Layal Assaad

Layal is an experienced development professional with 15+ years in peacebuilding, youth participation, gender equality, education and social stability. Skilled in program design, project and data management, evaluation and learning, strategic planning, training, facilitation, report and grant writing. She has also participated in developing the conflict sensitivity model within Lebanon projects, which included developing policy briefs, toolkits and learning papers.

As the Strategic Leader for the Lebanon Country program, Layal is committed to fostering a more peaceful Lebanon. She collaborates with a passionate team, active partners, supportive donors, key stakeholders, and local communities. Her role ensures program development and implementation quality by mobilizing resources, overseeing financial and operational aspects, and managing a dedicated team.

Before joining Alert in July 2016 as a Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, Layal served as a Grants Making Programme Officer at the Arab Human Rights Fund, managing a portfolio of human rights and developmental projects, as well as capacity-building projects across various organizations. Her experience extends across diverse political and cultural contexts, including the Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian refugee communities.

Layal is also a certified life coach and holds an MA in Political Sciences and International Relations from La Sagesse University in Beirut. Her master’s thesis focused on preventing violent extremism through civic engagement, livelihood, and peacebuilding initiatives for youth. In addition, Layal serves as a Board Member for the local NGO, Fighters for Peace.