Rana Nahhas- Suidan

Project/Program manager (currently seeking employment) , International government development agency

Innsbruck, Austria

Legally trained development and capacity building professional with 4 years as Program Officer and Deputy Director in a development agency. Skilled in governance, stakeholder engagement, and bilateral program delivery. Multilingual (EN/AR/HE, B1 DE/SP) with strong intercultural and stakeholder engagement skills. Based in Tirol with a work visa; open to remote roles and positions in Austria/Munich.

Contact Rana Nahhas- Suidan
Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
  • Government, Governance, Reforms
  • Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
  • Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
Professional Experience:

Over the past decade, I have built a diverse professional career at the intersection of international development, governance, legal advisory work, and capacity-building. My experience spans program management, organizational development, cross-cultural engagement, and leadership within training-focused development institutions. I bring a proven ability to support complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and strengthen the internal systems that enable organizations to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.
I began my career as a legal consultant, providing expert advice on compliance, governance, and regulatory matters. My legal training—paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills—enabled me to guide organizations through complex legal and operational challenges, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards. This experience sparked my interest in applying legal expertise to mission-driven, people-centered work, paving the way for my transition into international development.
For four years, I served as a Program Officer in a development-focused institution, where I played a key role in designing, coordinating, and implementing capacity-building initiatives. My work centered on strengthening organizational governance, supporting community development programs, and ensuring that training activities responded effectively to the needs of diverse target groups. I collaborated with international partners, government actors, civil society organizations, and community leaders to deliver programs that fostered dialogue, inclusion, and practical skill-building. In this role, I gained substantial experience in project cycle management, curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural facilitation.
My strong performance and leadership capabilities led to my appointment as Deputy Director of the Training Team, where I oversaw the strategic direction, operational management, and quality assurance of a portfolio of development training programs. In this senior role, I supervised a multidisciplinary team, coordinated with internal and external partners, and contributed to organizational planning and innovation. I was responsible for shaping training methodologies, integrating participatory approaches, monitoring program outcomes, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and global development frameworks—including the SDGs and gender equality commitments.
Across these roles, I consistently applied a governance-oriented lens, emphasizing ethical standards, institutional transparency, and effective decision-making structures. My work has been guided by a commitment to inclusion and intercultural understanding, shaped by both my professional experiences and my personal background as a Christian Palestinian minority born within the borders of Israel. This perspective has strengthened my ability to work with diverse communities, support conflict-sensitive initiatives, and approach complex social dynamics with empathy and cultural humility.
Now based in Tirol with a valid Austrian work visa, I am experienced in operating in multicultural environments and collaborating across borders. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, with conversational German (B1 certificate), and I actively apply my multilingual skills to build trust, facilitate communication, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. I am open to remote opportunities as well as positions in Austria or Germany, particularly Munich.
Overall, my professional experience reflects a combination of legal expertise, development-sector leadership, cross-cultural competency, and a strong dedication to equitable, sustainable, and rights-based organizational development. I am committed to contributing to initiatives that advance good governance, empower communities, and create lasting social impact.

Education:

I hold a law degree with a strong academic and professional focus on international law, gender equality, and women’s rights—areas that have shaped both my legal mindset and my broader commitment to social justice. From the early stages of my legal education, I was drawn to the principles and mechanisms that govern international cooperation, human rights protection, and the pursuit of equitable development. This interest guided my coursework, research, and professional direction, leading me to explore how legal systems can serve as tools for advancing equality and shaping fairer, more inclusive societies.
Throughout my studies, I engaged deeply with legal frameworks that protect women’s rights, promote equal opportunities, and prevent discrimination in both domestic and international contexts. I took part for a year and a half in a legal-social Clinic - project supporting women from lower socio-economic backgrounds. These areas allowed me to examine the intersection between law, power structures, and social change, and they continue to influence the way I approach program design, policy review, and organizational governance in my professional roles.
My academic focus translated naturally into a commitment to gender-responsive development, where I consistently advocate for integrating gender perspectives into organizational strategies, capacity-building efforts, and governance structures. I believe that legal knowledge carries its greatest value when it is applied practically and ethically—supporting institutions as they create fair policies, ensuring accountability, and helping communities gain access to equitable opportunities.
My personal background has also played a meaningful role in shaping this commitment. As a Christian Palestinian minority born within the borders of Israel, I was raised in a context where questions of identity, rights, and justice are deeply interwoven into everyday life. Growing up within a minority community has given me firsthand understanding of what it means to navigate social and structural barriers, negotiate multiple cultural realities, and persist in advocating for fairness, dignity, and visibility. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to work toward gender equality—not only as a legal or policy concept, but as a lived reality that can transform communities and future generations.
This background informs my perspective when working in international and multicultural environments. It enables me to approach sensitive topics—such as gender roles, community norms, and access to justice—with empathy, cultural awareness, and respect for different lived experiences. It also motivates me to create spaces where female voices are heard, valued, and included in decision-making processes. Whether supporting organizational governance, designing programs, or leading training initiatives, I consistently aim to integrate gender-sensitive approaches and ensure that institutional practices reflect principles of fairness, protection, and empowerment.
Overall, my legal education, combined with my personal identity and professional experience, has shaped a strong commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality in international development. I bring not only technical knowledge of legal systems and international frameworks, but also a personal understanding of the transformative impact that rights-based approaches can have on individuals and communities. I remain dedicated to contributing to initiatives that build more inclusive, equitable, and just societies.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Internships / Fellowships
  • Being headhunted – make me an

Years of Experience:

10-15 years

Highest Qualification:

Bachelors

Languages:

English, Spanish, Arabic, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish and German (conversational)

Nationality:

Israel , Palestinian Territory

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