Open To Work
Iman Al-Rifai
Damascus
Summary
Seasoned professional with over 20 years in Public Procurement and Supply Chain across diverse sectors, particularly within the UN system and international organizations. Managed complex projects under tight deadlines, ensuring high-quality service in challenging environments. Demonstrated expertise in mission-level operations, coordinating multiple sites and supervising teams, with hands-on experience throughout the project cycle.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Supply Chain Associate
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Damascus
02.2017 - Current
- Reported to International Operation Manager to strategize and source diverse commodities/services, managing associated logistics.
- Served as the primary contact for the UN Procurement Working Group, facilitating communication on procurement and logistics projects.
- Participated in global 'Contract Review Committee', providing contract awarding recommendations to CPO for international procurement cases.
- Ideally, evolving vendor management, project implementation monitoring/execution, problem solving & resolution, team building & mentoring.
- Sound contributions to harmonized activities among stakeholders at high professional level.
- Knowledge building & networks including newcomers’ induction.
Logistics Manager
Secures Islamique France (SIF)
Damascus
2015 - 2017
- Oversaw logistics coordination and planning for five mission bases, contributing to the operational strategy development.
- Supervised and provided logistical support to mission bases and projects, ensuring smooth operational execution.
- Ensured effective warehousing and stock management systems, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting.
- Managed administrative team, overseeing briefing, planning, and follow-up activities to enhance operational efficiency.
- Reported directly to the Head of Mission and coordinated with the logistics team.
- Contribute to the elaboration of the mission’s operational strategy.
- Ensure existence of individual up-to-date safety & security plans for each location & for the overall presence of SIF in Countries & Region with HQ.
Logistics/Admin Assistant
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Amman
2014 - 2015
- Managed timely delivery of health commodities and supplies, overseeing logistics services including customs clearance, stock management, and installation in camps and host communities.
- Sound contribution to the Cross-Border Convoys into Syria & creating tracking sheets/reporting & documentation.
- Reporting to Operation Analyst delivering quality admin & logistic services to Country Office & UNFPA-supported projects in close collaboration with field coordinator & project officers.
- Facilitated the organization and preparation of meetings, workshops, and trainings to support effective project execution.
- Registering & verification of medical equipment & furniture inside UNFPA clinics/sites.
- Maintaining full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of protocol procedures, info. flow & follow up on deadlines & commitments made.
- Secured office assets and maintained fleet pool to support operational efficiency.
Logistics/Procurement Associate
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Damascus
2013 - 2014
- Consolidated procurement requirements and optimized purchasing power under Procurement/Logistics officer's guidance.
- Contracted goods and services, securing timely completion of all agreements.
- Organized and maintained procurement systems and government paperwork procedures.
- Supported humanitarian activities by fulfilling supply needs in alignment with the organization’s best interests and donor mandates.
Commodities Expert/Procurement Manager
HUAWEI Technologies Co. Ltd.
Damascus
2010 - 2013
- Results-driven business manager with a strong background in successfully managing the procurement of multimillion dollar capital programs for telecom turn-key project roll out.
- Overseeing the end-to-end purchasing process, managing supplier relationships & ensuring compliance with internal policies to minimize risks.
- Analyzed market trends, identified opportunities and risks, and created sourcing strategies for specific categories to enhance procurement effectiveness.
- Managed client interactions and aligned stakeholder expectations throughout project planning and close-out phases.
- Reported on results for telecom turn-key project roll out in Syria and Cyprus to ensure transparency and accountability.
Consular Section-Local Staff
Embassy of Syrian Arab Republic in Beirut
Beirut
2009 - 2010
- Provided visa services and facilitated correspondence and outreach by drafting and translating diplomatic notes and memoranda on consular and legal matters.
- Processed consular cases under the guidance of the Consular Officer.
- Coordinated embassy public events and represented the embassy at conferences, forums, and commercial exhibitions.
Technical Purchasing Coordinator
SYRIATEL Mobile Telecom Co.
Damascus
2003 - 2009
- Managed procurement processes for telecom equipment and services.
- Verified material requests, issued 'Request for Quotations' to approved suppliers, evaluated offers, negotiated prices and terms, signed purchase orders, and followed up on deliveries and payment releases to ensure procurement efficiency.
- Negotiated prices and contracts with suppliers for materials and services.
- Coordinated vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of materials and fostering collaboration for ongoing supply chain improvements.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods.
- Analyzed supplier performance to optimize purchasing decisions.
- Resolved discrepancies between purchase orders and received goods.
- Checked shipments for quality and quantity of purchased items, ensuring compliance with specifications and reducing discrepancies.
- Inventory and shipments management, supplier’s performance evaluation, maintaining & developing Quality Management System.
Education
MBA -
Faculty of Business and Economics of American University of Science & Technology (AUST)
Beirut, LebanonBeirut, Lebanon
BSc - Economics
College of Economy, Damascus University
Damascus, SyriaDamascus, Syria
Skills
- Procurement
- Vendor management
- value-based agreements
- Process optimization
- Risk assessment
- Business development
- Technical report writing
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Events logistics
- Team building
- Team structuring
- Client-oriented
- Results-oriented
- High-quality standards
- Conflict resolution
- Correspondence
Awards
- 2021, Recognition Letter, UNFPA Syria, For the exceptional contribution to Albaath Hospital equipping, furnishing and Opening Ceremony.
- 2019, Appreciation Letter, UNFPA Syria, For unwavering and dedicating service during the audit exercise.
- 2013, Hard Struggle Employee Award, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
- 2012, Best Improvement Employee Award, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
- 2010, Thank you Letter, For Successful Organization of Syria National Day Ceremony in Beirut.
References
- Dr. Omar Ballan, Assistant Representative, UNFPA, Damascus, Syria
- Phd. Karen Hobday, SRH Technical Specialist, UNFPA, Amman, Jordan
- Prof. Issam Bashour, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Languages
- Arabic, native
- English, fluent
- Spanish, second language
Professional Trainings And Certifications
- Diploma in Diplomatic Relations, Etiquette & Protocol, College of Victoria, United Kingdom
- Member of UNFPA Global Contract Review Committee
- Certified in Public Procurement, UNDP CPH-Denmark
- Certified in Supply Chain Management in Humanitarian Organizations, UNDP CPH-Denmark
- ICDL license, knowledge of Oracle E-Business Suite & AI tools, IT systems and web-based applications
Timeline
Supply Chain Associate
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
02.2017 - Current
Logistics Manager
Secures Islamique France (SIF)
2015 - 2017
Logistics/Admin Assistant
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
2014 - 2015
Logistics/Procurement Associate
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
2013 - 2014
Commodities Expert/Procurement Manager
HUAWEI Technologies Co. Ltd.
2010 - 2013
Consular Section-Local Staff
Embassy of Syrian Arab Republic in Beirut
2009 - 2010
Technical Purchasing Coordinator
SYRIATEL Mobile Telecom Co.
2003 - 2009
MBA -
Faculty of Business and Economics of American University of Science & Technology (AUST)
BSc - Economics
College of Economy, Damascus University