Cuma CICEK

Consultant | Urban Policy & Local Governance | Project Management | UNDP Experience | Municipal Capacity Development & SDGs

Diyarbakır, Türkiye

About

I work at the intersection of political sociology, local governance, and strategic management, with over 15 years of experience across municipalities, international organizations, and civil society. My work combines analytical depth with practical engagement. I have been directly involved in urban policy development and strategic planning processes within municipalities, contributing to how local governance systems are designed, implemented, and contested. As a consultant and expert with United Nations Development Programme, I have worked on capacity development, process optimization, solid waste management, and post-disaster recovery, supporting municipalities in navigating complex institutional and operational challenges. Alongside this, I engage closely with civil society actors, contributing to participatory governance processes and the development of policy-oriented research and recommendations. I approach governance as both a technical and political field—focusing on how policies are shaped, negotiated, and translated into practice.

Experience

  • Associated Researcher at Institut Francais d'Etudes Anatoliannes
    Jul 2021 - Jun 2025 · 4 yrs

  • BAYETAV - Bir Arada Yaşarız Eğitim ve Toplumsal Araştırmalar Vakfı (Hybrid)
    • Coordinator of Projects
      Mar 2024 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr

    • Deputy General Manager Responsible for Projects
      Jul 2022 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Deputy General Manager Responsible for Projects
      Dec 2021 - Jun 2022 · 7 mos

  • UNDP Türkiye (Ankara, Türkiye · Hybrid)
    • Individual Consultant
      Jan 2024 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Preparing Zero Waste Need Analysis Reports for municipalities in Hatay, Adıyaman, Kilis, Şanlıurfa and İzmir

    • Individual Consultant
      Jul 2023 - May 2024 · 11 mos

      Preparing Earthquake-Focused Solid-Waste Management Plans in Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman and Malatya

  • Research Director at Diyarbakır Siyasal ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Enstitüsü
    Jan 2020 - Dec 2022 · 3 yrs

  • Researcher/Expert at Hakikat Adalet Hafıza Merkezi
    Jul 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr