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Down-to-earth, solution-oriented analyst with "big picture" insights and global literacy, 17 years of fieldwork experience, and in-depth knowledge of and extensive familiarity with areas in Africa and the Middle East; seeking to transition my commitment to humanitarianism from academic fieldwork and research into employment in the humanitarian sector. |
 Contact Nina Berman
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Area of Expertise: |
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
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Professional Experience: |
FIELD OPERATIONS | RESEARCH
Global areas of specialization include: ethnographic and archival work in Kenya (i.e. contemporary period; effects of globalization); historical study (colonialism in Africa); Europe and the Middle East, literature and culture in historical context (political, socio-cultural, and economic factors).
Kenya: 1980-2014
Since 1980, traveled to Kenya 16 times. Initial fieldwork includes volunteering in the medical sector and working alongside a doctor on six occasions lasting from one to three months from 1980 to 1986.
Led research project focused on impact of globalization and relations between German expatriates/residents and Kenyans in a small community south of Mombasa (2009-2014, 3 months and then 4-6 weeks each year).
Co-organized first Kenyan international conference in the area of disability studies (2007) (Link to Publication)
Conducted research related to disability studies (2007).
Comprehensive analysis of the healthcare network (2005)
Research Methodology (recently completed book project)
Conducted more than 200 formal and informal interviews (in English, German, Kiswahili, Arabic) with close to 150 individuals from different ethnic societies and diverse age, religious, and social groups.
Conducted archival research at the Registrars of Marriage in Mombasa and in Kwale (13 years, for a total of approximately 13,000 licenses); gleaned statistical data from the interviews and the marriage licenses; visited humanitarian initiatives on site; made use of statistical data provided by the official statistical agencies of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Kenya; and applied GIS tools to create maps of the area.
Gathered data during extensive walking and driving tours in the area.
Secured aerial views of Diani during several short flights, which brought to light the full extent of building activity in certain areas.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE | PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Overview: Administrative positions at The Ohio State University (2001--) and University of Texas at Austin (1994-2001; the two largest institutions of higher learning in the United States) have included
Vision Plan and Strategic Plan Development (sampling)
• International Faculty Council, Office of International Affairs, member (2013-Present)
• Faculty Advisory Committee to Executive Dean and Vice Provost (chair 2013-14; member 2012-13, 2014-15)
• Internationalizing the Curriculum Committee, member (2011-12)
Program Development, Execution, Assessment, and Administration (sampling)
• Graduate Studies Director (2013--; 2002-2004; 1996-99); supervised 30 graduate teaching assistants each time; conflict resolution situations involving students and faculty
• Designed two new majors and coordinated programs (in collaboration): World Literatures Initiative, chair; Globalization Studies Initiative, co-chair, Arts and Sciences (2002--)
• Associate Director, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Title VI Center (1999-2001
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Education: |
1994 Ph.D., Department of German, University of California, Berkeley; coursework in Arabic
1989 M.A., Department of German, San Francisco State University, San Francisco
1986 Diploma in Stonemasonry, Steinmetz Innung, Kassel, Germany
1983 B.A. (Zwischenprüfung in German, Arabic, and History), Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
I am looking for opportunities to transition my commitment to humanitarianism from academic fieldwork and research into employment in the humanitarian sector. The position I envision would allow me to combine my substantial knowledge of and professional experience in humanitarianism, globalization, and practices of cross-cultural interaction with my administrative and program development background at large, complex institutions. I am a down-to-earth, solution-oriented analyst with "big picture" insights and global literacy, 17 years of fieldwork experience, and in-depth knowledge of and extensive familiarity with areas in Africa and the Middle East. My publication record includes four books (an additional book is currently under review) and 80+ publications of varying length. My substantial expertise of a wide range of fieldwork methods (quantitative and qualitative methods; participant observation; extensive walking and driving tours to assess an area; methods of aerial investigation) assists me in assessing and addressing aspects that define humanitarian situations on the ground. Substantial language (Arabic, German, Kiswahili, French, at different levels of proficiency) and versatile social skills allow me to communicate with individuals from a diverse range of cultural and social backgrounds. My leadership style is collaborative, pragmatic, and solution-driven.
In addition, I draw on my background in conceptualizing and executing innovative programmatic and administrative initiatives at the two largest public universities in the United States (University of Texas at Austin and Ohio State University). My broad experience in organization-wide strategic vision planning, overseeing program activities, staff supervision, and mentoring supports my ability to coordinate complex operations. The material, logistical, political, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and emotional dimensions of humanitarian work are profound; the biggest challenge is balancing prompt responses with a long-term vision that responsibly addresses the needs of affected individuals and communities. I look forward to bringing my versatile skills and knowledge base to an organization that is dedicated to addressing the challenges of poverty, development, political crises, and social injustice in today’s world.
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Years of Experience:
More than 20 years |
Highest Qualification:
Doctorate |
Languages:
English, German (native); Arabic; Kiswahili; French |
Nationality:
United States
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LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaaberman
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