Ahmed Gasem Ahmed Elhaj

Ahmed is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) specialist with extensive experience in civil society development and cultural leadership in the Blue Nile region of Sudan. A graduate of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Sennar University, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to design and implement MEAL systems for development projects, lead strategic initiatives, and contribute to community transformation through both cultural expression and institutional development. Currently, he serves as a MEAL Officer at Partners for Peace Organization, combining his technical expertise with strong communication and leadership skills. In addition to his development work, Ahmed is a professional presenter and public event host known for his calm under pressure and dynamic stage presence.

Work Experience

• MEAL Officer – Partners for Peace Organization (2023 – Present):

Certified Monitoring and Evaluation Officer responsible for designing and overseeing MEAL systems to ensure accountability, learning, and strategic decision-making within the organization.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Youth Training Center, Al-Rusires (2018 – 2023):

Led evaluation efforts for one of the region’s largest youth training centers, covering vocational training, management skills, arts, and post-training integration into the labor market.

• Executive Director – Alban Cultural Group (2021 – 2024):

Managed a cultural platform that used theater and creative storytelling to address sensitive societal issues in a conflict-affected context, enabling dialogue and awareness through art.

• Executive Director – Bald Cultural Institution (Until 2022):

Oversaw a youth-led initiative in Sennar University aimed at promoting public awareness of Sudanese issues through cultural tools such as music, theater, and literature.

• Head of Media and Communication – Youth Training Center (2022):

Led the media and digital communication department, responsible for content strategy and public engagement.

• Media and Communication Officer – NABD AL-BALD Association (2020 – 2021):

Played a key role in promoting digital education and youth participation in public affairs, contributing to the emergence of similar youth initiatives in the region.

• Member – Al Rakeza Democratic Forum (2021):

Participated in a democracy promotion project funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which successfully secured citizenship rights for the marginalized Maban ethnic group through a targeted advocacy campaign.

Skills and Training

• MEAL system development for development projects

• Needs assessment for social institutions

• Project design for civil society organizations

• Leadership and organizational management

• Workshop facilitation in MEAL

• Advanced computer proficiency

• Public speaking and professional event hosting

• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high productivity

Consultancy and Training Experience

• Trainer in MEAL system development

• Advisor in governance and internal control for CSOs

• Trainer in human rights and conflict resolution

• Trainer in the fundamentals of volunteerism

Additional Roles

• Participant in the 9th Youth Conference, Blue Nile Region (2021)

• Member of the International Association of Mobile Journalism

• Board Member – Youth Training Center, Al-Rusires

• Content creator and writer for social media platforms

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