Ola Badran is a humanitarian and development professional specializing in gender equality, protection, disability inclusion, and conflict‑sensitive programming. She has built a diverse portfolio across different contexts, working with the UN, international partners, and the private sector to strengthen inclusive, safe, and equitable programming in complex and high‑risk environments.

In her current role as Programme Policy Officer with the UN in Syria, Ola leads efforts to mainstream protection and inclusion across operations and programme design. Her work spans technical advisory, the development of tools and guidance, strengthening SADD and monitoring frameworks, and managing GBV-related cases through community feedback mechanisms.

In Pakistan, she led the gender and inclusion portfolio of a Green Climate Fund project, conducting in‑depth field research and authoring key products including a Gender Analysis, a Guidance Note on Gender‑Responsive and Inclusive DRR, and an SBCC Strategy for last‑mile early warning access. She has collaborated closely with different stakeholders to embed gender and protection priorities within DRR, social protection, food systems, and anticipatory action. Previously she worked extensively on conflict sensitivity, risk analysis, and adaptive programming. Ola brings a strong commitment to equity, dignity, and meaningful participation in all aspects of her work.

Ola holds a Master’s degree in International Cooperation, Finance, and Development from Unitelma Sapienza, Italy, where her thesis focused on humanitarian policy advocacy in sanctioned environments. She also earned an MBA from the Higher Institute of Business Administration in Damascus and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Industries from Damascus University.

Participant in: March 2024 Fellowship: Climate Change, Gender, and Conflict