Matthew S. Atkins
After growing up in Germany, studying in England and the US and working in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean I have decades of international experience. I have mostly worked as a Program Manager/Officer/Assistant with the UN and development/humanitarian NGOs; I am also an accomplished teacher/trainer with 4+ years experience. While a Project Support Officer in the DRC I was intimately involved with every aspect of project work, and I believe that the combination of logistical, finance and program duties have prepared me for further humanitarian relief work. My experience has made me highly adaptable: I speak excellent French and Spanish and have worked with numerous data management programs for research and reporting. I have included relevant positions; any gaps in my work history were filled with study, outdoor guiding (in Alaska) and seasonal work.
EDUCATION
2004-2005
Bristol University Bristol, England
MSc in International Relations and Gender (focus on program management/gender and development)
1997-2000
The University of Chicago Chicago, IL
BA in English Language and Literature (additional study in South Asian Studies and Gender Studies)
1992-1996 Ramstein, Germany
Ramstein American High School
Diploma (valedictorian), 1996 Presidential Scholar
EMPLOYMENT
2013-2014
Medair Democratic Republic of Congo
Chef de Base/Project Support Officer
-As head of Finance, Logistics, Security, HR and Support for field base, managed 15 staff and coordinated all support functions for Echo-funded humanitarian aid project
-Planned, prepared and oversaw all field visits, acting as Security Focal Point and logistics manager
-Served as focal point for international/national supply chain, overseeing transport of all materials and medication from supply centers to points of disbursement in the field
-As Finance Manager, checked and approved all monetary transactions, including project funds and base costs
-In total, worked with the base Project Manager to provide all services for targeted beneficiaries and health centers along 300+ kilometers of difficult terrain in northeastern DRC
2011-2012
OneAmerica Seattle, WA
Tech Coach, Project Associate, EI Classroom Assistant
-Created all-new curriculum, combining on-site learning, remote online material, multimedia and class exercises.
-Provided instructor-led technology support, training and group facilitation for unique English language learning courses provided free for the immigrant community. Pilot program sponsored by The Gates Foundation.
-While Project Associate, managed database of students and inventory; coordinated volunteers; assisted in classroom
2011
The Seaweed Industry Association Seattle, WA
Program Manager
-Conducted research for nonprofit trade association; investigated grants and created database of client organizations
-Managed West Indian Ocean Seaweed Advancement program, consulting experts, making a site visit to Tanzania (including field interviews with local seaweed farmers) and determining best practices for upcoming grant cycle
2010
Pearson Vue Professional Centers Seattle, WA
Test Administrator
-Administered and proctored graduate and medical exams; created and modified client databases
2009
WGNRR Manila and Amsterdam
Program Assistant, RSHR Program
-Worked in two offices (Manila and Amsterdam) of international network of NGOs
-Analyzed data and wrote reports linking chemical environmental degradation and local health problems
-Developed and maintained databases of partners and clients
-Researched, contacted and partnered with organizations for Dutch Foreign Ministry-funded projects
2008
The City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska Juneau, AK
Grant Researcher and Writer
-Researched and analyzed funding sources and improvement opportunities for city institutions
-Drafted grant proposals and letters of inquiry for community projects
-Created databases in multiple formats of current practices for inclusion in grant documents
2007
The United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic/The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development New York, NY
Program Assistant, Migration Researcher,
- Created new online database of American clients for internship program; researched and maintained records
- Identified and analyzed Dominican migration trends for working paper and project proposal
2007
United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and New York, NY
Project Assistant, Gender and Migration
- Researched statistics and relevant publications for project proposal on study of Haitian gendered remittances
- Wrote multiple reports on current migration issues for publication with UN-INSTRAW
- Along with administrative duties, worked with Communications to target and contact media sources worldwide
2005 Paris, France
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Stagiare, UNESCO's Division of Gender Equality
- Reviewed all UNESCO work plans, compiling data and recommending revisions
- Performed program and office management tasks for the Division and its Director
- Attended as WGE representative all UNESCO HIV/AIDS-related meetings and events
- Created database of UNESCO projects for wider UN use, coordinating with other sectors
- Prepared training materials for and assisted at Sector-wide Gender Mainstreaming Workshops
- Drafted Division-specific minutes for all Executive Board and General Conference sessions
2003-2004
Aspect International Language Academy Chicago, IL
ESL instructor
-Taught all levels of English—classes included grammar, speaking and electives (designed 3-month elective curricula)
2002-2003
Literacy Chicago Chicago, IL
ESL instructor
- Taught ESL classes of 10-15 immigrant students for educational NGO, preparing original curricula and lessons
2001-2002
Manjooran’s Group of Institutes Kottayam, Ernakulum and Bangalore, India
ESL instructor
- Taught ESL, TOEFL and TSE classes to emigrating professional students in India; marketed new Bangalore branch
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
