Sadia A. Sony

About the Candidate

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

●        7 years of experience in developing and implementing Public Health projects and conducting research in women’s and child health, adolescent health, immunization, and nutrition including 5 years in a low- and middle-income country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

●        Knowledgeable of advocacy tools and tactics, with a research-based MPH degree in Reproductive and Child health and an MSc degree in Global Health, actively stays up to date on global health advancements.

●        Proficient in conducting research, policy analysis, and monitoring and analyzing global health programs and financing, including government initiatives and multilateral instruments.

●        Proven expertise in effective written and oral communication for diverse audiences, showcased through 20 peer-reviewed publications, presentations at 6 international conferences.

●        Skilled in project planning, strategy development, action plan implementation, and leading large-scale initiatives, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.

●        Proven ability to engage and build strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, decision-makers, and volunteers.

●        Proficient in utilizing various software and tools, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Zoom, Slack and social media platforms.

EXPERIENCE

Education and Advocacy Fellow                                                                                                                         September 2022 – Present

Results Canada                                                                                                                                                                           Ottawa, Canada

• Engage in political advocacy activities alongside volunteers and support publicly facing campaigns.

• Collaborate with high-impact civil society groups to execute virtual advocacy and communication efforts with Canadian Members of Parliament, advocating for domestic and global investments in initiatives targeting pressing global health issues.

• Conduct research on significant developments related to tuberculosis (TB) and identifies new/emerging opportunities for impactful advocacy.

• Conduct virtual communication and advocacy platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn Instagram, Slack and emails.

Intern, NTEAM                                                                                                                                              September 2020 – March 2021

Nutrition International                                                                                                                                                              Ottawa, Canada

• Conducted thorough research and analysis for planning and implementing an e-learning training project on Vitamin A immunization, collaborating closely with multi-country teams.

•Provided strategic assistance to the Program Director in conducting country analysis, scope and needs analysis, and training material analysis.

•Collaborate with the Knowledge Translation team to prepare and ensure quality assurance of Adolescent Anaemia course materials, promoting accuracy and relevance.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)                                                                                        Dhaka, Bangladesh

Research Program Manager                                                                                                                                  January 2017 – June 2019

•Ensured seamless policy analysis, research and project management and implemented quality improvement measures for various health services, including women’s and child health, Human Papilloma virus (HPV) Immunization and adolescent health and nutrition programs.

•Successfully interfaced with national and international stakeholders on more than 10 projects specializing in, fostering collaboration and achieving project milestones

•Supported the Department of Public Health and Informatics, UNICEF, and Ministry of Health in developing a comprehensive project plan for the HPV vaccine pilot program funded by GAVI, The Vaccine alliance.

• Managed the process documentation research for the pilot Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunization program in Bangladesh, overseeing project activities, monitoring timelines, and coordinating efforts to ensure the timely achievement of deliverables.

•Coordinated and executed a robust communication and advocacy strategy and knowledge dissemination plan for the HPV immunization Program, including synthesizing research findings, policy briefs, and insights, peer-reviewed articles, ensuring effective information flow and stakeholder engagement.

•Led the advocacy activities for capacity building training program designed by Department of Public health and resulted in scaling up the training all over Bangladesh.

Program Manager                                                                                                                                                      January- December 2016

• Promoted from Research Officer to lead the planning and implementation of research projects funded by Global Affairs of Canada in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, UNICEF, and Johns Hopkins University.

• Led the training team and managed and organized events including 23+ training programs for 150 health and family planning managers in 10 districts and sub-districts in Bangladesh.

• Managed and tracked the project activities, including developing project timelines, identifying risks, and writing quarterly and annual reports, while managing budgets and ensuring the dissemination of reports and protocols.

• Co-authored 3 training curriculums and contributed to the creation of training materials, including conducting key informant interviews and developing case studies.

• Engaged with the Ministry of Health and Family Planning, Bangladesh to manage the selection and invitation of participants for training sessions, maintained continuous communication with stakeholders.

Research Officer                                                                                                                                                    June 2014- December 2015

•Assisted in the development of research protocols, ensuring adherence to research methodology standards and ethical guidelines.

•Developed comprehensive data collection methodologies and tools, optimizing data quality and efficiency in primary data collection from schools and Adolescent Health facilities in 12 different districts.

•Analyzed research findings to generate comprehensive reports, highlighting key insights, trends, and implications for public health interventions.

•Engaged with media outlets and utilized digital platforms to increase the visibility and impact of research findings, promoting awareness and understanding of public health issues.

EDUCATION

Project Management Certificate                                                                                                                      Ongoing

University of Waterloo, ON, Canada

Master of Science in Global Health (MSc), Concentration in Globalization and Equity                June 2021

McMaster University, ON, Canada

Master of Public Health (MPH), Major in Reproductive and Child Health                                   January 2015

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Professional Degree for Dental Surgeons                                 June 2010

Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

JOURNAL & CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS
·         20 first- and co-authored journal and conference publications (details on Research Gate and LinkedIn)

·         Presented oral and poster presentations at 6 international conferences.