ABOUT
WATAN is a leading civil society organization dedicated to delivering emergency relief, supporting third-sector initiatives, and implementing long-term international development projects. Our mission is to help people and revive communities through a holistic and transformative approach. As an independent, non-governmental, apolitical, and non-sectarian organization, we operate across several integrated sectors to provide humanitarian aid and promote sustainable community development.
Our Mission
We are committed to building a sustainable, healthy, and educated community within an inclusive society that engages and supports all individuals, regardless of gender, faith, or ethnicity. Our efforts focus on rebuilding lives and fostering social cohesion by providing essential services in areas such as emergency relief, post-conflict peace-building, education, economic empowerment, advocacy, and the development of a strong civil society.
Our Vision
A free and dignified world based on tolerance, respect, and social justice.
Our Purpose
To help nations heal, learn and prosper.
Our Focus
We put communities at the center of our focus, because we know that fragmented intervention would not lead to a sustainable impact.
Our Values
WATAN Framework
Executive Team
Mohammed Al-Kannas
General Manager
joined WATAN in 2019, bringing with him extensive experience in designing and implementing development projects. He has directly managed over 40 local and international projects, with total budgets exceeding $40 million. Mohammed is also a member of several international development committees and has an academic background in public and non-profit business administration. Since 2023, he has been serving as the CEO of WATAN and is the driving force behind our multi-sectoral expansion.
AHMAD ALELEWI
Head of Opreations
joined WATAN in 2017, bringing over 15 years of experience in IT as a licensed and specialized Software Engineer. He has played a key role in automating the organization's operations, strategically guiding WATAN toward full digitization. Ahmed has also improved field operations for our teams. With over a decade of experience in managing operations, logistics, and technical affairs in non-profit organizations, he is a valuable asset to our mission.
Hasan Shaheen
Head of the Turkey Mission
joined WATAN in 2023 and brings a diverse academic background in international relations, business administration, and pharmacy, along with prestigious professional certifications in development project management. With over a decade of experience managing humanitarian and development projects in Turkey and the Middle East, Hasan specializes in overseeing expansion operations and collaborating with institutional donors.
Ahmad Kayyali
Head of Syria Mession
joined WATAN in 2015 and has contributed to many different aspects of the organization. He is the founder of the WASH department and the field manager for WATAN's eight sectors. Ahmad oversees ground-level operations and has been serving as the Syria Operations Manager since 2023. With over 11 years of field experience, he is considered the executive arm in the field and one of the key architects of WATAN's identity, known for implementing projects with a zero-deficiency methodology.
Rula Sayed Issa
Q&C Manager
joined WATAN in 2013 and has led the Partnership Excellence department while also founding the PMO department. She currently manages the Quality and Compliance department and is a member of several international specialized groups that support civil society. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Rula is also a trainer and academic lecturer in enhancing partnerships and grants. She also has a keen interest in strengthening strategic relations with donors.
Mohammed Carroum
Finance Manger
joined WATAN in 2023 and brings over 15 years of experience in financial management and accounting in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with more than 10 years in non-profit accounting. He has a strong academic and professional background in accounting and financial management, with expertise in international accounting standards (IFRS).
Rami Alaswad
Legal Manager
joined WATAN in 2013 and has advanced through various administrative and executive positions to become the Treasury Manager and establish the Legal Affairs Department based on the "Zero-Exposure" methodology. He also serves as the organization's legal representative. Rami holds a Higher Diploma in Business Administration and has professional certifications in development project management. With over 10 years of experience managing private and public business operations, he brings extensive expertise to his role.
