Afrora Striniqi

1. Lead strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of a global diagnostics and laboratory supply portfolio, ensuring integrated, results-based operations across multiple programmes, partners, and countries.
2. Drive integrated operational planning and delivery for a complex multi-country diagnostics portfolio, aligning procurement strategies with programme priorities, funding frameworks, and long-term demand forecasts, ensuring continuity, scalability, and value for money.
3. Lead end-to-end performance management of supply operations, establishing and monitoring KPIs, supplier performance frameworks, and risk mitigation measures to ensure quality, timeliness, and accountability across hundreds of contracts and transactions.
4. Act as a strategic coordination hub between programmes, donors (e.g. GAVI, UNITAID), technical agencies, and internal functions, ensuring coherent planning, demand consolidation, and synchronized execution across funding streams and implementation partners.
5. Provide strategic advisory input into programme design and planning processes, integrating operational considerations into project proposals, workplans, and investment cases, including long-term forecasting and resource alignment.
6. Oversee reporting and decision-support outputs, including donor reports, market intelligence, supply analyses, and executive briefs, enabling informed decision-making on market shaping, funding allocation, and product scale-up.
7. Represent UNICEF in high-level technical and partner engagements, positioning the organization as a credible and neutral partner in diagnostics markets, and influencing global strategies and roadmaps.
8. Lead capacity building initiatives for government and implementing partners, strengthening procurement planning, supply chain management, and operational execution in diverse country contexts.
9. Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team (1 P-2, 3 GS staff), setting priorities, monitoring performance, and ensuring delivery against objectives in a high-demand, fast-paced operational environment.
10. Lead the design and implementation of a shared services-oriented Procurement Support Unit, restructuring transactional procurement across multiple streams, standardizing processes, and embedding governance, performance metrics, and accountability frameworks to improve efficiency, control, and service quality. Drive organizational change and transition planning, coordinating with finance, HR, and ICT functions to implement a new operating model without disruption, ensuring stakeholder alignment and operational continuity under tight deadlines.
Selected Achievements
1. Scaled cholera diagnostics deployment to 21 countries, exceeding 1 million RDTs annually—the first UN-led procurement at this scale.
2. Ensured uninterrupted delivery of yellow fever diagnostics and equipment to 22 countries, strengthening outbreak detection capacity.
3. Secured 5% price reduction in cholera RDTs (first in 8 years) and 10-30% reductions across key diagnostic devices.
4. Contributed to GAVI Board approval of a 30% budget increase (2026-2030) through strategic market and operational input.
5. Delivered complex multi-partner projects (WHO, UNITAID, NGOs) across HIV, HPV, and diagnostics scale-up initiatives.
6. Represented UNICEF in global fora, influencing diagnostics strategies and strengthening partnerships.

In charge of the essential In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and laboratory supplies, including innovative diagnostic devices, I am responsible for managing of all procurement activities related to this commodity group:
1. Plan, develop and implement procurement strategies, conduct worldwide market research, issue international tenders and establish long-term international contracts of essential In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and laboratory supplies, including innovative diagnostics and treatment devices from quality-assured suppliers.
2. Make recommendations for finalization of purchases, adjudicate offers in consultation with Technical Specialists and Quality Assurance Centre, prepare and defend submissions to Contracts Review Committee (CRC), establish Long term Agreements (LTAs).
3. Lead activities related to contract and supplier relationship management to ensure supplier compliance to LTA’s and purchase order terms and conditions, while ensuring that all procurement activities are carried out in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
4. Compile and analyze historical data and forecasts of IVDs commodities; manage data requests internal and external to the organization relating to IVDs and laboratory supplies; identify areas for analysis and opportunities to support the Health Technology Centre’s projects and reporting requirements, partners and other divisions.
5. Provide advice/guidance to requisitioning CO/RO concerning contractual conditions and supplier appraisals for purchasing of products/services using either programmatic or procurement services purchasing methodology.
6. Manage and nurture the partnerships with a host of donors and support expansion activities related to new products, integration of new suppliers, innovative procurement practices, etc. in collaboration with and in context of existing and new partnerships.

Projects under my direct responsibility for implementation, monitoring, reporting and partner coordination:
a) Accelerating access and integration to innovative Point-of-Care Diagnostics (Dx) for HIV in national diagnostic programmes, funded by UNITAID funded, Implementing partner - CHAI.
b) Innovative, affordable screening and treatment to prevent cervical cancer, funded by UNITAID, Implementing partner - CHAI.
c) Intensifying and promoting cervical cancer prevention in low-resource countries, funded by UNITAID, implementing partners - Expertise France and JHPIEGO.
d) Yellow Fever Diagnostics Project funded by GAVI, consisting of several parallel streams of work depending on the type of diagnostics methodology supported.

1. I embarked in this role right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, for a period of 5 months (March-August) I was directly involved in emergency response and managed activities related to the procurement of COVID-19 diagnostic assays for distribution to more than 40 countries worldwide. During the same time, I established new contracts and onboarded new suppliers under emergency procurement conditions. Coordinated end-to-end logistical operations.

2. Upon set up of a COVID-19 diagnostics team, I focused on the projects under my portfolio and onboarded new implementing partners and facilitated multi stakeholder discussions for implementation of procurement plans in the context of HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer projects.

3. Negotiated the renewal of 7 LTAs for laboratory products to ensure uninterrupted supply and cost control in the context of increased demand generated by COVID-19 and to maintain commitments to other (regular donor-funded) projects.

4. Set up the operations and build capacity for the roll out of the stage 1 of GAVI Yellow Fever diagnostics project, the first of its kind carried out in collaboration with GAVI and WHO.

Led the team providing procurement services to UNICEF partners (Ministries of Health, National Health Institutions, NGOs, other UN agencies: IOM, WHO, UNDP, UNHCR, UNOPS, UNRWA, etc.) with regards to procurement of vaccines, with the following main responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and supervise of issuance of cost estimates (quotes) and sales orders (purchase requisitions) for vaccine procurement to global governmental and non-governmental partners, located in 100 different countries around the world.
2. Provide guidance to global partners for implementation of their immunization projects by interacting closely with UNICEF country offices on the one hand and liaising with contracting, finance, policy & partnerships teams within Supply Division on the other; bring solutions that better address partner needs based on specific context, stock levels, forecast, delivery plans, funding situation, cash flow projections and logistical capabilities.
3. In the context of special health projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs): World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, etc., collaborate closely with the policy & partnerships team and country offices, in the structuring and implementation phases by: preparing procurement and implementation strategies and plans to ensure timely and efficient project implementation in compliance with donor / creditor requirements, assessing implementation risks, informing and advising on procurement and contractual arrangements, proposing mitigation measures, reviewing and submitting relevant documentation at different project milestones, requesting and following up on disbursement of funds to initiate procurement.
4. Monitor and report on countries' fulfillment of GAVI co-financing obligations for vaccine procurement and coordinating periodic follow ups and related actions in Supply Division in tandem with country office to avoid country defaults.
5. Oversee and monitor performance of operations towards PS KPIs. Recommend and implement process changes to enhance overall level of PS for vaccines and attain operational efficiency and excellence.

Achievements:
1. Contributed with specific advice on procurement of vaccines strategies and plans to a number multi-million $ projects related to health and immunization procurement and supply chain strengthening, funded through International Financial Institutions: WB, IsDB, JICA, ADB for Bangladesh, D.R.C., Pakistan, Nigeria, Yemen and the Pacific.

2. Managed a volume of operations exceeding 500 million USD yearly and representing up to 35% of all PS transactions handled by UNICEF Supply Division in terms of USD value and volume of transactions.

3. Progressive improvement of KPIs related to procurement services for vaccines in a context of increased volume and complexity of requirements with fixed resources. Achieved operational excellency with no operational error recorded on procurement services for vaccines throughout my tenure.

Working under the supervision of the Secretary of the Pension Plan, my responsibilities in this role included:
1. Providing operational oversight, analysis, support and coordination to administer the WTO's Pension Plan (WTOPP).
2. In charge of administrative procedures related to admission, participation, transfer, validation, restoration and separation operations of the members of the WTO Pension Plan.
3. Processing of monthly retiree payroll, payments and financial operations related to beneficiaries, participants and external providers.
4. Monitoring and coordination of the work of the external service provider to the Plan.
5. Focal point for communications with human resources, finance and payroll functions at the WTO within the scope of work of the Pension Plan.
6. Contributing to the update of guidelines, reference materials, preparation of documents and reports for the Plan's Management Board
7. Drafting of terms of reference and contractual documents for selection of external providers via competitive exercises.
Working languages: English and French

Achievements:
During the short period of time that I worked at the WTO's Pension Plan, I ensured continuity of service and smooth operations in compliance with the WTOPP rules and regulations as per the requirements of the role.
I provided customer services to Plan participants, advised prospective retirees, staff separating from service, staff on short term contracts and beneficiaries in full consideration of their needs, their situations as well as privacy and confidentiality requirements imposed by the role.
I prepared RFP documentation and proposed contractual clauses for the tendering of actuarial services for the WTO Pension Plan.

1. Planning, developing and managing the complete procurement cycle and contractual aspects related to the purchase of goods, services and works, e.g. IT (SW, HW, support, maintenance, professional services), corporate services (travel, insurance, trainings) construction works, MRO, furniture & office supplies, etc.
2. Administering national and international tenders issued in the form of RFPs, ITBs and RFQs. I participated in preparation of tender documentation (terms of reference (TOR), price matrices, mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria) and executed procedures related to tender administration (publication & dissemination, bidders' conferences and visits, bid opening sessions, creation of Technical Evaluation Committee, planning of kick-off meetings, etc.)
3. Managing communications with bidders during the different stages of a tendering process, overseeing the evaluation process, carrying out financial evaluations, reference checks and formulate recommendations of award to the CPO and/or the Contracts Committee.
4. Upon contract award, following up with supplier notifications, contract drafting, commitment of funds, approval of related purchase orders, contract ratification and kick-off meeting with the supplier.
5. Advise the CPO on debriefing of unsuccessful bidders and lessons learned from important procurement projects.
6. Monitor the implementation of contracts, advising the involved parties on their contractual rights and obligations, overseeing adherence to contractual terms, devising negotiation strategies (where applicable), advising on dispute resolution, prompt preparation of ad hoc and periodic supplier performance reports, triggering of the internal approval process for extensions and waivers and draft contract amendments.
7. Advise requisitioners on procurement strategy formulation for complex, multi-stage projects, facilitating definition of phases and aligning them with work plans; define implementation timelines, identify risks, propose mitigation measures and carry out market research.
8. As part of a small team of five, I was expected to take over any project in any of the above stages as well as transfer to my colleagues assigned projects (as per internal guidelines) while ensuring smooth transition and full service coverage. I also processed and approved purchase orders in Oracle ERP, checked invoice matching status and compliance of orders with contract terms and generated relevant reports as requested by the CPO.

Working languages: English and French

1. Executed successfully a number of high profile IT-related procurement projects, such as: outsourcing of IT Service Desk; Cisco Network Upgrade; leasing of multifunction printing devices (MFPs); upgrade of the ERP system of the WTO; purchase of servers and related maintenance; backup infrastructure; storage tiering; data centre move; Mobile Device Management solution; Business Intelligence Tool for trade statistics; IT consultancy projects for the Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal, Documents Online, Integrated Economic Research Database, SPS notifications enhancements; Computer-Assisted Translation Tools solution; Access Directory, Exchange, Auditing and Monitoring solution; Webcasting for the Ministerial conference, Travel & Hospitality services, Health Insurance.

2. Recipient of bonus payments for high performance for 2 years in a row.

The main tasks at the Procurement Section of the WTO consisted of the completion of the Procurement Manual of the WTO and assisting the Procurement staff in preparation of terms of reference and evaluation criteria of ITBs and RFPs. An important milestone in the procurement reform of the WTO, the Procurement Manual represented an imperative for the Organization in order to promote the implementation of best practices in public procurement, accountability and good governance in its daily operations. My role consisted of ensuring compliance in principle and language of the instructions elaborated in the Manual with the Financial Rules and the Procurement Policy of the WTO. The instructions were also to reflect the operational changes in responsibilities of the requesting units and task and informational flows between them and the Procurement Section with respect to their purchases and related activities. The Manual was developed through a long process of consultation with several divisions of the WTO and I was in charge of administering the related activities such as contacting the procurement focal points, providing them with the necessary information, recording and documenting their feedback, addressing the issues raised and integrating their suggestions in the Manual. I was also responsible for the editing, corrections, graphical design and preparation for printing of the document. My duties also included the undertaking of research of best practice in the procurement of information technology, hardware and software and the establishment of framework agreements for IT equipment and consultancy services. I assisted the Procurement Section in preparing statistics related to IT procurements and offered suggestions to improve the work and communication flows with the Informatics Division. (Working language: English).
Achievements
1. Carried out a thorough analysis of the processes and operations related to procurement at the WTO, researched best practices in public procurement and drafted procedures which resulted in a final Procurement Manual text that was approved by Senior Management at the end of the internship.
2. Led an extensive consultation process with the major stakeholders (i.e. 8 units/divisions mostly affected by the procurement reform) and integrated in the Manual their comments and suggestions, which contributed to the support by staff for the new procedures and facilitated the training process following the ratification of the Manual.
3. Formulated instructions to encourage the synchronous drafting of biannual divisional procurement and budgeting plans to facilitate integration of organization-wide procurement activities in the financial management cycle in continuous consultation with the Chiefs of Procurement and Budget and Finance.
4. Analyzed the audit reports and contributed in the articulation of internal control mechanisms for procurement.
5. Assisted the Procurement Section in various tasks related to the different stages of competitive exercises, such as: preparation of terms of reference, evaluation criteria, financial matrices and price lists, reference data, draft contractual documents for ITBs, RFPs and Framework Agreements for office supplies, restoration projects, distribution of WTO Publications and statistics and supplementary documentation for projects related to Professional Development Services, IT supplies etc.
6. Drafted procurement procedures tailored to IT acquisitions research of IT industry and public procurement practices for IT equipment. Provided suggestions and guidelines as to how the Informatics Division of the WTO could expand competition opportunities for its procurements despite the apparent limitations of the Geneva market.

My responsibilities in this role included extensive research of U.S. court cases, Section 211, provisions of the WTO and the public international law, bilateral, multilateral and regional agreements, treaties and legal articles on trademarks and intellectual property and U.S. laws and regulations related to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. I systematically followed the broadcast media, printed press and social media channels of diverse political views to keep abreast with news and opinions related to daily events in Cuba's political, economic and social life and the outlook of relationships between the U.S. and Cuba. I assisted the lead attorney in drafting periodic memos to our corporate clients, filing amicus briefs for Cuba-related cases (i.e. the Cuban Five) and preparing materials to be presented in meetings with representatives of both political wings and senior officials in the U.S. Congress and Department of State on behalf of our corporate clients. I worked closely with the lead attorney to prepare draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) initiated by the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C. and prepared articles and research papers for publication in legal research journals. I coordinated the redeployment of the campaign initiated by Mr. Muse and the Centre for International Policy (CIP) of the John Hopkins University to reinstitute the cultural exchanges between U.S. and Cuban citizens through the lifting of travel restrictions. I filed several grant proposals to Tinker and Ford Foundations on behalf of NGOs with projects in Cuba related to cultural and academic exchanges. My daily responsibilities included routine office administration tasks such as: periodic Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) travel license applications under the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations, public relations management and maintenance of client files, computer systems and financial accounts.(Working language: English).
Achievements:
1. Contributed to the expansion of the client portfolio with three corporations and four NGOs seeking license application and consultation services for their health, environment and education-related projects in Cuba.
2. Assisted the lead attorney in the completion of relevant documentation that led to the awarding of three grants for legal projects related to legislative change related to the U.S. embargo on Cuba at a particularly tight grant situation following the 2008 financial crisis.
3. Conducted a thorough research on the background, financial standing and business prospects and filed a comprehensive travel license application with the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) on behalf of a freight forwarding company that sought to obtain licenses for a ferry service from Miami to Havana.
4. Transformed the electronic and paper-based filing system of the law office from inconsistent to easy-referenced and chronological, ensuring easy access and reliability which increased the efficiency of administrative operations.
5. Created and maintained a comprehensive electronic database of all business contacts of the lead attorney with their updated latest inquiries. Brought stability to an office characterized by high turnover and fully trained three office assistants and the office manager that succeeded me.

Reporting directly to the Vice President (VP) of Business Strategy I was assigned at the Department of Product Development as focal point for the coordination of short-term projects within the Mutual Funds, Retirement, Marketing, Legal and Client Support teams. Those projects were related to 529 college savings, retirement funds, broker adoption marketing, contracts with broker dealers and records of contacts of clients with support agents. My daily responsibilities consisted of preparing and delivering reports to the team leaders on the status of projects being executed, trouble-shooting and dissemination of sensitive information to clients as authorized by management and preparation of monthly marketing materials.

Achievements:
1. Assisted the mutual funds team to conduct a research on the initiative to include 529 college savings in the portfolio of mutual funds available for investment at the Fidelity's Streetscape virtual platform.
2. Assessed the correlation between incentives offered to broker/dealers for gaining new customers and National Financial's success in luring new retirement funds into the platform based on 1st half of 2008 retirement accounts data.
3. Assisted the marketing team to statistically analyze the broker/dealer advisors' satisfaction survey regarding the broker adoption marketing program and prepare one-page, visually appealing posters to summarize the results.
4. Prepared a detailed report of the client contacts with the support agents and classified all the logs for the 1st half of 2008 by frequency of contact, type of complaint and support provided.
5. Aside from delivering on the requirements of the projects assigned, I also got acquainted with an abstract and complex information processing and management environment by quickly familiarizing myself with the basic concepts, rules and operations applicable to the processing of stock market transactions for securities and I acquired a working knowledge of Series 7 rules governing the professional activities of broker/dealers.

Aside from the routine teaching assistant duties such as paper grading, testing, etc. while working for Dr. Anna Helm, I conducted academic research in the International Business and International Marketing disciplines, interacted with companies to generate international marketing projects, developed scenarios and case studies and guide students in research and preparation of marketing plans for companies willing to expand to Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Occasionally, I was also involved in preparation of academic books and articles for publishing.
Achievements:
1. Carried out all tasks related to the teaching assistant role for International Business and International Marketing courses (academic year 2007-08) including: student consultations, quiz and test grading, paper grading, academic and industry research.
2. Advised, monitored and provided guidance to 15 groups of 5-6 students in developing international marketing projects by adopting a real-life business perspective.
3. Edited and the prepared for publication as per publisher's instructions the thesis of Dr. Helm: The Intersection of Material and Poetic Economy: Gustav Freytag's Soll und Haben and Adalbert Stifter's Der Nachsommer.

Based in Istanbul, the main responsibilities at BOSEP - a satellite business of one of the biggest Renault dealership services in Turkey Behcetogullari Renault Oto - included establishing exclusive distributorship agreements with manufacturers of automotive repair equipment based in Italy, France, Germany, South Korea, Japan and China. I was pivotal in sourcing potential manufacturers, negotiating terms of contract and managing relationships with them. My immediate responsibility was the establishment of an international trade department that would handle the operations related to the importation of equipment. As supervisor of the international operations, I was responsible for the ordering, transportation and timely delivery of the complete product range that would subsequently be marketed by BOSEP. I was also responsible for coordinating and collaborating with the headquarters in all importation activities and ensure the development of technical capacity to undertake the dealership of automotive equipment through an inventory of spare parts and trained technical support staff. (Working languages: Turkish, English, French, Italian).
Achievements:
1. Established a formal international trade department within this start up business ensuring professional management of relationships with international vendors and set up a system of internal controls for a reliable system of checks and balances and written records.
2. Reached $500K+ value exclusive distributorship agreements with two French suppliers for distribution of welding machinery and car painting booths within the first two months in the position.
3. Played a pivotal role in the discussions with Renault Mais headquarters in Turkey that led to the expansion of the repertory of admissible auto repair equipment in the garages of the Renault dealers in Turkey, hence increasing business opportunities for my employer.
4. Managed relationships with freight forwarders and customs agents and contributed to 20% decrease in freight and handling costs and 15% reductions in order processing times.
5. Acting as coordinator and interpreter from Italian to Turkish and vice versa, led the technical training sessions for Renault service technicians at the dealership headquarters held by a major Italian supplier of straightening benches, Daytona systems and lifts.

Hired in the capacities of general coordinator and international business manager at this dealership of leather products based in Istanbul, I was responsible for introducing and maintaining a sustainable business model and operational system for the company sourcing leather and garment supplies from international vendors and selling it to local apparel manufacturers. More specifically, I was responsible for handling relationships with the international vendors located in Europe (mainly Italy and Spain) and Asia (mainly India and Pakistan), providing coordination between them and the high-end apparel manufacturers in Turkey and ensuring the proper importation of merchandise by following up the purchase process from ordering to delivery of leather to manufacturers' warehouses. (Working languages: Turkish, English).
Achievements:
1. Restructured the business model, redefined tasks and improved the internal operations that led to the strengthening of the position of business as a middle-man between the international vendors and the local high end apparel manufacturers. Changes resulted in 30% time savings in order processing and delivery to local buyers.
2. Provided importation operation services, e.g. opening of letters of credits, release of funds, customs clearance of merchandise, etc. to local customers lacking organizational capacity to carry out international business.
3. Contributed to the enlargement of the product portfolio with shoes' and accessories' leather aside from a greater variety of leather used in design apparel.
4. Trained an office administrator, an international business manager and the manager that succeeded me.

Hired as international sales leader I was responsible for managing relationships with international customers in the Balkans, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. I was in charge of supervising the preparation of export documentation (e.g. invoices, EUR 1, ATA Carnet, etc.) for the physical shipment and exportation of merchandise from Aytac to its international customers. I was also responsible for increasing the company's presence in the above international markets and enhancing its competitive position vis-a-vis its local and international competitors. I was mandated to identify and commission local and regional dealers in the areas above, and more particularly in Albania, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon and Tunisia. My duties also included research of specialized international fairs and exhibitions and other international marketing events where Aytac could participate to expand its presence in the international markets. I was responsible for all the preparations related to participation in international fairs from space booking to stand construction, exhibition of merchandise, delivery, assembly, disassembly and repatriation. (Working languages: Turkish, English, French).
Achievements:
1. I was actively involved in direct sales and sourced 5 new distributors in the Balkans, Italy and France.
2. Conducted feasibility analysis of Export Department activities and implemented new procedures resulting in enhanced recognition and control of costs related to export activities.
3. Initiated the systematic application by Aytac to the Undersecretariat of Treasury of the Prime Ministry of Turkey for export incentives offered to SMEs and the Turkish Export Import Bank for the insurance of export receivables, which enhanced the company's financial situation and temporarily relaxed its cash flow problems.

Based in Sfax, this was a pilot project launched by GTZ in the context of its technical and economic assistance programme in Tunisia. I was commissioned to produce a comparative study between the public structures in Turkey and Tunisia in support of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs. The study was also to provide recommendations on how to implement the then governmental programme in order to generate 20, 000 jobs in 5 years by making use of the public structures and drawing parallels of successful examples of similar initiatives in Turkey. In the context of the study, I had to follow the activities of government agencies, government-funded institutions and independent associations established for the purpose of supporting SMEs and young entrepreneurship, research related publications and reports issued by government and independent bodies, attend seminars and conferences related to incentives and support to private enterprises with less than 500 employees and interview people in charge of such initiatives. (Working language: French, Turkish).
Achievements:
1. At the conclusion of this project, submitted a report (in French) that included: 1) an overview of the existing mechanisms in Tunisia, 2) a comparison of those mechanisms with their homologue structures in Turkey and 3) recommendations to enhance effectiveness of mechanisms in support of entrepreneurship. The project facilitated identification of processes for decentralization of public structures and articulation of mechanisms in support of private initiatives in Tunisia.
2. I successfully overcame the greatest challenge of this project related to the first phase of research carried out in Turkey before deployment to Sfax in January 2006. Acting myself as an entrepreneur, I obtained information from numerous institutions, associations and other public structures like the State Planning Directorate, Treasury Bureau, Association of Chambers of Ankara, the Directorate for Research and Development of SMEs of Turkey, several technology park administrations, etc.
3. Demonstrated a high level of adaptation to a new cultural and professional environment and excellent communication and presentation skills while interacting with colleagues, project managers and officials at both the Turkish and Tunisian institutions.

Based in Ankara, this role included planning, executing and managing the operational support functions to Export Area Managers. I acted as the focal point for more than 40 dealers of Hidromek in French speaking countries and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. I dealt with administering order requests from regional dealers, liaised with the engineers to have their technical concerns addressed and coordinated with the production team to set the export delivery schedule and organize the shipments. Responsible for coordinating and executing the logistic activities for all construction equipment and spare parts exported by Hidromek through sea, land and air freight from order placement to delivery, I was instrumental in ensuring efficient administrative support to the operations of the Export Department and their coordination with the two factories, in Ankara and Izmir - Ege Free Trade Zone. As part of the daily work, I routinely checked Letter of Credit terms opened by international dealers for their high value purchases from Hidromek and ensured communication and follow up with banks for adequate execution of their requests and amendments. I prepared all relevant export documentation in conformity with the rules and regulations in vigour in Turkey and the importing country and ensured that the necessary measures were taken to effect exportation of goods as per agreed and applicable INCOTERMS. Documentation included invoices, packing lists, insurance notes, Bill of Lading instructions, certificate of origin, technical compliance certificates, ATA Carnet, etc. (Working languages: Turkish, English and French).
Achievements:
1. As key player of a team of five, contributed to a 150% increase in export sales within only 1.5 years.
2. Developed and maintained a freight forwarders database and terminated the practice of ad hoc contacts with them by establishing long term agreements with market leaders to serve Hidromek with freight services to specific geographical regions at competitive rates. This resulted in a 30 % decrease in the freight costs was achieved, allowing Hidromek to offer attractive order prices to its international dealers.
3. Regarding logistic arrangements, more specifically, coordinated all activities related to the safe and timely transportation, exhibition and repatriation of Hidromek construction machinery and the procurement of exhibition stand set up, catering and advertising services to four biggest industry international fairs in Frankfurt (2003), Las Vegas (2004), Valencia (2005) and Verona (2005).
4. By August 2004, at the first anniversary of my employment, I was coordinating on a monthly basis more than 20 shipments of EUR 70, 000 minimum net value each to 7-8 different destinations by truck and RO-RO ships, in addition to spare part shipments by air freight.
5. Responsible of the accounts receivable from export sales, promoted pre-emptive action and fully satisfied all internal and external periodic reporting requirements. As a result, no uncollectible receivables were recorded while the accounts were under my scrutiny.
6. Managed the complete project of the first international dealers and end-customers survey which aimed at capturing their feedback on the products and after-sales and export customer services.
7. Contributed to the translation from Turkish into French and the editing of the Operator's Manual for the Hidromek-brand HMK backhoe loaders.
8. Trained three new Export Area Assistants and supported the rotation of roles to increase proficiency in all the export operations and build and develop organizational capacity in international business.