Janna Rais

International Project Manager with over a decade of experience delivering complex projects across the global creative and cultural sectors. I specialise in managing cross-border partnerships, programmes, and initiatives, bringing together stakeholders from diverse institutional, cultural, and industry contexts. My expertise spans the full project lifecycle, including planning, governance, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and delivery, underpinned by strong organisational and operational rigour.

Alongside my project management experience, I maintain a multidisciplinary creative practice as an artist and writer, enabling me to approach projects with both strategic oversight and creative sensitivity. I have led and supported a wide range of initiatives across exhibitions and consultancy projects, spanning print and digital platforms, combining design thinking with structured delivery.

Holding a BA in Critical Fine Art Practice and an MA in Middle Eastern Studies, my research interests sit at the intersection of gender, culture, law and social transformation, with a particular focus on the Middle East. I have been awarded an unconditional offer to undertake a PhD in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Warwick, where my research will examine gender, policy reform and censorship, building on my interdisciplinary interest in the relationship between cultural production, power and social change.

PROJECT MANAGER - INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS DEVELOPMENT | LCF GLOBAL at London College of Fashion, University Arts London (2018-01 – Present)

• Managed small- to medium-scale projects and supported major international initiatives for London College of Fashion.
• Delivered creative projects and international exhibitions, including workshops for Syrian women in Za'atari Refugee Camp, the Who–What–Why Alumni exhibition, and Co-rea, showcasing South Korean creative talent.
• Developed UNHCR projects using fashion to promote social change, including climate resilience, refugee empowerment, skills training, and community cohesion, with emphasis on reducing long-term NGO dependency.
• Oversaw all aspects of print publications and exhibition logistics, including legal contracts, loan agreements, press activities, and private view organisation.
• Supported the Global Fashion conference, International Foundation of Fashion Technologies Institute conference and Modern Bodies: Dress, Nation and Gender in the Modern Middle East; managing research paper submissions, publication processes, and on-ground event logistics.
• Overseas event coordination and stakeholder liaison.
• Recognised for exceptional contributions to international event management and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Built and maintained strategic partnerships across key international regions in an educational consultancy role.
• Developed and implemented effective reporting and monitoring tools for LCF International.
• Skilled in building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, both locally and internationally.
• Oversaw creative development for external partnership proposals and strategic income initiatives.
• Led the planning and delivery of inbound and outbound student mobility initiatives, supporting international exchange and global engagement and widening participation trips.

SENIOR PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR - INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT at The British Museum (2016-01 – 2016-12)

• Provided office management, administrative, curatorial, and project support for the International Engagement Department.
• Supported the coordination of international touring exhibitions, consultancy, and training projects.
• Managed and coordinated all aspects of departmental financial administration.
• Researched and arranged travel and accommodation for international projects and staff.
• Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to support the development and delivery of departmental initiatives.
• Performed PA duties, including diary management, meeting planning, and event organisation.
• Coordinated catering and logistics for departmental meetings and events.
• Maintained and updated Plan and Management Group documentation to ensure smooth departmental operations.

FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR at Self-Employed (2015-01 – 2016-12)

• Created illustrations and published blogs employing satirical commentary on social and political themes.
• Worked on a commission basis for varied clients, delivering tailored design and illustration solutions.
• Interpreted and developed client briefs from concept to completion, ensuring clarity, precision, and timely delivery.
• Produced visually engaging content that balanced creative integrity with professional objectives and project constraints.

CLERICAL AND FINANCIAL OFFICER - INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT at Goldsmiths, University of London (2012-01 – 2014-12)

• Provided comprehensive administrative and financial management support to the International Partnerships and Development Department and the Centre for Cultural Studies.
• Oversaw departmental finance systems, budget planning, and quarterly reporting in line with university financial procedures.
• Acted as a liaison between academic departments, professional services, students, and external partners to ensure effective communication and project delivery.
• Supported the development of international partnerships and collaborative research initiatives, contributing to institutional growth and engagement.
• Prepared briefing papers, reports, and policy documents, and maintained accurate departmental records and databases.
• Organised and coordinated academic events, overseas visits, and conferences, including logistics, travel, and post-event evaluation.

2028–2034

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Women and Gender

University of Warwick

(Pending)

2027–2028

MPhil in Women and Gender

University of Warwick

(Pending)

2023–2025

MA in Middle Eastern Studies

SOAS

(Merit)

2006–2009

BA in Critical Fine Art Practice

University of Brighton

(Upper Second-Class Honors)