Murshida Akhter
Suva
Summary
Experienced humanitarian specialist with over 20 years of experience at leading organizations, including CARE, Oxfam, Save the Children, and the UN (UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA). Successfully led inter-agency disaster assessments and effectively managed projects worth over $28 million, aligning with the 2030 agenda and incorporating a robust content strategy to support the needs of over 100,000 women and girls. Spearheaded the development of key protocols, such as the first Anticipatory Action pilot for UNFPA and standard operating procedures for humanitarian response. Recognized as an expert in sexual reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, and women's empowerment in emergencies. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Known for taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues while optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Humanitarian Specialist (NOC)
UNFPA Bangladesh Country Office
01.2017 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of a needs assessment toolkit, improving project management and contingency planning, enabling field teams to gather data 60% faster and improving resource allocation for 15+ humanitarian response projects, contributing to enhanced portfolio development and programme delivery.
- Spearheaded joint needs assessment mission immediate after the disaster in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Noakhali, Satkhira, Bangladesh, interviewing 200+ displaced women and girls to inform the design of gender-based violence prevention programs.
- Analyzed post-disaster needs and wrote detailed situation reports, which informed resource allocation and helped developing compelling appeals and reports for securing $3.1M in funding in 2024 alone from CERF, DFAT, and UNFPA HQ, demonstrating strong Field Operations expertise.
- Established a community-based complaint mechanism, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to beneficiary concerns, resolving over 90% of reported issues within a two-week timeframe.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for humanitarian response, developed a humanitarian response plan for each disaster, contributed development of Early Action protocol, and led the first-ever Anticipatory Action pilot of UNFPA.
- Established and maintained effective telecommunications, security protocols, and emergency contact systems to ensure staff safety and accountability during emergencies. Also after all emergencies conduct headcount or whereabouts and inform Management accordingly.
- Promoted inclusive humanitarian preparedness and response through strategic dialogue with government, donors, INGOs, and organizations advocating for persons with disabilities and gender-diverse populations.
- Managed the humanitarian work plan to maximize the efficient and ethical impact of resources, achieving 100% utilization.
Humanitarian Specialist (P4)
UNFPA PSRO
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Facilitated the establishment of safe spaces for women and girls affected by the earthquake in Vanuatu, providing psychosocial support and access to essential SRH services, contributing to Climate change Mitigation efforts within the Pacific Islands and aligning with UNFPA's CPD.
- Secured $330K in funding through targeted grant proposals, directly supporting the implementation of critical SRH health, Menstrual Hygiene and GBV protection initiatives for underserved communities after initial funding.
- Organized and Facilitated training on CVA and AAP to 20+ participants from government, UNFPA and I/NGOs from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Solomon Island
Humanitarian Coordinator (P4)
UNFPA Jordan Country Office
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Coordinated multi-sectoral humanitarian response programs in SRHR, GBV, and Adolescent & Youth Health, impacting 500,000 Syrian refugees in Azraq and Zaatari camps, utilizing a robust framework and Theory of Change to track key Indicators.
- Strengthened community participation through inclusive feedback mechanisms, ensuring affected populations influenced decision-making processes.
Humanitarian Program Manager
OXFAM Bangladesh
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Developed and managed 9+ project proposals (DFID, ECHO, IKEA Foundation) focused on WASH and Livelihood interventions, securing $28M in funding and incorporating community feedback for culturally sensitive approaches, aligning with United Nations strategies, and providing oversight for successful implementation.
- Managed a team of 14 members - a diverse team
- Worked as a Humanitarian Manager in OXFAM Myanmar CO and managed a humanitarian program for 1 and a half months
- Established the Cash Working Group (CWG) in Bangladesh, backed by financial support from ECHO. Led the design of multipurpose cash packages, sectoral packages, etc.
Capacity Building Analyst
UNDP Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme
01.2013 - 01.2013
- Developed a harmonized disaster management training curriculum and conducted capacity building training for 100 master trainers, who then cascaded knowledge nationwide, contributing to improved project design, efficient pipeline management, and a strengthened portfolio of disaster preparedness initiatives.
Consortium Manager
Joint Humanitarian Response Project
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Managed a five-INGO consortium for an ECHO-funded emergency response program.
Emergency Specialist (NOC)
UNICEF Bangladesh
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Developed and implemented comprehensive business planning and strategic planning documents for emergency response initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and resource optimization.
- Designed and executed a detailed simulation exercise on earthquake response for the all-UN, equipping 100+ participants with vital skills in emergency response protocols, which improved readiness levels by 40% during simulated disaster scenarios.
Manager Capacity Building
Save the Children USA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Technical Officer - Training, CARE Bangladesh (1997-1999). Technical Officer - CARE Bangladesh (1996-1997). Project Officer Training - CARE Bangladesh (1995-1996)
Deputy Program Manager-Emergencies
Save the Children-USA
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Led Humanitarian Response operation and Coordinated the logistics of distributing essential relief items (WASH, shelter, food) to 50,000+ vulnerable individuals affected by Cyclone SIDR in 2007.
- Demonstrated effective planning, execution and management skills in the emergency response program
- Developed a contingency plan for Save the Children - USA and conducted capacity building training for their staff and partner NGOs.
Regional Disaster Manager
CARE Bangladesh
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Cultivated strong partnerships with 18 local NGOs and government agencies, fostering collaboration and ensuring a coordinated approach to humanitarian response efforts.
- Managed the distribution of essential supplies (food, WASH, Shelter) to 100,000+ displaced individuals following a natural disaster, ensuring equitable access and adherence to humanitarian principles in a chaotic environment.
Education
Master's - Disaster Management
BRAC University
Dhaka Bangladesh12.2010
Master's - Social Science
National University of Bangladesh
Dhaka Bangladesh06.1997
Skills
- Humanitarian program management
- UN policy compliance
- Skilled in gender equality and disability inclusion programming
- Stakeholder partnership management
- Emergency response planning
- Emergency response expertise in the Pacific
- Database management
Certification
- UNFPA Humanitarian Boot Camp, Bangkok (2024)
- GBViE & MISP Training, UNFPA (Online)
- International Visitor Leadership Program on Crisis Management, USA (2010)
- TOT on Sphere Standards, Sphere Project (2010)
- Nutrition in Emergency Training, RedR India, Organized by UNICEF
- Cash and Voucher Assistance Strategy development workshop for UNFPA
- International Visitor Leadership Program on crisis Management sponsored by US Government
- Improving Training Quality, Bangkok & Malaysia (1999-2000)
- Community-Based Disaster Management, ADPC Thailand (2000)
- Women Leadership Development, Save the Children USA, Turkey (2007)
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Bengali (Native)
Hindi (Basic)
Other Key Positions
Manager Capacity Building, Save the Children USA (2008-2010), Technical Officer - Training, CARE Bangladesh (1997-1999). Technical Officer - CARE Bangladesh (1996-1997), Project Officer Training - CARE Bangladesh (1995-1996)
Disclaimer
I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes my qualifications and experience. Signature: Murshida Akhter Date
Timeline
Humanitarian Specialist (P4)
UNFPA PSRO
02.2025 - 04.2025
Humanitarian Coordinator (P4)
UNFPA Jordan Country Office
06.2022 - 10.2022
Humanitarian Specialist (NOC)
UNFPA Bangladesh Country Office
01.2017 - Current
Humanitarian Program Manager
OXFAM Bangladesh
01.2013 - 01.2017
Capacity Building Analyst
UNDP Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme
01.2013 - 01.2013
Consortium Manager
Joint Humanitarian Response Project
01.2012 - 01.2013
Emergency Specialist (NOC)
UNICEF Bangladesh
01.2010 - 01.2012
Manager Capacity Building
Save the Children USA
01.2008 - 01.2010
Deputy Program Manager-Emergencies
Save the Children-USA
01.2005 - 01.2008
Regional Disaster Manager
CARE Bangladesh
01.2000 - 01.2004
Master's - Disaster Management
BRAC University
Master's - Social Science
National University of Bangladesh
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