Petra Hand

Experience

• 

  The California Endowment

  Jan 2004 - Sept 2004

  Associate Researcher

  As part of a grant to San Diego State University Department of Languages, I conceptualized, designed and researched instruments to measure language proficiency and ability to interpret. Assisted in the development, preparation and testing (in Spanish, English, French) of an exam used as basis for all national language proficiency tests for healthcare interpreters. Grant Supervisor: Claudia Angelelli, Ph.D.

• 

  United Nations

  Sept 2004 - Dec 2007

  Assistant to Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs (USG DPA)

  Served as an aide to the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs during an increased engagement of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) in conflict prevention, peacemaking and post-conflict peacebuilding around the world through Special Political Missions and Good Offices. (highlights)- Ensured a strong Executive Office and counseled the USG's executive team on key issues & decisions. Helped delegate authority on priority initiatives & hold senior staff accountable to their responsibilities. Provided policy analysis, talking points, background briefs, regular and special reports.- Program Coordinator for DPA Donor Trust Fund (budget USD32 million): Assisted with project design and proposals, supervised funding allocations, tracked and reported on progress and coached program/project directors on strategic plan implementation, impact tracking & budgets.- Coordinated major special projects such as the UN Exhibit “The Founding of the United Nations” and media events for Millennium Summit, 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Show less

• 

  African Union-United Nations Joint Mediation Support Team for Darfur,United Nations Mission in Sudan

  Dec 2007 - Mar 2010

  Assistant to Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur/Political Affairs Assistant

  Provided top UN and African Union officials with support and counsel on substantive and operational issues related to the Darfur Peace Process – contributed to realignment of activities and strategies following the failed Sirte Peace Talks and the successful transition to the Doha Peace Process. Ensured & implemented their integration into the overall complex, large-scale operations of UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).(highlights)- Ensured the principals’ strategic agenda met the integrated model objectives. Oversaw the effectiveness & quality of programs and provided resolutions for systemic & service delivery issues.- Managed field presence in Darfur, South Sudan and visits to the wider region: staffing, performance, communication, operations and security. Planned & executed internal & external high-level meetings. Prepared background briefs, talking points, position papers, financial statements & budgets.- Directed complex logistical operations (airlifts, mediation, workshops). Advocated for wider participation of civil society, and women's groups in particular, in the search for peaceful solutions. Show less

• 

  United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

  Mar 2010 - Aug 2011

  Assistant to Special Representative of the Secretary-General

  Provided strategic guidance on and managed the implementation of administrative and logistical requirements for operationalizing and integrating UN’s programs & activities in an active conflict environment focused on enhanced civilian-military coordination with ISAF/NATO forces. (highlights)- Managed strong Executive Office and monitored operational developments to set and justify strategic objectives. Oversaw activities & progress across the Mission & 23 UN Agencies to keep the UN leadership well informed & prepared. Proactively solved problems and participated with the UN executive team in strategic planning: programs, campaigns, integration of services.- Principal government affairs liaison and point of contact for local, national & international stakeholders. Held & managed strong influential relations at all levels of the Mission, the government, partner agencies, organizations and communities.- Consistently hand-selected for sensitive, logistically complex operations and crisis management including Security Council visit (June ’10), Kabul Conference (July ’10), Afghan Parliamentary elections, and response to terrorist attacks on UN colleagues. Show less

• 

  Veerhouse Voda

  Jun 2012 - Feb 2013

  Accounts Director | Chief of Staff

  Succeeded in strengthening Veerhouse Voda’s position both on the Haitian commercial construction market and in the post-earthquake aid, reconstruction and development sector (non-profit). Focused on strategic engagement in areas of politics, policy, economic and sustainable development to promote revenue growth and build trust for Veerhouse Voda's activities in support of local integration and social impact.(highlights)- Provided financial & budget oversight for projects. Managed personnel: Recruitment & succession planning, performance reviews, employee relations & engagement, training & capacity building. Provided support and counsel to senior staff and assisted executive teams in pursuit of priorities & goals.- Developed & implemented a company culture through holistic empowerment programs for employees, their families & communities: child care, schooling, healthcare, skills & career training, mentoring, civic engagement and volunteering.- Interfaced with Haitian government authorities on legislation, regulations, codes and ordinances | Established partnerships with regional & local city representative, business and community leaders to influence change & sustainable policies- Acted as Communications Manager – media, marketing & website content – managed special events and guided the CEO’s relations & communication with stakeholders. Show less

• 

  Peaceful Eyes

  Dec 2012 - now

  Principal Artist

  I'm the artist and storyteller behind Peaceful Eyes. The Peaceful Eyes project began during my 10 years as a humanitarian with the United Nations. I witnessed cruelty, violence, injustice, oppression & fear in over 40 countries, across 4 continents, in a multitude of languages - especially and always towards women and girls. I also felt the resilience and strength of the female to endure through "acceptance" that enables us to find the peace within. Our love of life, our strength and perseverance is most inspiring. My paintings and stories depict the many enduring loving females I had and have the honor to serve. Please visit https://www.peacefuleyes.com to learn more. Show less

• 

  Freelance Consultancy

  Mar 2013 - Aug 2013

  Consultant - Social Responsibility

  Helped clients seek out corporate and social responsibility opportunities. Identified innovative and strategic entry points for businesses to connect with non-profit organizations through sponsorship, product development, media and fundraising events; successfully translated these opportunities into vital, sustainable partnerships and programs. Cultivated donor relations.

• 

  United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq

  Sept 2013 - Jan 2015

  Special Assistant to Deputy Special Representative/Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq

  Supported senior UN officials during Iraq's prevailing difficult political, security, humanitarian & development portfolio compounded by a turbulent election, rise in sectarian violence, several natural disasters, effects of the Syrian conflict and the tragic emergence of ISIS that converged into Level 3 emergency. My role was to maintain exceptional operational and situational awareness to manage risk and drive program development under the auspices of "One UN".(highlights)- Provided strategic and operational planning, implementation, management and coordination of multiple country-wide, highly complex & large-scale programs and cross-functional initiatives as a policy & technical advisor for operations and integrated program delivery. - Publicly represented the UN and served as a liaison for effective communication & cooperation between UN leadership and executive teams, internal departments & 20 UN Agencies (UN Country Team), external partners, elected officials, donors, investors, community & business leaders and the media. - Managed the Quick Impact Projects portfolio (budget $1.8 million): Design and implementation of 40 projects focused on enhanced services & protection for vulnerable communities. Worked with stakeholders to set priorities through dialogue, build consensus, support & funding for UN’s mission & the QIPs program model. - Co-managed, with World Bank, the International Partners Forum and grew it into a powerful & active coalition of over 50 government affairs advisors & donors, civil society and business representatives.- Maintained organizational efforts to continue advancing Iraq's development agenda through "UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Iraq 2015-2019" and "Kurdistan 2020 Vision - Kurdistan Regional Development Strategy for 2020": national economic policy & sustainable development strategy frameworks focused on effective public-private partnerships. Show less

• 

  Petra Hand Consulting

  Oct 2015 - now

  Management Consultant | Partnerships and High-Impact Specialist

  I provide a wide range of boutique services to guide clients to be proactive in their social impact, corporate social responsibility & sustainability initiatives. I create unique opportunities for organizations to become “business as a force for good” by authentically connecting with global communities, my vast network of policymakers, change makers & influencers. As a government affairs specialist, I leverage clients' operations with public sector priorities & deliver growth, ROI, improved employee engagement and help meet the social & environmental impact commitments of their stakeholders.(highlights)- Analyze and evaluate operations & impact. Develop strategy, new programs & strategic partnerships to match clients’ goals. Shape & guide implementation while ensuring legislative & regulatory compliance. - Develop sustainability & impact business plans. Provide value chains & human rights due diligence, ensure application & compliance with appropriate Guidelines (i.e. UN, GIIP, OECD, IFC, ISO, CDP). Write required reports: GRI, IR, ESMS, GISR, UN Global Compact, B Corp certification.- Provide worldwide political, business & policy research, analysis, risk assessment & crisis mitigation plans. Develop communication & business continuity strategies. CLIENT EXAMPLES• Business for eTrade Development: develop strategy & programs aimed at optimizing public policies & cross-border ecommerce in developing economies; generate interest & build industry coalitions through strategic communications; cultivate strategic partnerships with public-private sectors, trade associations, unions & advocacy groups.• Multinational Construction Firm: Research & write an environmental & social impact report (ESMS) as required by the firm's investor International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), analyze operations, improve systems & processes to implement solutions, build capacity across organization.• Refugee Cities, The Love Story: Design strategy & programs. Show less

• 

  The Kavli Foundation

  Sept 2017 - now

  The Kavli Prize Manager | Fred Kavli Knowledge Center (Norway) Liaison

  In my dual role, I manage programming and operations for The Kavli Prize: logistics, events, advertising, outreach and communications. I also oversee and manage business operations for the Fred Kavli science center in Norway.I work to foster collaborative business cadence with strategic and individualized actionable plans, procedures, timelines & deliverables for our operations, special projects and initiatives. I create and execute strategic and business plans, define budgets, capital investments, capacity, and growth plans and optimize workflows. I also manage contracts, consultants and partnerships. To effectively communicate and amplify our programmatic objectives, I often organize and execute off site activities like retreats, workshops, conferences and panel discussions with our Kavli Prize Laureates, and direct The Kavli Prize strategic global marketing, advertising and outreach activities. The Kavli Prize in Astrophysics, Nanoscience and Neuroscience is a partnership among The Kavli Foundation (USA), the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.***The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity, promoting public understanding of scientific research, and supporting scientists and their work.We aspire to this vision through our mission to stimulate basic research in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience, and theoretical physics; strengthen the relationship between science and society; and honor scientific discoveries with The Kavli Prize in celebration of breakthroughs in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.Please visit our website to learn more. Show less