Rana Khalaf

RKAn independent Syrian researcher and consultant, Rana holds an MSc in Development Administration and Planning from University College London. While active in civic organizations, her research and work is mostly focused on Syria in areas related to civil society, youth, citizenship, poverty reduction and social policy planning.

Rana’s most recent research involves a report on “Activism in Difficult Times – Civil Society in Syria” and a policy paper on “Syria – Social Protection as Development?”.  Her other research includes a high-level policy paper on social protection in Lebanon (2014); a thematic guidebook for the World Program of Action for Youth (2013); a series of microfinance market assessment studies across Syria (2011-2012); a background paper on “poverty, employment and social protection policies and programs in Syria” (2010) and a thesis on the Case of Reform and Social Market Economy in Syria (2009).

Rana has previously worked with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the Syria Trust for Development, UNDP Bureau for Development Policy, the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese Red Cross. Her most outstanding grassroots work include pioneering the Nuwwab SHABAB Electoral Campaign (2010-2011); establishing TAMKEEN -the Syrian Network for Non-Financial Services providers (2012); co-founding and managing the Syrian League for Citizenship (2012-2013) and currently co-founding a Young Syrian Women’s Initiative.

For more information, please visit lb.linkedin.com/in/ranakhalaf/