Sajeda Shawa

Humanitarian Advisor, United Nations

Ms. Shawa is a humanitarian expert by profession, and a humanitarian Giver by passion. She is a walking example of resilient Arab females in the field of humanitarian emergency response, humanitarian advocate for survivors of conflicts in the Middle East. Over 17 years of focused experience on connecting those with resources to those in need via accountable fundraising, advocacy, donor relations and partnerships at the United Nations, European Commission and USAID.

Ms. Shawa was appointed as the Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - UAE office, and Head of OCHA UAE Humanitarian Advisory Team, starting February 2023. She was appointed as a board member at the Dubai International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB)– as part of the Dubai International Humanitarian and Development Advisory Board (DIHAD) in 2023. Prior to this, and since 2016, she was leading donor relations and resource mobilization connecting humanitarian and development actors at UNOCHA Regional Office for the Syria Crisis. During the same period, she served as a Special Advisor to the UN ASG – RHC for Syria Crisis supporting him directly on his strategic engagements on donor relations, strategic partnerships, and humanitarian outreach. Before joining the UN and focusing on strategy development, she spent around nine years with the European Commission humanitarian arm (ECHO) managing field operations/projects in Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Jordan and Syria and during the last three years developed their humanitarian outreach strategy toward the GCC countries (KSA, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar).

A graduate of the Harvard Executive Education Program, with extensive emphasis on “Public Leadership: organizing and leading change”, “Public Narrative: Leadership, storytelling, and action, and lastly on “Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times”. Holder of an MA in International Studies, focusing on the humanitarian landscape in the Gulf region post-Arab Spring, and a BA in English Language and Literature.

On voluntary basis, an active women presence empowerment and social change advocate. A qualified Director certified by the IFC – International Finance Corporation, cohort of 2022. Featured among 45 Arab women role models in "Empowering through healthy living - Jordan 2020. Member in the
International Federation for Business & Professional Women since 2021. Global thinker mentor by “The Global Thinkers Forum Athena Mentoring Programme for 2022-2023” capitalizing on accountable leadership, women’s empowerment, and youth development in the MENA region.

A mother of teenagers and true believer in the power of youth. Volunteering as president of Junior Chamber International Senate Foundation in Jordan supporting Arab youth fulfilling global citizenship framework, SDGs, and building meaningful partnerships.