Rawhi Afaghani

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

• Conflict analysis and resolution expert with a range of research and programmatic experience in the fields of international relations and policy, social and economic development, media, and business.
• Multilingual journalist with expertise in media analysis, writing, editing and producing print and broadcast news.
• Expert social analyst with comprehensive understanding of contemporary political, economic, and cultural affairs within the Arab and Muslim worlds, Central and Eastern Europe, and the United States.
• Extremely detail-oriented, highly motivated self-starter and experienced project manager with sixteen years combined experience living and working abroad and in multicultural and international settings.

• Ph.D. Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia, United States. In progress.
• M.Sc. Journalism with specialization in political science. Faculty of Social Sciences. Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Graduated, September 1998.
• B.A. Journalism with a specialization in television news production. Faculty of Social Science. Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Graduated, June 1995.

Senior Media Analyst
Concepts and Strategies; Herndon, VA (November 2006 - present)
Produce media analysis on political, social and cultural issue of the Middle East with concentration on Lebanon and Syria. Reports include in-depth analysis of politics in the Middle East and its relation to the West.

Director of Online Operation
Unites Press International; Washington, DC (April 2003 - October 2006)
Manage all aspects of web-based operations of United Press International (UPI) department of Web Development, and affiliated sister companies within the US and abroad. Establish departmental priorities by conducting market analysis and related research. Develop and monitor departmental budget. Plan and coordinate work program of all department staff. In cooperation with the senior management committee assist with the development and implementation of corporate policies and objectives. Design and implement business plan for the department. Assist with the development of information system standards. Design and implement new and revised systems to ensure effective and efficient services. Manage six staff.

Project Manager

InterTent.com, LLC/ Worldtent, Inc; Washington, DC (June 2001 ? April 2003)
Managed webcasting of Arabic television and radio programs from ten Middle Eastern television networks. In an effort to build a bridge of understanding between the US and the Middle East we conducted research on the relationship between conflict and media and the promotion of dialog through new media tools. Contributed to proposal writing to secure funding from private investors.

Programming Coordinator

ANA TV Network, INC; Washington, DC (February 1999- June 2001)
Assisted in various aspects of television production for American affiliate of large Dubai-based Arab television station, MBC.  Coordinated daily television schedule. Co-produced and participated in script writing of two live talk shows.  Assisted with live and recorded news production and daily programs. Translated materials from Arabic to English and created voice-over. Obtained programming material from parent network. 

Middle Eastern Consultant

Czech Television; Prague, Czech Republic (March 1996 - March 1998)
Assisted Czech reporters with stories concerning the Middle East and Arab countries. Analyzed political events to supplement reporters’ research of stories. Conducted media analysis of selected newspapers in the Middle East.  Translated materials from Arabic to Czech. 

Training & Development Coordinator

Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation; Ramallah, West Bank (June 1995 - February 1996)
Coordinated several start-up activities during the establishment of the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.  Educated new journalists on theory and practice in television news production, including newswriting, on-camera reporting, and video editing.

News Correspondent (Part-time)

Independent Journalists? Center; Prague, Czech Republic (February 1994 - June 1995)
Reported on local stories as assigned by producer.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Photography exhibitions; Charles University; Prague, Czech Republic
(October 1994 and October 1996)
Presented two photography exhibits focusing on social issues in the Czech Republic.
Both exhibitions were shown in the halls of Charles University and were open to the public.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Arabic (native), English (fluent), Czech (fluent), Slovak (fluent), Russian (basic), Hebrew (basic), Spanish (basic)

ADVANCED COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Proficient in Windows for Mac and PC, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access, SPSS (Statistical Analysis), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Flash, and RealProducer.