Areen Khraisat

Economic Development and Programme Management professional with over 9 years of experience managing donor-funded projects focused on entrepreneurship, private sector engagement, employment, and ecosystem development. Experienced in leading complex multi-stakeholder interventions involving government institutions, private sector companies, entrepreneurship support organisations, donors, and development partners. Currently serving as an Economic Cooperation and Private Sector Advisor with GIZ, leading strategic initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems, facilitate private sector linkages, and support sustainable economic development.

Proven experience in programme design and implementation, partnership management, donor coordination, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and translating ecosystem needs into practical interventions.

Economic Cooperation and Private Sector Advisor at GIZ (2023-11 – Present)

Lead private sector engagement and entrepreneurship ecosystem development across Southern Jordan, designing and implementing strategic interventions that strengthen collaboration among private sector companies, entrepreneurship support organisations (ESOs), government institutions, academia, development partners, and entrepreneurs to improve ecosystem performance.

• Lead the implementation of the Private Sector Access to Support Startups (PASS) Project, mobilising private sector partnerships, mentors, and ecosystem actors to expand market access, business linkages, and mentorship opportunities for approximately 200 entrepreneurs while strengthening public-private collaboration.
• Established and institutionalised regional entrepreneurship networks, including the Aqaba Entrepreneurial Network (AEN) and a national entrepreneurship mentoring network, creating sustainable multi-stakeholder platforms that enhance coordination, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem collaboration.
• Directed ecosystem diagnostics and strategic planning by leading the development of four entrepreneurship ecosystem assessments, ecosystem maps, strategic roadmaps, and evidence-based recommendations that informed programme design, stakeholder engagement, and regional entrepreneurship interventions.
• Produced strategic knowledge products including ecosystem reports, factsheets, videos, and policy-oriented documentation, translating research and field evidence into actionable insights to support programme management, donor reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Designed and delivered inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives, including SheVenture, supporting 25 women-led startups through capacity development, ecosystem linkages, and private sector engagement while promoting inclusive economic development.

Sales & Business Development Consultant at Habaybna – Digital Content & Mobile Applications (2023-09 – 2023-11)

• Conducted market research targeting 20+ private sector entities, including corporates, NGOs, schools, and nurseries, identifying business opportunities and market potential.
• Analysed stakeholder needs and market insights to develop targeted engagement strategies and improve partnership opportunities.
• Led 15+ stakeholder engagements through meetings, calls, and consultations, presenting partnership models and collaboration opportunities.
• Generated and qualified 5+ high-potential partnership leads, supporting the business development pipeline and handover for contracting.

Project Manager at Mindset – Data, Insight & Action (2023-09 – 2023-11)

• Managed multiple client projects, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, timelines, and budgets while maintaining quality standards.
• Established structured data collection and quality assurance processes, improving data reliability and reporting accuracy.
• Trained enumerators and project teams on data collection methodologies, quality control, and field implementation standards.
• Translated complex datasets into analytical reports and actionable recommendations supporting client decision-making.
• Strengthened internal coordination mechanisms, improving communication and project delivery efficiency.

Private Sector Engagement Specialist at World University Service of Canada (WUSC) (2022-04 – 2023-09)

• Supported the design and implementation of market-responsive TVET programmes in collaboration with the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) and TVET stakeholders.
• Conducted institutional assessments and supported capacity development initiatives for employment service providers within VTC.
• Coordinated technical and financial support for 10+ nurseries in collaboration with the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA).
• Strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders including HCAC, KACE, Social Security Corporation, NCFA, and private sector organisations.
• Supported employer engagement initiatives, work-based learning opportunities, and employment pathways for graduates.

Project Coordinator & Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Education for Employment Jordan (EFE-Jordan) (2019-08 – 2022-04)

• Managed multiple donor-funded employment and TVET projects funded by Boeing, Localized, Qudra, EBRD, and Drosos, ensuring effective implementation and timely delivery.
• Coordinated with international donors and prepared donor-compliant reports while maintaining strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
• Served as a coordination focal point between donors, project managers, technical teams, and implementation partners.
• Supported project planning, data management, performance monitoring, and evidence-based reporting.
• Contributed to employment and workforce development programmes targeting youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

Corporate Engagement Coordinator / Corporate Engagement Officer at Education for Employment Jordan (EFE-Jordan) (2016-08 – 2019-12)

• Developed partnerships with 300+ private sector employers across hospitality, ICT, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail sectors.
• Conducted 15+ labour market assessments to identify skills gaps and inform programme design.
• Facilitated 30+ job fairs and employer engagement events, strengthening connections between employers and job seekers.
• Supported employment pathways for 1000+ youth through job placements, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Contributed to employer engagement strategies, partnership agreements, and workforce development initiatives.

Diploma in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) and Project Management in NGOs – German Jordanian University (2018 – 2019)

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology – University of Jordan (2012 – 2016)