Shatha Bannoura

Bethlehem, Palestine Shatha Bannoura -- HR& BUDGET OFFICER - ABOUT ME Accomplished Budget Officer with significant finance management experience in large organizations. Experienced HR Manager adept at creating compelling job ads, analyzing HR metrics, and cultivating positive work environments. Multicultural individual with knowledge of International Relations Management. Seeking a supervisory position to leverage my extensive experience managing finance and administrative departments and functions. WORK EXPERIENCE SKILLS Attention to details and accuracy Working with cross-functional teams Time Management Communication Adaptability Leadership DEC 2019- DEC 2024: HR & Budget Officer UNRWA, Microfinance Department (MD), HQ, East Jerusalem Steered all Human Resources functions, including strategic workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, and staff development. Collaborated with MD Fields and regional managers to identify HR needs, ensured compliance with regulatory frameworks, and implemented training programs. Monitored staffing data, analyzed performance metrics, and EXPERTISE provided guidance on career development, while preparing HR reports and integrating performance management into the Expertise in recruiting and talent acquisition Adherence to HR policies and regulations Competency in developing budgets Proficient in multiple administrative and budgeting software platforms, such as SAP Familiarity with Human Resources Information Systems Implemented strategies to enhance cost- effectiveness across the organization LANGUAGES overall HR plan to support organizational goals. Developed and oversaw a budget surpassing 13 million dollars designated for the entire department, covering 24 branches located throughout the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, and Syria. Controlled the MD’s annual budget in all Fields; reviewed budget adjustment requests, and made recommendations, in line with relevant financial guidelines; identified and reported changing patterns of expenditure. Played a crucial role in integrating new business planning and consolidation software, meticulously verifying it for errors during the installation of budget planning across microfinance department’s operations in the four regions: Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, and Syria. 100% 95% 75% JAN 2014 - NOV 2019: Arabic English Italian UNRWA, Microfinance Department (MD), HQ, East Jerusalem 60% 50% Spanish German INTERESTS the Administrative Officer Acted as a central figure in transitioning from Ramco software to SAP software, specifically focusing on MD operations and administration across four operational areas: West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, and Syria. Monitored the procurement, supply chain including the complete cycle of REACH transactions on Supply and Change Management (SCM) at MD company within its set thresholds. Overviewed and monitored management of contracts based on best value for money, including tendering, screening against the consolidated UN Sanctions lists, checking and verifying creation of vendors at MD company. Managed administrative and general services at MD HQ, ensuring efficient operations, compliance with established standards, and the provision of high-quality support, including IT equipment, office supplies, building maintenance, security, and access rights to REACH, while coordinating with stakeholders to maintain a safe and productive work environment. OCT 2011- DEC 2013: Personal Assistant to Director UNRWA, Microfinance Department (MD), HQ, East Jerusalem Extracted reports from OMNI enterprise, a microfinance software, to streamline the generation of analyses and figures for microfinance operations. Additionally, conducted research and gathered background information on Microfinance. Arranged the supervisor’s frequent missions by making travel and boarding arrangements, preparing briefing folders, and obtaining visas. Reviewed and prioritized a large volume of documents for accuracy and completeness before submitting them to the supervisor. Attended the supervisor’s meetings, prepared meeting minutes and summaries, and monitored follow-up actions. Actively followed up on instructions and decisions from the Director to Division Chiefs and Section Heads, both within the department and in the field, to ensure tasks assigned by the Director were completed within deadlines. Drafted administrative correspondence and prepared special service agreement contracts. Brought urgent and pending issues to the supervisor ‘s attention and generated follow-up reports. SEPT 2010- SEP 2011: Projects Officer Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans Association, Bethlehem Defined objectives, set goals, established timelines, and determined resource needs for fair-trade projects. Maintained relationships with various stakeholders, including fair trade producers, partner organizations, governmental agencies, international donors, and consumers. Facilitated access to fair trade markets, connecting over 100 producers with fair trade buyers, and ensuring their products met quality and certification requirements. Managed budget planning, tracked expenses, and ensured the efficient and transparent use of financial resources. Promoted fair trade principles and raised awareness about the project’s goals. Engaged in advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices supporting fair trade. Supported the capacity development of local partners and community organizations involved in fair trade. This included providing training in project management, business development, and sustainability practices. MAY 2010- AUG 2010: National Consultant GIZ - Small Enterprise Center Association, Bethlehem Project coordinator for GIZ economic development projects AUG 2009-DEC2009 : International Relations Trainee HR Department, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy Organized meetings and conventions with international partners, and prepared reports on educational projects for the European Commission. OCT 2007 – NOV 2008: Customer Relationship Officer Cairo Amman Bank, Ramallah; Hebron Assisted customers with a broad range of banking services, including financial guidance and advice on investment opportunities. EDUCATION & TRAINING 2024- PRESENT Bethlehem Bible College , Bethlehem Palestine Master’s Degree in Public Theology , currently pursuing (expected completion Fall 2027) - Bethlehem University, ICP, Bethlehem Palestine Diploma in Community Trekking Tour Guide Professional. Licensed Community Tour Guide (Arabic, English, Italian). - Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy Master’s degree in International Relations Management Master Thesis: “Sovereign Wealth Funds: The Debatable White Knights” - - 2009 Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (major), Marketing (minor) Specialized training in Leadership Across Borders with UNRWA Online summer course with Yale University on the global financial crisis Assistant to the Palestinian delegations in the Economic and Financial Forum of the Mediterranean, under supervision by the Milan Chamber of Commerce. Study tour to NATO in Brussels through Universitá Cattolica in Milan. Summer scholarship program “Geopolitics in the Next Decade” at Postgraduate School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI Seminars), Italy. MEMBERSHIPS Serving as a board member for Sabeel Center (Sabeel.org), an organization dedicated to fostering spirituality grounded in values of love, justice, peace, nonviolence, liberation, and reconciliation across diverse national and faith communities. Holding a position as a board member at the Palestine Society for Environment and Sustainable Development (PSED), an organization committed to conserving the Palestinian landscape. The society focuses on educating local communities about the Palestinian environment, while also striving to enhance environmental tourism opportunities for both residents and international visitors. Part-time position as a licensed cultural trekking guide in the land of Palestine, and a frequent lecturer for aspiring tour guides.