TRIANGLE MANAGEMENT

Sami Halabi is Triangle’s Director of Policy, a researcher and media expert with extensive economic, qualitative and quantitative research training and expertise. At Triangle Sami manages the firm’s operations and provides oversight and quality assurance to all projects. He has over a decade of experience leading evaluation and research projects across multiple geographies, specifically in West Asia and North Africa. Sami has led projects for clients such as the European Union, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNRWA, and UNICEF, WFP, UNESCWA, the ILO, ICRC, Save the Children, Oxfam, DRC and many others. Previous to Triangle, Sami had a long career in policy journalism with media outlets such as France24 and the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation. Sami holds a Masters degree in Public Policy with Distinction from The University of Edinburgh.

Nizar Ghanem is Triangle’s Director of Research, with more than a decade of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, economic development, governance and training. Nizar’s research portfolio includes designing and leading key research projects, needs assessments and baseline surveys for EU, USAID, NORAD, UNDP, UNICEF, ESCWA, and World Learning. Before founding his previous consultancy, Menapolis, Nizar was a Senior Analyst at the Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies. Nizar has also authored several reports and scholarly articles on a variety of topics related to governance and development in the West Asia region. Nizar holds a Bachelors in Business and Accounting from Notre Dame University, Lebanon and a Masters in International Relations and Economics from The School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, USA.

Ylva Van Den Berg is a Child Protection, Child Safeguarding and a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist with over 15 years’ experience in managing programme quality and programme development in humanitarian and protracted conflict settings. Ylva’s portfolio includes work with international organisations such as Save the Children, War Child and UNICEF. She has a long track record in different contexts (urban, rural, refugee, internal displacement and conflict) with vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied and separated children, across regions with emphasis on countries in the Middle East and (Eastern) Europe. As a consultant she has been part of various research, evaluation, assessment, policy reform and capacity development projects. Alongside her current work as a humanitarian consultant, she works as a therapist and runs a mobile practice for children affected by adversity, migration and displacement in schools, refugee centres and protection homes in the Netherlands. Ylva holds a Masters degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, a Bachelors with Distinction in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies where her major was International Relations and Political History from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, and a Bachelors in Social Work and a Masters with Distinction as a Play and Movement Therapist from the University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

Dr. Siad Darwish is a Senior Research Associate contributing significantly to peace studies and environment-fragility-peace nexus research. He plays a critical role in leading Collaborative Learning Projects and influences strategy, advocacy, consulting, and external representation. Dr. Darwish’s diverse experience include leading governance and peacebuilding evaluations for UNDP’s Yemen program, conducting conflict sensitivity training in Lebanon, and facilitating gender-sensitive conflict analysis workshops in Pakistan. Additionally, he develops frameworks for humanitarian action in climate and conflict-affected environments with the International Rescue Committee and provides operational support as a Gender and Inclusion Advisor for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Rutgers University, an MA in Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation from the University of Sussex, and a BS in Biological and Social Anthropology from the University of Roehampton.

Yosr Abid-Fourati is an Economic Analyst specialized in research, monitoring and evaluation, quantitative and qualitative research, with extensive experience in project and capacity building strategy design. She is currently the director of research and evaluation at Vision Development, a research company based in Tunisia. Yosr’s research portfolio includes work with organisations such as the African Development Bank, the European Union, The German Technical Cooperation, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the World Bank, the United Nations organizations (UNDP, IOM, WFP), and the Danish Programme Office, amongst other. In addition, Yosr has published several scholarly works on economic policies and has a long track record of teaching Macroeconomics at university level. Yosr holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University Toulouse in France, a Master’s in international economics and finance from the University of Paris IX Dauphine, Paris, in France, and a PhD in Economics from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in Ireland.

Michael Huijer is Triangle’s Executive Editor, with over 18 years’ experience in strategic communication, programme management, publishing processes, and events organisation within the think tank, NGO, and education sectors in Lebanon. Michael leads Triangle’s communications efforts and oversees its editorial process. In addition to his previous role as Communications Manager at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut, Michael also worked in a variety of roles for the Carnegie Middle East Center, Chatham House, the Netherlands Institute in Beirut, Nuffic, ACSS, and International Alert. He obtained his MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Courtney Phelps is a Senior Advisor at Triangle with an extensive background spanning over 15 years in emergency humanitarian and international development, focusing particularly on protection, gender, and gender-based violence. Her career features significant roles, such as coordinating the Protection Rule of Law for the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Global Surge Team in Ukraine and contributing notably to CARE International in gender-responsive programming and advocacy. In Ukraine with the IRC, Courtney was pivotal in leading initiatives around access to justice, protection monitoring, and pioneering cash-for-protection interventions, adeptly adapting these to suit the complex and changing needs of the region.

Michal Misiak is a Research Consultant at Triangle, specializing in behavioural science and data analysis. Concurrently, he serves as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Wroclaw in Poland. His research focuses on understanding the impact of cross-cultural and environmental factors on moral psychology, cooperation, and conflict. In his fieldwork, Michal conducts studies among non-industrialized populations, such as hunter-gatherers and pastoralists in Tanzania, as well as horticulturalists in New Guinea. He is also actively involved in the Big Team Science movement, collaborating on large-scale studies with diverse populations from over 70 countries. Michal earned his PhD in Psychology from the University of Wroclaw and holds a research affiliate position at the University of Oxford, School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography.

Sergio S. Carnevale is an Economics & Value Chain Specialist with over 15 years of experience, has made significant contributions in development sectors like Private Sector Development, Trade, Labor Markets, and Market Systems across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise, particularly in the Horn of Africa, includes engaging high-level stakeholders from government ministries to international corporations. At Triangle, Sergio has led key projects like analyzing Labour Market and Migration Information Systems in Ethiopia and Djibouti, and crafting policy briefs and investment climate analyses for entities like GIZ, UNDP, and EU Delegations. His skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, combined with his academic background from the University of Cambridge and SOAS, University of London, enhance his ability to offer strategic solutions to complex development challenges, making him a valuable asset in enhancing SME development, public sector policy, private sector growth, and sector reforms. 

Klaudia Jankowska-Maddison is an Information Management Humanitarian Consultant with over seven years of experience. She has designed and implemented information management solutions across several countries including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, and Turkey. Notably, she has contributed to projects like a perception study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, developed feedback analysis tools for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and crafted standard operating procedures for mobile vaccination centers with the Georgia Red Cross. As a consultant, Klaudia has led various initiatives, including training sessions for organizations like the Turkish Red Crescent Society and the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan. She has also served as an Information Management Coordinator for the IFRC, providing technical support to 54 National Societies in Europe and Central Asia, and as an Information Management Delegate in Turkey, overseeing data management systems and providing technical assistance. 

Spencer Osberg is a Senior Editor at Triangle, bringing over twenty years of rich journalism and editorial expertise. His distinguished career includes contributions to coverage of Middle Eastern affairs for notable media houses such as Al Jazeera, France 24, and CBC. Previously, as the Managing Editor at Executive Magazine, Spencer spearheaded in-depth reporting on socio-economic issues across the MENA region. After which, Spencer became founding Chief Editor of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, aiding its development into the leading Yemen-focused research institute that has helped reshape international policy towards the country. He contributed significantly to the success of “The War Show,” a documentary film on the Syrian conflict which won best film at the 2016 Venice International Film Festival and received numerous other accolades. Spencer’s primary area of expertise is centered on economics and policy in the MENA region.

Dr. Jade Khalife is a Senior Advisor at Triangle with a background in medicine, health policy and management, and epidemiology. His work experience includes being involved in the field of health systems for over 15years. His past engagements have included multi-year projects funded by organizations such as the Wellcome Trust, the World Bank, Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO, and other UN agencies. A significant portion of Jade’s early career was devoted to health system reforms at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon, where he spearheaded key initiatives. He led the development of a national system for assessing hospital performance, which was used to determine reimbursement tiers for about 140 hospitals in each of 2014 and 2019. He has also been involved in various primary care projects, and in civil society organization leadership and public health advocacy since 2001. His involvements span several countries, particularly in West Asia.

Nadia Moukaddem is an Economic Development Specialist and Researcher with nearly 15 years of expertise in private sector development across emerging economies, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. With a rich background in economic research and private sector engagement, Nadia has played instrumental roles in various projects aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and socio-economic growth. Her extensive experience includes conducting qualitative research projects for international institutions such as FAO, ILO, IECD, Terre des Hommes, and Helvetas, focusing on diverse areas such as labor market assessments, technical and vocational education, private sector development, social entrepreneurship, and green and circular economy initiatives. Prior to her consultancy work, Nadia spent 9 years in the finance industry, with a focus on Venture Capital and Private Equity funds in Paris and Beirut. In these roles, she led investments in start-ups and MSMEs, analyzing investment progress and contributing to strategic decision-making, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Nadia is also a seasoned Business and Entrepreneurship Coach, having delivered hundreds of hours of coaching to start-ups and MSMEs, and conducted numerous organizational and strategic assessments. She serves as a university lecturer at USEK University, imparting her knowledge and expertise in entrepreneurship to aspiring students. Nadia Moukaddem holds a Master’s in Public Affairs and Corporate Management from HEC and Sciences Po, Paris.

Alexandros Chatzipanagiotou is Triangle’s Art Director, specialized in distilling complex information into concise and easily understandable formats. Alexandros leads the company’s visual communications encompassing graphic design, video editing, visual design, illustration, brand design, and advertising design. His specialization lies in producing engaging social media content, designing knowledge products, and crafting infographics.

Elissar Harati is a researcher, consultant, and media professional with over 12 years of experience working at the nexus of international development, journalism, and public policy. Elissar provides operational, technical, and advisory services to international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. Elissar’s technical expertise relates to civil society development, social accountability, and the rule of law in the MENA region. She holds a Master’s Degree in Law & Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University.

Alberto Giera is a Security Specialist, Context Analyst and Risk Manager with over 15 years of experience in the humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping sectors. His extensive portfolio encompasses roles with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), UN-DPKO (UNMISS and UNIFIL), and INSO. With a background in providing strategic and operational advice, risk analysis, and early warning to senior leadership, Alberto has served as a United Nations security analyst with UN Peacekeeping Missions in South Sudan and Lebanon. He has also played a key role in producing high-quality analysis and scenarios of political and security trends while supporting partner NGOs with risk and crisis management in conflict zones such as Syria and Ukraine. In addition to his field experience, Alberto serves as a freelance consultant for organizations such as Triangle, Save the Children, and others. He holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Economic Policy Applied to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. Additionally, he has shared his expertise by lecturing on Analytical Thinking and Conflict Analysis at the Institute for the Studies of International Politics (ISPI) in Milan.

Charles Lawrie is an Energy and Environment Specialist at Triangle. Charles has led programmes at Triangle and provided technical advice for clients including the World Bank, Oxfam, Mercy Corps and the EU. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Sussex, where his PhD dissertation examines Lebanon’s imported fossil fuel sector. He is an Affiliated Scholar at the American University of Beirut’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, and holds degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the University of Cambridge.

Perla Daou is the Lead Communications Officer at Triangle. Her background includes strategic communication and digital strategy, enabling her to develop cohesive and effective communication plans. Concurrently, she teaches health and environmental communication at the Lebanese American University (LAU). Specializing in ecomedia literacy, critical media literacy, and critical pedagogy, she integrates innovative teaching methods into Lebanese classrooms. Her recent publication addresses media literacy’s impact on countering COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and conspiracy theories. She has also published work on advancing sustainability in media education through ecomedia literacy.

Zeina Jaber Chehayeb is a Legal Advisor at Triangle and has been a practicing lawyer since 2016 and founder of her own law firm, brings extensive expertise to various legal domains including human rights, international humanitarian law, foreign investment laws, competition, and consumer protection in the Arab world. Notably, she serves as Legal Representative for SMEX, advocating for digital rights and freedom of expression in the MENA region, and represents Helem, focusing on queer rights. Zeina has a commendable track record defending activists, providing legal support against unlawful detentions, and strategically litigating for human rights causes. Additionally, she co-founded the Depositors Union of Lebanon and contributes her legal acumen to reputable organizations such as the Lebanese Red Cross and The Lebanese Mine Action Center, bolstering legal protections and rights-based initiatives locally and internationally. Zeina’s dedication extends to legislative engagement, collaborating with Lebanon’s Parliament on crucial matters like budget laws and bank restructuring, underscoring her commitment to progressive legal frameworks and policy-making in Lebanon.

Benjamin Fève is a Research Analyst at Triangle. He has gathered extensive experience in research and analysis across the Middle East and Europe. At Triangle, Benjamin is currently working on comprehensive research and analysis of Lebanese conflict dynamics and macroeconomic developments. He has also extensively written about Syria’s political economy, authoring dozens of reports on the political, economic, humanitarian, and social situations in the country. Furthermore, Benjamin has experience working on EU foreign policy in the Middle East, publishing various papers and engaging in high-level discussions. Through his varied professional experience, Benjamin has collaborated with several international organizations and has provided insights and analysis to diplomatic bodies. He holds a Master’s in European Studies with a focus on Euro-Mediterranean Relations from the University of Aix-Marseille, France, and an advanced Arabic language certification from the Institut Français du Proche-Orient in Jordan.

Hisham Jaber is a Public Health Specialist and Research Methodologist with a diverse background in clinical, public health, and health system fields. Hisham obtained a Master of Public Health degree in Health Management and Policy from American University of Beirut (AUB) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the same university. He has over ten years of experience along the healthcare continuum as a critical care registered nurse and emergency medical responder and instructor, along with five years of experience in conducting research to improve healthcare practices and health systems. His research interests include quantitative and qualitative public health research and developing evidence-based health policies and care guidelines and protocols. Hisham is currently working with several bodies including the Clinical Research Institute at the Faculty of Medicine at AUB and the World Health Organization among several others. At Triangle, he spearheads various research initiatives and develops comprehensive policy briefs, emphasizing his strong orientation towards health sector policy and research.

Jonas Truneh is Triangle’s Business Development Officer. With experience in programme development and project management he is able to leverage a diverse international background to develop the organization’s strategic initiatives. Jonas holds an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA degree with First-Class Honours in Religion, Politics, and Society from King’s College London.

Adam Chamseddine is a Senior Policy Advisor at Triangle, bringing over 10 years of experience in journalism and communications. Adam manages Arabic editorial content and ensures adherence to editorial standards. Prior to joining Triangle, he served as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption within Lebanon’s political establishment. His journalism career spans written, broadcast, and digital media, including roles at Al-Hayat and Assafir newspapers, and over eight years as a senior correspondent at Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed TV. Adam has also contributed to Middle East Eye and freelanced for The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, he worked as a political researcher at the Lebanese American University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Studies.

Moayad Hokan is a Research Assistant and Technical Writer with a focus on Middle East politics, armed conflict and humanitarian crises. Additionally, he is a Triangle’s Translator and Interpreter proficient in transcribing and translating between English and Arabic, especially for academic and journalistic content. Moayad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies, specializing in Human Rights and Transitional Justice, from the American University of Beirut. His areas of expertise include geopolitics and international security.

Nancy Ehrenberg-Peters is a Research Analyst at Triangle. She has over three years of experience at SCRAP Weapons, an institute affiliated with SOAS University, where she co-led the Feminist Disarmament Project. At SCRAP she edited a special issue of the journal ‘ZeFKo Studies in Peace and Conflict’ titled ‘Gender Approaches to Disarmament, Arms Control, Peace and Conflict’. Nancy has also researched the gendered impact of the illicit proliferation of weapons in Lebanon and contributed to implementing the Women Peace and Security agenda locally. Nancy holds a Scottish MA in Arabic and Spanish from the University of Edinburgh and a Master of Science degree in Violence, Conflict, and Development from SOAS University, London. She specialised in the political economy of conflict, conflict resolution, and ‘post-conflict’ reconstruction in the Levant, along with advanced Arabic, and has a keen interest in war and peace economies.

Giselle Jetti is a Research Analyst at Triangle with extensive experience in human rights and humanitarian law, specializing in armed conflict and conflict resolution. In her previous roles at The Duty Legacy and the Edinburgh International Justice Initiative, she analyzed conflict dynamics, including the wars in Sudan and Gaza. She also coordinated research on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes among ICC member states, significantly advancing advocacy efforts. Giselle holds an LLM in International Law from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Political Studies with a minor in International Law, with honors, from the American University of Beirut.