of materials submitted by Contractors. Bill of Quantities, Preparation and review of Tender Documents.
• Supervision of construction works: reinforced concrete works, pipe networks, reservoirs. Checking of design drawings, and shop drawings.
• Interrelated project coordination: land survey, design works, concrete works, electro-mechanical works, finishing works.
• Operation of wastewater treatment plants.

Mr. Khoury acquires knowledge of Eurocode and Swiss standards. In addition to his knowledge of computer engineering software: Primavera P6, MS Project, WaterCad, Autocad, Robot, MS Office.

Dr. Al-Mothaffar has an honourable PhD in Human Resources, from College of Oxford, UK; and MSc Human Resources Development, University of Manchester, UK; in addition to Bachelor’s English Literature, Baghdad University, Iraq. She has extensive expertise of 44 years with focus in Institutional Development, Decentralization, Good Governance, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Human Resources Management, Local Administration, Utility Management, and Restructuring in public and private sector. 7 years as University Assistant Professor, and 30 years as Trainer.

Jalal Al-Qaryouti brings over 18 years of extensive experience to the fields of Water Resources Management, Environmental Initiatives, and Disaster Risk Reduction within the humanitarian sector. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated specialized expertise in managing intricate projects across the MENA region, particularly in the fields of water, environment, and education. Jalal possesses in-depth knowledge of various international development organizations, including GIZ, USAID, EU, AFD, OIC, IDRC, and IsDB, as well as engagement with NGOs such as INWRDAM, IUCN, COMSTECH, WWC, and SESRIC.

Jalal's professional journey reveals his diverse roles, encompassing responsibilities in financial management, team leadership, and collaboration. His significant contributions to Water Resources Management underscore his hands-on involvement in field studies, post-disaster assessments, and the management of complex projects. He is committed to building relationships, leveraging research skills, and utilizing networking abilities to drive impactful change within the humanitarian sector. Jalal holds an MA in European Studies from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, focused on implementing the European Water Framework Directive and a BSc in Management Information Systems.

Mr. Al Najjar holds a bachelor degree in Physics from the IUG, with more than 8 years of experience in all types of PV solar systems including design, evaluation, supervision, training and commissioning. He has an extensive experience in design , prepare and supervise Hybrid solar system projects in addition to design and prepare specifications. He works as a supervisor of PV solar systems and technician in Physics Laboratories at the Islamic university in Gaza. Mr. Al Najjar delivered and participated in several training courses and events such as; intensive training course in PV solar systems design and supervision by LEXSOLAR – Germany, participated in the Solar Energy Consultancy Committee in Gaza Strip and gained experience in various types of alternative energy through a visit to Taiwan which was funded by the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah.

Rafiq has more than 25 years of experience working with UNICEF, UNDP, ESCWA, UN-HABITAT, IOM, EC, and GIZ in governance and sector development of infrastructures and social services. His work experience spans over 20 years in a transitional economy and six years in humanitarian response in the MENA region.

Main areas of expertise are management Strategies: strategy & program development, public policies, institutional set-up, regulation and procedures, resource mobilization, monitoring & evaluation, strategic impact Assessment, social & environmental assessment, with special focus on World Bank and KfW environmental & social safeguards, grievance redress mechanism, land acquisition and resettlement policies, construction safety and UXO/ERW security, public information strategies, communication protocols, risk management, design thinking and innovation.

Sectors of expertise are natural environment, infrastructures, spatial management, and social services (water supply & sanitation services, solid waste management, energy, transport, primary and tertiary health services, basic education, community development & housing).

Mr. Gebran Azar has thirteen (13) years of extensive experience in the water and wastewater sector, with a strong focus on Lebanon's water infrastructure. He has extensive experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and other water infrastructure projects, including those in North Lebanon. His roles have included serving as the WASH Projects Coordinator at the Ministry of Energy & Water (MoEW) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for four (4) years, and as a Water Infrastructure Expert for two (2) years with the EU-funded “Support Programme for Infrastructure Sector Strategies and Alternative Financing” (SISSAF). These positions involved providing technical assistance to the MoEW in implementing the National Water Sector Strategy (NWSS) and the National Surface Storage Strategy (NSSS) & Dams and Hill Lakes Program. His experience with SISSAF involved close collaboration with the MoEW and Water Establishments in Lebanon. He facilitated Water Group Coordination Meetings (WGCM), engaged in discussions on water and wastewater strategies, and played a key role in updating the NWSS. Additionally, he was involved in the Dbayeh Water Treatment Plant (WTP) project, assisting in technical assessments, design preparations, and compliance with environmental standards. During his role with UNDP, he coordinated and managed water and wastewater projects, including site selection, tender preparation, construction monitoring, and ensuring compliance with environmental and engineering standards. He also managed the KFW Fund for constructing and rehabilitating irrigation canals, ensuring projects met donor criteria and coordinating with various stakeholders.

Haitham Nemer, a seasoned Mechanical Engineer, brings 17 years of expertise to the forefront of development projects, particularly within the water sector. Recognized for his adept project management and quality assurance skills, Haitham aligns seamlessly with international standards, notably FIDIC, and employs project management techniques in line with PMI-PMBOK guidelines.

His career showcases a portfolio encompassing projects like treatment plants, pump stations, extensive networks, reservoirs, and water wells. Adhering rigorously to international procurement and contractual norms, Haitham played a pivotal role in water projects in Lebanon funded by major international financial institutions such as EIB, KFW, GIZ, AFD, and USAID. His expertise extends to the operation and maintenance of treatment plants, ensuring long-term efficiency and sustainability.

Haitham's leadership is evident in directing multidisciplinary teams, navigating intercultural communication challenges, and ensuring strict adherence to project budgets, specifications, safety, and environmental regulations. Throughout his career, he has fostered a culture of shared project ownership, integrity, and collaboration.