Independent (George Kapataies)

As an ambitious Palestinian professional, I'm dedicated to empowering Palestinian youth and enabling them to become decision-makers and agents of positive change in their local communities. Over the past 10 years, I've worked passionately on co-creating solutions to long-lasting issues in the region, building relationships with multi-stakeholders, including the private sector and government bodies. In addition, I've co-designed and supported in managing bids for donors and partners, securing more than $40 million in project and program funding over the last 7 years. Currently, as a Business Development Manager at Global Communities, I co-lead and manage funding opportunities as part of the strategic planning team. I focus on tracking funding opportunities from private and institutional donors, including Bilateral and Multilateral Development Agencies, Regional and Global Funds, Foundations, and the Local Private Sector. I've gained experience working with different donors and sponsors, including USAID, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The World Bank, Canada Representative Office to Palestine, UNICEF, OCHA (WASH - Cluster), McNulty Foundation, BTC-Enabel, Bank of Palestine, and PIF. Further, I lead the project lifecycle of awarded bids in areas related to WASH, emergency response, youth and women development, and economic empowerment. I completed an MBA (distinction) from Birzeit University and an MSc. in International Development (Chevening Scholar) from Edinburgh University. Additionally, I received my project management certification (PMP - PMI) in 2016 and am in good standing.