Iman Elian

Humanitarian & Project Operations Specialist | 16+ Years Experience | Project Coordination, Grants & Stakeholder Engagement | MENA, Asia , South America & Europe | Arabic & English

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

About

With nearly 17 years at IOM – UN Migration, I’ve been deeply rooted in work that drives real change for people on the move. Across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, I’ve helped shape migration governance, crisis response, and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen systems and protect those most at risk. The programmes I’ve led or supported have expanded access to protection for thousands of individuals and built lasting partnerships with governments, donors, and NGOs. I’ve had the privilege of leading diverse teams of more than 100 national and international staff, coordinating closely with senior government officials and UN counterparts to deliver complex cross-border operations in fragile and conflict-affected settings. My work also includes designing and implementing capacity-building curricula grounded in SEA risk assessment, counter-trafficking, and child protection. Through managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, I ensure accountability, sustainability, and clear, measurable impact. Currently pursuing an MSc in Political Science | Business Impact & Business Psychology, I integrate evidence-based behavioural insights into my leadership approach—strengthening change management, elevating team performance, and championing inclusive, people-centred talent practices. I’m driven by a genuine passion for systemic change and for creating solutions that are resilient, ethical, and survivor-centred. If our paths align, let’s connect and explore what we can build together for the future of humanitarian action.

Experience

  • Support&Integration Team leader at ACH Refugee Integration Services Provider
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • IOM - UN Migration (16 yrs 10 mos)
    • Programme Manager
      Sep 2020 - May 2025 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      I led IOM Norway programs activities by coordinating project negotiations with donors and partners, managed human resources to optimize staffing capacity and ensure operational efficiency, and represented the organization at high-level conferences to advocate for effective migration governance. I also enhanced staff competencies through structured training programs and mentoring initiatives. in 2020 and 2022, I served as Chief of Mission for IOM Norway.

    • Senior Project Officer
      Nov 2015 - Sep 2020 · 4 yrs 11 mos

      I oversaw case management units across multiple processing locations, delivering services to over 24,000 individuals each year. I served as the primary liaison between IOM Iraq and the U.S. Embassy, leading high-level negotiations to bolster cooperation and resource sharing. In addition, I designed and implemented monitoring tools that optimized budgetary allocations and significantly enhanced program performance throughout the MENA region and India.

    • Project supervisor ,South Asia
      May 2012 - Nov 2015 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      During my tenure overseeing resettlement programs across South Asia, I conducted regular on-site visits to guarantee seamless implementation, enforced rigorous confidentiality and anti-fraud protocols to maintain compliance with international standards, and partnered with stakeholders—such as UNHCR and various government agencies—to drive program advancement and align policies. When the Nepal earthquake struck, I stepped in as Officer-in-Charge to coordinate emergency shelter provisions swiftly and effectively.