Open to opportunities

Reza Rahnema

@rezarahnema

Message

Highly motivated social entrepreneur with expertise in human rights.

France

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to leverage my skills in social impact and development, fostering growth in a mission-driven organization.

I am a highly motivated professional with extensive experience in development, human rights, and entrepreneurship, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. As the COO and co-founder of NaTakallam, I have successfully led a social venture that employs refugees as language tutors and translators, positively impacting over 800 refugees and 20,000 students while generating significant revenue for our beneficiaries.

My background includes a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation, having worked with organizations like UNDP and The Carter Center. I have developed innovative monitoring tools and conducted in-depth analyses to support justice sector reforms and electoral processes. My academic credentials, including a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia University, complement my hands-on experience and commitment to social impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

COO and Co-founder

Current

NaTakallam

Apr 2015 - Present (10 years 2 months)

Co-founded a social venture employing refugees as language tutors and translators, generating over US$ 4,300,000 in direct revenue for refugees and freelancers since 2015. Led the organization's growth by creating three distinct revenue-generating departments with a team totaling 25 individuals, increasing revenue to US$ 1.6 million in 2024.

Business Development Team Leadership Financial Management Operations Management Strategic Planning

M&E Officer

UNDP

Oct 2015 - Oct 2016 (1 year)

Served as M&E Officer for projects focusing on justice sector reform, sexual and gender-based violence, and international crimes. Developed an index to monitor 17 ongoing priority cases of international crimes in Eastern DRC, in addition to regular data collection, analysis, and production of quarterly progress reports.

Data Collection Data Analysis International Crimes Project Management Monitoring

Long-Term Observer

The Carter Center

Jul 2014 - Dec 2014 (5 months)

Observed the Parliamentary and Presidential elections in southern Tunisia, analyzing the political and electoral environment. Provided weekly assessments by interviewing and researching political parties, civil society organizations, electoral commissions, and local authorities.

Election Observation Research Interviewing Team Management Civil Society Electoral Processes Risk Assessment

Consultant

Fundacion Paz y Bien

Nov 2013 - May 2014 (6 months)

Designed and implemented an assessment and evaluation of Colombia's participatory mechanism for internally displaced populations. Conducted over 300 surveys and focus groups with internally displaced populations, identifying choke points and providing detailed recommendations.

Assessment Design Survey Design Focus Groups Data Collection Data Analysis Internally Displaced Persons Colombia

Research Assistant Intern

UN Peacebuilding Support Office

Jan 2014 - May 2014 (4 months)

Researched and evaluated UN peacebuilding and peacekeeping programs in seven countries to identify best practices and success cases for the annual report. Analyzed and created a web mapping of peacebuilding organizations around the world.

Research Data Analysis Conflict Resolution

Long-Term Observer

The Carter Center

Jul 2011 - Jun 2012 (11 months)

Observed Parliamentary and Presidential elections in southern Egypt and National Constituent Assembly elections in northwestern Tunisia. Monitored the political environment, provided risk assessments, and managed short-term observers.

Election Observation Risk Assessment Team Management Electoral Processes North Africa

Research Assistant

The Carter Center

Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 (10 months)

Worked on the Mining Governance project, monitoring the Congolese mining sector. Researched and analyzed mining law and contracts, and developed a map of Congolese mine sites for the project's website.

Mining Governance Research Public Statements Congressional Profiles Data Analysis

Research Assistant Intern

Brookings Institution

Jun 2010 - Jul 2010 (1 month)

Researched data about the Iranian political economy and the Middle East peace process. Organized and coordinated the joint Central Command-Brookings conference on Iran.

Research Middle East Peace Process Editing Proofreading News Reporting Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po

Masters of Arts, International Security

Concentration in Middle Eastern Studies.

Carleton College

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Political Science/International Relations, and Economics

Activities and societies: President of Carleton Middle Eastern Club; Carleton’s International Relations Council; Carleton’s Men Rugby Football club

Major in Political Science/International Relations, and Economics. Senior thesis on violent religious movements, and on public spending in health care expenditure.