Project Development
With over two decades of expertise, I have led the creation of new programmes and initiatives from scratch in various societies and thematic areas. My track record shows that the programmes I’ve created meet immediate needs and have game-changing policy implications, resulting in transformative outcomes. Whether in low-, middle- or high-income nations, my expertise is detecting emerging needs, developing innovative solutions, and implementing complete programmes promoting good change.
I have successfully launched and managed various initiatives, including global health, humanitarian assistance, refugee relief, and women’s empowerment. My programmes have constantly proved their ability to produce meaningful outcomes and have a lasting impact. I have designed initiatives that match the immediate needs of communities and drive systemic change, leveraging my strategic vision and profound grasp of difficult situations. My methodology ensures that programmes influence policies, resulting in game-changing outcomes for communities and societies.
Notable Highlights
Program development for a new South-South dialogue initiative, The Himalayan Dialogues, based in Kathmandu, Nepal (2023-2024)
In collaboration with the National Assembly of Nepal, the Ministry of Health, WHO- Conceptualized and led implementing the Pan-Nepal Parliamentarians’ Program on Combating Rumours and Misinformation during COVID-19. (2020-2022)
Program Development along with Partnership, Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation strategy for the Geneva Health Forum (2010-2015)
Set-up of country operations (Registration, Donor Liaison, Recruitment, HR, Media Relations)
Three ECMI Country offices in fYROM, Serbia and Montenegro
Six Regional NGO resource centres around fYROM
Set-up of Think Tanks (Registration, Donor Liaison, Recruitment, HR, Media Relations)
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia
IHM-UNICEF Centre for Health Policy and Finance, Kuala Lumpur
In partnership with the University of Skopje and UNHCR
What?
Sector
Where
When
With Whom
Sector?
Minority Issues
What?
Project Development, Capacity Development, Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
Until the launch of this initiative most initiatives aimed at the Romani population of Macedonia were being implemented by non-Roms. This often led to poor participation of the Roms and virtually no transfer of skills or know-how. Through my work with Roms in Macedonia and many Roma NGOs I could see that there is availability of talent and experience in the Roma community. The lack of formal education was a barrier to the advancement of these potential experts. The Romani experts project was launched to prepare a pool of Roma experts who have the skills, knowledge and commitment to work on Roma issues.
When?
2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I think I played a key role in conceptualizing this initiative, developing the project proposal and getting donors on board. Dr. Eben Friedman, a leading authority on Roma issues, led this project. I was also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and fundraising.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida
What Happened?
Four Expert Group organized around the core areas of education, health, civil rights, and employment were established.
The Expert Groups generated and compiled usable reports with the data necessary to provide a basis for the design of policy not only for Roms, but also by Roms.
Understanding through extensive fieldwork: for projects aimed at the Roma community to succeed, they need to be implemented by people who are part of the Roma community.
Senior Adviser (Judicial Reform)
DANIDA, Bangladesh
Sector?
Minority Issues
What?
Project Development, Capacity Development, Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
Until the launch of this initiative most initiatives aimed at the Romani population of Macedonia were being implemented by non-Roms. This often led to poor participation of the Roms and virtually no transfer of skills or know-how. Through my work with Roms in Macedonia and many Roma NGOs I could see that there is availability of talent and experience in the Roma community. The lack of formal education was a barrier to the advancement of these potential experts. The Romani experts project was launched to prepare a pool of Roma experts who have the skills, knowledge and commitment to work on Roma issues.
When?
2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I think I played a key role in conceptualizing this initiative, developing the project proposal and getting donors on board. Dr. Eben Friedman, a leading authority on Roma issues, led this project. I was also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and fundraising.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida
What Happened?
Four Expert Group organized around the core areas of education, health, civil rights, and employment were established.
The Expert Groups generated and compiled usable reports with the data necessary to provide a basis for the design of policy not only for Roms, but also by Roms.
Understanding through extensive fieldwork: for projects aimed at the Roma community to succeed, they need to be implemented by people who are part of the Roma community.
Senior Adviser (Judicial Reform)
DANIDA, Bangladesh
Sector?
Refugees, Global Health
What?
Negotiations, Project Development, Assessments And Evaluation, Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
In 1999 during the Kosovo refugee crisis, following concerns of inter-ethnic instability, the Republic of Macedonia imposed a condition on the international community for admitting refugees from neighboring Kosovo. The number of refugees that are evacuated from Macedonia to NATO countries would be the number of newly admitted refugees into the country. In the race against time, while it was vital to evacuate as many refugees as possible, it was important to give priority to vulnerable cases. Prioritizing medical cases among an exhausted from difficult travels and traumatized population was one aspect of the challenge. The other- convincing reluctant host governments accept medical cases for evacuation and the associated costs to their health systems.
When?
2000
What Exactly?
Sunoor Verma’s services were retained by the UNHCR to formulate priority criteria for the evacuation of refugee patients to NATO countries. Sunoor prioritized the cases from 7 geographically dispersed refugee camps, and negotiated with NATO country delegations transfer and treatment of emergency medical cases from among the refugees. He coordinated and monitored the facilities for evacuation of severely ill refugees. He played a key role in the initiation, planning and implementation of extending the medical evacuation program to approximately 200,000+ host family refugee cases. Sunoor monitored the standard of medical escorts during evacuation. He worked in partnership with local medical authorities, government authorities, donor community and NGOs to facilitate the patient evacuation process.
With Whom?
UNCHR
What Happened?
Medical evacuation program extended to approximately 200,000+ refugees residing with host families.
Significant increase in evacuation of patient to NATO countries for treatment.
Adviser, Department for Europe
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency