Caribbean expert (Trinidad & Tobago focused) with a multifaceted background spanning human rights advocacy, project management, staff association leadership, protection assistance, and executive support. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing advocacy campaigns, managing projects with precision, fostering inclusive workplace environments, and providing crucial support in diplomatic settings. Adept at strategic collaboration, effective communication, and impactful advocacy, dedicated to driving positive change and ensuring organizational objectives are met with excellence. Passionate about amplifying marginalized voices, empowering communities, and promoting human rights on both local and global scales.
Human Rights Advocacy,
Government Agencies,
Civil Society Groups,
Reform and Legal Protections,
UNHCR.
UN Organizations,
Community Based Projects.
Human Rights Advocacy and Communications Specialist
Freelance I Port-of-Spain I August 2023
Developed and implemented comprehensive advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of human rights issues, with a focus on marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. Collaborated with organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups to formulate and execute strategic initiatives aimed at promoting policy reform and legal protections for human rights.
Drafted media materials to effectively communicate key messages and amplify the voices of those affected by human rights violations.
Managed social media platforms and digital communications channels to engage with supporters, disseminate information, and mobilize action on urgent human rights issues. Organized and facilitated community events, workshops, and training sessions to empower activists and advocates with the tools and resources needed to effect meaningful change. Monitored and analyzed media coverage and public discourse surrounding human rights issues and adapt advocacy strategies accordingly to maximize impact and visibility.
Project Management Specialist
Evolve New Media Systems Limited l Port of Spain l September 2023
Developed a comprehensive project plan for a financial literacy app, including scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Prepared and delivered regular project status reports and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.
Ensured projects adhered to relevant standards, and compliance requirements of the new national procurement regulations.
Utilized project management methodologies such as Agile and tools to streamline project planning, execution, and reporting.
Collaborated with various departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment of project goals.
Ensured proper project closure activities, including post-implementation reviews, lessons learned documentation, and handover to operational teams.
Staff Association Co-Chair
UNHCR, Trinidad and Tobago | Port of Spain | September 2022-June 2023
Provided strong leadership and direction for the staff association, ensuring its objectives, goals and code of conduct aligned with the mission of UNHCR.
Acted as the primary representative of the staff association in dealings with UNHCR management and external stakeholders.
Advocated for the rights, interests, and well-being of UNHCR staff, ensuring their voices were heard and their concerns addressed.
Developed strategic plans and initiatives to enhance the staff association's effectiveness and impact.
Maintained open and transparent communication channels with staff members, disseminated relevant information and updates.
Mediated and resolved conflicts or disputes within the staff community, fostering a harmonious work environment.
Planned and organized staff association events, meetings, and activities to promote team building and networking.
Oversaw the association's budget, ensuring responsible and efficient use of resources according to SOPs.
Participated in the development and review of policies and practices that affected UNHCR staff, providing valuable input and feedback.
Collaborated with other staff association leaders and entities within the UN system to share best practices and coordinated on common issues.
Provided information on services and benefits to staff members, such as professional development opportunities, social activities, or support services.
Lead campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness of staff concerns and drive positive change within UNHCR.
Prepared regular reports on the activities, achievements, and challenges of the staff association which were presented to staff and UNHCR management.
Promoted diversity and inclusion within the staff association, making it a welcoming and representative platform for all staff members.
Protection Assistant (Registration)
UNHCR, Trinidad and Tobago | Port of Spain | Jul 2018-June 2023
Conducted registrations of approximately 30 individuals per day including data entry and information management for reporting purposes using proGres v4
Managed biometric enrollment of approximately 70 individuals per day using BIMS. Prepared weekly and monthly Situational Reports to be shared with government entities, partners and other UN organizations using proGres v4, Power BI and Activity Info. Analyzed trends in vulnerabilities for referrals to other UNHCR departments and partners for durable solutions or assistance
Conducted trainings with partners on the use of proGres v4 and managed sensitivity trainings with government agencies related to national security
Assisted in managing projects related to changes in Registration Strategies with partners Prepared factsheets for dissemination internally and externally.
Conducted trainings on Data Protection policies on quality control, identifying and avoiding fraud in data management.
Prepared mission reports for the registration team after team missions.
Contributed to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners
Collaborated on projects related to health, education, livelihoods and community-based protection
Provided counseling on protection issues to persons of concern; liaised with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation
Supported activities in protection related AGD (age, gender, diversity) based programming with implementing and operational partners
Conducted preliminary information gathering and interviews in support of eligibility, status determination, durable solutions, and social needs assessment
Contributed to measures to identify, prevent, and reduce statelessness
Contributed to the registration of education and child protection programs such as Equal Space.
Contributed to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for registration including issuance of documentation and reception activities.
Participated in individual protection case management including referrals for cash-based assistance, cases of GBV and child protection.
Monitored and reported on cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents Assisted in identifying durable solutions for persons of concern in voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement.
Assisted in drafting reports, routine correspondence, updating relevant databases and compiling statistics for the protection unit /section.
Managed physical and electronic filing according to Data Protection Policy.
Volunteer (Community-based Protection)
Living Water Community | Port of Spain | Jun 2017-Jun 2018
Provided support in drafting/reviewing reports, notes, info-communication material and external communication tools developed by Community Based Protection staff and partners. Contributed to monitoring political, social, economic, and cultural development of relevance for protection monitoring purposes.
Supported with routing correspondence drafting, with translation and other teams’ routine tasks as requested.
Assisted in maintaining/updating the digital portal with contacts (refugee's database) Provided operational support to Community Based projects as per operational needs, with regard to capacity-building activities.
Updated and developed contents for websites, newsletters, other communication products related to CBP projects.
Performed other protection-related duties as required.
Executive Assistant to the Ambassador
Embassy of the Argentine Republic | Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | Jan 2018-Jun 2018
Tackled and addressed top-level, high-priority issues with professional administrative discretion.
Opened, read, and replied to e-mails, letters and correspondence on behalf of executives. Set up meeting and event logistics for senior management and updated calendars. Managed daily invoices, reports, and proposals.
Followed proper accounting and bookkeeping procedures to support audits. Collected and analyzed information to produce concise reports.
Maintained company confidence and protected business operations by keeping sensitive information confidential.
Made travel arrangements and reservations.
Created and maintained computer- and paper-based filing and organization systems for records, reports, and documents.
Participated in frequent communication with other administrative team members, human resources and finance department on special projects and events.
Wrote and distributed executive meeting agendas and minutes to department heads and executive team members.
Designed PowerPoint presentations for monthly divisional meetings with top-level executives.
Educator
Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago | Port of Spain | Aug 2009-Aug 2016
Applied proactive behavior management techniques for classroom discipline. Tested students with quizzes, essays, and exams to gauge learning effectiveness.
Worked with fellow teachers to develop cohesive educational plans and improve support for diverse students.
Implemented remedial programs for students requiring extra assistance.
Designed curriculum, lesson plans and instructional materials for classroom teaching. Introduced new learning methods to ensure total comprehension for all students. Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
Oversaw and directed parent conferences, lesson plans and classroom activities. Managed and organized class records and reports.
Assessed students' grasp of class material presented in courses and workshops. Worked with state clients and stakeholders to shape procurements and identify opportunities for value added services.
Established and maintained positive relationships with government regulators, residents, families, other area health care providers, physicians, and community at large.
Communications Intern (OJT Programme)
Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago | Port of Spain | Sep 2008-Aug 2009
Cultivated positive relationships with media organizations to support PR objectives. Created original content for blog posts and website articles.
Prepared and disseminated press releases for company and clients. Developed positive relationships with contractors and customers. Drafted communications for routine releases and emergency response. Wrote internal memoranda for company employees.
Maintained professionalism, and efficiency while working closely with leadership. Devised public relations strategies to engage with and influence public in support of accomplishing business objectives and boosting revenues.
Report on Violations of International Law by Trinidad and Tobago in Detaining and Returning Asylum Seekers, Including Minors.
French - Professional working proficiency