<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Susanne Shomali]]></title><description><![CDATA[Knowledge Mobilizer & Organisational Development Advisor]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 15:53:40 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Development Practice Explained]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learning Beyond Trends and Theory Welcome, and thank you for being here. I started this blog as a way to pause and reflect on what I have learned over time in the development sector. I work in international development, focusing on program design, policy, and learning. My experience comes from working with different communities and institutions over many years. So much of our work moves quickly and there is little space to step back and think about what worked, what did not, and why. This...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/your-title-what-s-your-blog-about</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c106320160b7de3153a0d5</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:25:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/78d045_bd3b500c853c4af4a99079daf3ac4a2a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Change-Makers in Unexpected Places]]></title><description><![CDATA[During my recent trip to Albania, I met Gerald, an impressive young man who left a lasting impression on me. Known in his community for his exceptional ability to connect and serve, Gerald's true passions lie in education, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, as he demonstrated by successfully running his own business with degrees in engineering and management.  His dream of serving his country's youth led him to apply for a national UN post, driven by his belief in entrepreneurship and...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/change-makers-in-unexpected-places</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c15712e26320a33934e81d</guid><category><![CDATA[Reflections & Field Learning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:07:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leadership Is Not Micromanagement]]></title><description><![CDATA[It has been a while since I last contributed to my blog here. As I frequently observe LinkedIn discussions on management, impact, and innovation at the workplace, I would like to highlight a connected common challenge that we all get to experience at one point (if not frequently) in our work life: micromanagement. A positive work environment is crucial for team well-being and productivity but when contributions are undermined and expert input dismissed, it becomes challenging to maintain such...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/leadership-is-not-micromanagement</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c15663b9d5370ce323b570</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership, Governance & Ethics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:04:51 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life... A Fundamental Right]]></title><description><![CDATA[Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 3: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 6:  "Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life." "When deprivation of life constitutes the crime of genocide, it is understood that nothing in this article shall authorize any State Party to the present Covenant...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/life-a-fundamental-right</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1559ae26320a33934e49a</guid><category><![CDATA[Reflections & Field Learning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:01:07 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Specialised Approaches in Youth Programming]]></title><description><![CDATA[August 2024 Almost every development agency includes a strategic vision to meaningfully engage with young people. While the reasons for this are clear, the real question lies in who is best suited to connect with youth at the program and policy levels and how they can do so effectively. Some development experts hold the view that their experience in designing and executing adult programs, raising children, or even being themselves young in age, qualifies them to lead youth programming....]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/on-international-youth-day-the-importance-of-specialised-approaches-in-youth-programming</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1543baa3981cd0ec17708</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:57:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b85ff0_fc2c4ca78e5d4b82b43f37d8ab1f2a8e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[لنجعل عمان مدينة صديقة لكبار السن]]></title><description><![CDATA[رسالة إلى العاملين في مجال التنمية الاجتماعية في العاصمة عمان: على الرغم من الجهود التي تبذلها المؤسسات البلدية والأهلية والخاصة في تحسين البنية التحتية وتطوير الخدمات العامة في المدينة، إلا أن هناك جانباً اجتماعياً هاماً تم تجاهله في التخطيط الحضري للعاصمة، وهو الوصول لكبار السن ودمجهم بشكل فعال في المجتمع. فالخدمات المتوفرة غالباً ما تركز على تمكين وإدماج الشباب، متجاهلة الاحتياجات الاجتماعية والنفسية لكبار السن. هذا التجاهل يؤدي إلى عزلة اجتماعية متزايدة لأهالينا المسنين ويساهم في تدهور...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%B9%D9%84-%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c153b569ed8cb882aaa837</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:53:38 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[In Memory of Mark E. Taylor]]></title><description><![CDATA[I just received the deeply sad news of yesterday's passing of my great mentor and beautiful friend,   Mark E. Taylor . You left us too soon! The international and European youth work has lost an exceptional educator and contributor. I first met Mark at the start of my career on my very first training on youth work. It only took me a couple of hours on that first day to realize I wanted to be like him one day. His knowledge, professionalism, positivity, warmth, fun, vibrant energy, intellect,...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/in-memory-of-mark-e-taylor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c153678f0e652aaa2baf0d</guid><category><![CDATA[Reflections & Field Learning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:51:22 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Respecting Roles Strengthens Development Programs]]></title><description><![CDATA[September 2024 Back in Amman, I am reconnecting with friends and acquaintances to catch up on what I missed while I was away. This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Thoqan Obeidat, Jordan's renowned education and curriculum expert. During our conversation, we reflected on a recent news incident where non-expert leaders took on technical matters despite lacking the necessary expertise. Later in the morning, I attended an online workshop where an administrative team member had...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/why-respecting-roles-strengthens-development-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1523fb9d5370ce323ab9a</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership, Governance & Ethics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:48:34 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[To All Recruiters - Part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[I could not help but join the conversation about the frustrations that many job seekers are sharing repeatedly on LinkedIn. As the year comes to an end, I invite you to reflect on recruitment and application processes and practices. Job-related networking, submitting applications, preparing tenders, or participating in interviews requires significant time and effort from the part of the job seeker, and when these efforts are met with prolonged silence, sudden cancellations, or delayed...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/to-all-recruiters-part-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c15139adda444fefae60ed</guid><category><![CDATA[Skills & Labour Market Workforce]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:42:52 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[To All Recruiters - Part 2 ]]></title><description><![CDATA[In my last two interviews, I was asked whether I would give up consulting for a full-time role, and whether I could stick to a strict work schedule, as if consultants are not full-time professionals who often work longer hours to meet deadlines. In my own career, I am still moving between consulting and program leadership roles, and both have benefited from the other. The job market is changing, and many seasoned individuals alternate between these roles, bringing valuable skills and...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/to-all-recruiters-part-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14b8eaa3981cd0ec1604d</guid><category><![CDATA[Skills & Labour Market Workforce]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:41:15 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning to Unlearn in today's World]]></title><description><![CDATA[January 2025 Closing another year marked by bloodshed, destruction, human suffering, power greed, and relentless media manipulation, I would like to invite us to take a moment to reflect on the beliefs and narratives we hold—how many of them have been shaped by media and political agendas over the years? Learning to unlearn these influences is a powerful skill toward deeper awareness. It means challenging what feels familiar, facing the discomfort of uncertainty, and identifying biases we...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/learning-to-unlearn-in-today-s-world</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14b05b9d5370ce32398bc</guid><category><![CDATA[Reflections & Field Learning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:17:06 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who Leads Scale-Up? - Part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[It has been a good start to the year for me, with more engaging professional discussions. After a recent conversation with a former colleague about what it takes to scale up a program, we identified four key aspects that I would like to share with you, one at a time. As always, would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on each. Part (1): Scaling up a program is more than replicating it or expanding its reach—it is an opportunity to rethink and improve its impact. Rather than just...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/who-leads-scale-up-part-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14a7fd25f3712fa7485b5</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:13:21 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who Leads Scale-Up? - Part 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[(2) Part (1) discussed how scaling up a program creates opportunities to rethink and improve impact by engaging those who benefit most. Equally important are forming "unconventional" partnerships, being adaptive, and continuing to ensure long-term success through sustainability measures: Unconventional partnerships can bring fresh ideas and resources. For example, municipalities could engage refugee communities in local governance by including them in advisory councils, ensuring their needs...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/who-leads-scale-up-part-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c149ce8fe05188d489b8be</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:10:50 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who Leads Scale-Up? - Part 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[Building on my previous two posts about what program scaling up means, a key part of the discussion was also about identifying who is best suited to drive this process. So, here is part (3) and the final one from my reflections on program scaling, hoping it will offer some insights and encourage more discussions on this matter.  (Part 3) Scaling programs effectively requires the right mindset, skills, and experience. Those who excel at it see both the bigger picture and the finer details,...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/what-it-takes-to-lead-program-scale-up</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14939adda444fefae4c69</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:08:35 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Participation Is Not a Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[Time and again... Development efforts are most effective when people have a say in shaping the solutions that affect their lives. A participatory approach means involving the concerned communities in consultation, decision-making, and implementation. It draws on their diverse perspectives to create solutions that address local needs and reflect their ideas. Good management of participatory approaches begins with engaging the community from the start to ensure solutions are grounded in...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/participation-is-not-a-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c148ad69ed8cb882aa8bde</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:06:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Poor Questions, Weak Data]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have noticed that surveys are increasingly used to gather needs or assess outcomes or impact. Based on my observations of surveys circulating, I would like to offer some advice on improving survey practices :) A well-designed survey can provide reliable data but its effectiveness depends on clear question structure and accurate measurement of responses. Unless you are collecting objective data, such as counts, locations, or direct yes/no answers, how a question is phrased can significantly...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/poor-questions-weak-data</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14819b9d5370ce32391b3</guid><category><![CDATA[Knowledge Management]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:03:41 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Every Job Be Taught?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Today, the HR community on LinkedIn is actively posting statements such as "99% of jobs can be taught" or "skills can be learned"... My piece of thought: While there is some truth to the idea that many skills can be developed on the job, most professions require a solid foundation of technical skills first. A civil engineer cannot design infrastructure without structural analysis. An entrepreneur cannot turn a creative idea into a successful business without understanding market dynamics and...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/can-every-job-be-taught</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1475e8fe05188d489b26d</guid><category><![CDATA[Skills & Labour Market Workforce]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:46 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Quiet Unemployment]]></title><description><![CDATA[In different places, many mid-career and senior level professionals are quietly facing unemployment. People with long careers of commitment and high professional value, who once moved easily between roles, now find themselves investing long days in job searching. Not all efforts are visible too, there are those who continue to go unseen despite their abilities. Some dream of waking up again with purpose, ready to put on a suit and head to the office, while others struggle to find the energy...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/the-quiet-unemployment</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c146ecd25f3712fa747cc8</guid><category><![CDATA[Skills & Labour Market Workforce]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:58:38 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Training Is Not Capacity Building]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many times, 'Let’s build capacity' is said when a training is being planned. Training is a tool. Capacity building is a process. When we reduce capacity building to a single training activity, we miss the goal: to help individuals, institutions, and systems perform better, adapt to change and continue improving over time. Yes, training is important, but it is not enough on its own. Capacity building involves: Helping people understand their roles and feel prepared to do the work Improving...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/training-is-not-capacity-building</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c14614adda444fefae4436</guid><category><![CDATA[Development Systems & Practice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:56:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b85ff0_e8797c26515e4720a2196a5d089c85b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_540,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Research Questions First]]></title><description><![CDATA[When reviewing a research or evaluation report, one of the first things I look for is the set of research questions. These questions show what the study is trying to explore and help clarify whether the methodology makes sense. A good methodology chapter should respond directly to the research questions. Without this link, it becomes difficult to assess the value of the tools used, the way data was collected, or how the findings were framed. I often see two extremes. Some reports include too...]]></description><link>https://susanneshomali.wixsite.com/home/post/research-questions-first</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1458baa3981cd0ec150e5</guid><category><![CDATA[Knowledge Management]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:52:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Susanne Shomali</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>