Africa Sánchez Briceño
Maracaibo
Summary
Multilingual humanitarian expert with 15+ years of experience leading protection and local integration programs across Latin America. Proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives with governments, NGOs, and donors. Skilled in project management, durable solutions, AGD mainstreaming, and private-sector engagement. Committed to inclusive policy and sustainable development in displacement settings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Durable Solutions Officer
UNHCR – Mexico City
07.2021 - 03.2025
- Coordinated the Local Integration Program in Mexico benefiting 50,000+ refugees.
- Developed and scaled 'Tú Sí Puedes' employment access initiative for diverse profiles.
- Led partnerships with COMAR, INM, private sector and civil society to institutionalize AGD-based solutions.
- Designed monitoring tools and conducted policy dialogue for integration pathways.
- Promoted foster refugee inclusion within the Local Integration Program; established partnerships with football and baseball clubs to integrate refugee families into local community activities
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to inform strategic planning processes and measure progress towards goals.
Assistant Protection Officer
UNHCR – Venezuela
02.2015 - 06.2021
- Implemented GBV and Child Protection programming in remote areas.
- Led the UNHCR Safe Spaces Network working with youth, women, civil society, and UNFPA to implement GBV and Child protection prevention and response activities.
- Coordinated youth leadership and mobilization building and supporting 4 active youth networks that implemented community activities such as forums, film screenings, and sports events.
- Secured two consecutive Youth Initiative Fund grants from UNHCR to finance youth-led projects and training spaces.
- Designed and delivered awareness campaigns as part of the Safe Spaces Network using accessible and youth-friendly formats.
- Coordinated over 40 actors in multisectoral protection response during COVID-19.
- Managed crisis situations calmly under pressure while directing appropriate actions during emergency responses.
Child Protection Counselor
Child Protection Council – Venezuela
06.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed 100+ weekly cases (BIAs & BIDs) with a rights-based, child-sensitive approach.
- Strengthened family engagement and advocated for protective policies.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
Child Protection Advocate
Foundation 'Niños del Sol' – Venezuela
05.2007 - 05.2011
- Led training programs for child protection officers.
- Promoted awareness on children’s rights and family-based care in community and school settings.
- Mediated family conciliation cases.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication throughout the entire representation process.
- Managed complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
- Assisted with applications and collected required paperwork to help individuals register for supportive services.
- Assisted individuals in navigating processes and procedures to resolve issues, understand rights and express views.
Education
Master's - Children’s Rights
University of Zulia
01.2017
Bachelor - Law
University of Zulia
01.2006
Skills
- Technical: Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Strategic Planning
- Protection: AGD, GBV, Child Protection, Local Integration, Community-Based Approach
- Management: Stakeholder Coordination, Donor Relations, Public-Private Partnerships
- Digital: Excel (Power Query), Canva, Workday, UNHCR tools
- Cross-functional project coordination
- Goal-oriented planning
- Creative problem-solving
- Technical report writing
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Community relations
- Public speaking
Languages
Spanish (Native)
English (Advanced)
References
Raquel, Trabazo, Deputy Representative, trabazo@unhcr.org, UNHCR
Timeline
Associate Durable Solutions Officer
UNHCR – Mexico City
07.2021 - 03.2025
Assistant Protection Officer
UNHCR – Venezuela
02.2015 - 06.2021
Child Protection Counselor
Child Protection Council – Venezuela
06.2011 - 01.2015
Child Protection Advocate
Foundation 'Niños del Sol' – Venezuela
05.2007 - 05.2011
Bachelor - Law
University of Zulia
Master's - Children’s Rights
University of Zulia
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