Joanna Parsley
About Joanna Parsley
Joanna Parsley serves as the Deputy Head of Programs at Catholic Relief Services in Irbīl, Iraq, where she has worked since 2020. With over nine years of experience in humanitarian program management across the Middle East, she has held various roles in organizations such as Tearfund and the Danish Refugee Council.
Work at Catholic Relief Services
Joanna Parsley has been serving as the Deputy Head of Programs at Catholic Relief Services since 2020, based in Irbīl, Iraq. In this role, she oversees various humanitarian initiatives and program management efforts. Prior to her current position, she worked as the Emergency Response & Recovery Program Manager from 2018 to 2020 in Erbil, Iraq, and as the Program Quality Manager from 2017 to 2018 in Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza. Her extensive experience within the organization highlights her commitment to humanitarian work and program effectiveness.
Education and Expertise
Joanna Parsley earned a Bachelor's Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from The University of Hull, completing her studies from 2005 to 2008. She possesses specific expertise in managing humanitarian programs across the Middle East, with a focus on countries such as Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq. Her academic background and professional experience contribute to her proficiency in multi-sector emergency and early recovery program management and development.
Background in Humanitarian Work
Joanna Parsley has over nine years of experience in the humanitarian sector. She has held various positions in organizations such as Tearfund, where she worked as a Programme Support Officer and Programme Development and Quality Coordinator in Sudan. Additionally, she served as the Grants and Communications Coordinator at GOAL Global in Turkey and as the Programme Development and Grants Coordinator at the Danish Refugee Council in Lebanon. Her diverse background reflects her dedication to humanitarian efforts in challenging environments.
Professional Roles Prior to Current Position
Before her current role at Catholic Relief Services, Joanna Parsley held several positions that contributed to her expertise in program management. She worked at The Money Charity as Advocacy Officer and later as Associate Director from 2008 to 2011 in London, United Kingdom. Her experience at Tearfund included roles as Programme Development Officer and Programme Development and Quality Coordinator, further enhancing her skills in program development and quality assurance.
Communication and Advocacy Skills
Joanna Parsley is recognized for her effective communication and advocacy skills within the field of humanitarian programs. Her ability to articulate program goals and engage stakeholders has been instrumental in her roles across various organizations. This competency supports her work in managing complex humanitarian initiatives and fostering collaboration among diverse teams.