Director, Conflict and Crisis Practice at Chemonics International
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Background
Summary
Michele Piercey is an international development practitioner with 17 years of professional experience, including 10 years working on political transition and counter-violent extremism (CVE) programs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Tunisia. She is the Director of Chemonics International's Crisis and Conflict Practice, in which she leads Chemonics' industry outreach on conflict and CVE, supports new business efforts, and provides technical support to projects under implementation.
After corporate change management posts with the Australian Department of Defense early in her career, she worked with the U.S. Army Engineers on small-scale community engagement projects across Iraq. Upon joining DAI, she partnered with Provincial Reconstruction Teams and Iraqi civil society on local development projects to reinforce legitimate local governments, and counteract the influence of extremists in south and west Baghdad in 2008 and 2009. From 2009 to 2012 she served as Deputy Chief of Party on USAID – Office of Transition Initiatives Afghanistan Stabilization Initiative, during which she developed and piloted the District Stability Framework, a counterinsurgency planning tool later mandated for use by US military and civilians planning stabilization operations throughout Afghanistan.
As Chief of Party of the Tunisian Transition Initiative from 2012 to 2014, Michele led over 30 local and expatriate staff in the design and development of an innovative small grants program to support Tunisians in their pursuit of a democratic society, a program noted for its innovative use of art, music, and new media to reach a wide cross section of Tunisians and support democratic change. Under Michele's leadership, TTI piloted an innovative new CVE programming strategy that focused on fostering a sense of belonging to moderate Tunisian society for at-risk youth, in response to the disconnection and hopelessness that many young Arabs experienced in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.
After corporate change management posts with the Australian Department of Defense early in her career, she worked with the U.S. Army Engineers on small-scale community engagement projects across Iraq. Upon joining DAI, she partnered with Provincial Reconstruction Teams and Iraqi civil society on local development projects to reinforce legitimate local governments, and counteract the influence of extremists in south and west Baghdad in 2008 and 2009. From 2009 to 2012 she served as Deputy Chief of Party on USAID – Office of Transition Initiatives Afghanistan Stabilization Initiative, during which she developed and piloted the District Stability Framework, a counterinsurgency planning tool later mandated for use by US military and civilians planning stabilization operations throughout Afghanistan.
As Chief of Party of the Tunisian Transition Initiative from 2012 to 2014, Michele led over 30 local and expatriate staff in the design and development of an innovative small grants program to support Tunisians in their pursuit of a democratic society, a program noted for its innovative use of art, music, and new media to reach a wide cross section of Tunisians and support democratic change. Under Michele's leadership, TTI piloted an innovative new CVE programming strategy that focused on fostering a sense of belonging to moderate Tunisian society for at-risk youth, in response to the disconnection and hopelessness that many young Arabs experienced in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.
Experience
Conflict and Crisis Practice Director
Chemonics International
Lead industry outreach, provide technical and other support to business units in the development of competitive proposals, and support performance of projects under implementation in the conflict, transition, and stabilization technical areas.
Principal Global Practice Specialist - Governance
DAI
Led the initiative to establish a new Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and Crime and Violence Prevention (CVP) practice for DAI’s global new business, and in support of projects under implementation. Led new business efforts through the development of technical approaches as lead writer, contributor or proposal reviewer. Main technical focus on CVE, civil society and youth at risk, but also led or contributed to local governance, economic growth and workforce development bids. Devised practice notes on inclusion strategies for youth at risk of extremist and criminal gang recruitment in the US and abroad. Presented or facilitated group sessions on programming responses to at-risk youth and CVE at the Society for International Development - Washington, Harvard Kennedy School, LA Gang Violence Conference, the Joint Center for International Security Force Assistance, OTI Communities of Practice, and others.
Chief of Party
DAI
Project director of a team of 35 expatriate and local staff implementing a $29 million project of USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives, supporting democratic transition in Tunisia in the aftermath of the 2011 Revolution.
In partnership with the OTI Country Representative, facilitated a team-driven redesign of the program strategy, including a sub-strategy for a $1 million pilot CVE program, dramatically increasing program impact, and responsiveness to the fluid Tunisian political situation. Fostered strong team engagement in the process to give members a stake in program success, significantly improving morale, reputation, and performance. Garnered wide recognition for TTI’s innovative use of social and new media, and a ‘sky’s the limit’ approach to programming, from small infrastructure and multimedia campaigns, to flash mobs, poetry, street art, dance, and public musical events, designed to better engage Tunisians of all ages and backgrounds in the political transition.
Instituted updated, more effective financial and program performance management processes, rationalized the project leadership structure and accountabilities. Established a continuous improvement and quality assurance plan in response to OTI feedback, enhancing project performance, compliance and team cohesion.
In partnership with the OTI Country Representative, facilitated a team-driven redesign of the program strategy, including a sub-strategy for a $1 million pilot CVE program, dramatically increasing program impact, and responsiveness to the fluid Tunisian political situation. Fostered strong team engagement in the process to give members a stake in program success, significantly improving morale, reputation, and performance. Garnered wide recognition for TTI’s innovative use of social and new media, and a ‘sky’s the limit’ approach to programming, from small infrastructure and multimedia campaigns, to flash mobs, poetry, street art, dance, and public musical events, designed to better engage Tunisians of all ages and backgrounds in the political transition.
Instituted updated, more effective financial and program performance management processes, rationalized the project leadership structure and accountabilities. Established a continuous improvement and quality assurance plan in response to OTI feedback, enhancing project performance, compliance and team cohesion.
Program Manager, Security Cooperation Assistance Group
DAI
Identified and developed opportunities for marketing of DAI expertise to USAID, Department of Defense and Department of State clients. Generated innovative product concepts for the DoD market and generated responses to RFPs and RFTOPs. Carried out in-country recons for new business efforts to Afghanistan, Iraq and North Africa.
Deputy Chief of Party
DAI
Leadership and management of implementation of a cross-sectoral stability program in South East Afghanistan for USAID and the Office of Transition Initiatives, including management of 60 local and international staff and small grants program technical and regulatory compliance. Technical advisor and trainer in the use and continuous improvement of the District Stability Framework (DSF), a program management tool used to identify and target sources of instability in a given area, and evaluate program impact.
Snr Program Development Officer - Iraq Rapid Assistance Program
DAI
Development and supervision of the implementation of projects designed to improve local quality of life and stabilize communities throughout south and west Baghdad in conjunction with Provincial Reconstruction Teams.
Deputy Director of Intelligence
Reconstruction Operations Centre, Baghdad Iraq
Leadership and management of diverse team of consultant threat analysts at national HQ and dispersed throughout Iraq regional offices. Identification of key issues for reconstruction security to be assessed in detail and reported on to the client, the US Army Corps of Engineers.
QA/QC of routine and special threat assessments of operational, social and political developments for the client and the broader reconstruction community. Maintained excellent client relationships and a high degree of client satisfaction with products. Established links with key corporate, Iraqi, and international government identities for information exchange. Capability management and development, including information sources, IT systems and information management.
QA/QC of routine and special threat assessments of operational, social and political developments for the client and the broader reconstruction community. Maintained excellent client relationships and a high degree of client satisfaction with products. Established links with key corporate, Iraqi, and international government identities for information exchange. Capability management and development, including information sources, IT systems and information management.
Deputy Director Reconstruction Civil Affairs
Aegis Specialist Risk Management
Management, administration and continuous improvement of a program of low-cost, high impact projects throughout Iraq to facilitate access and information exchange with Iraqi communities in support of the wider reconstruction effort. Close liaison with Coalition reconstruction personnel and local Iraqi leadership and administrators to foster an environment of trust and transparency, and improved mutual security.
Course Member, Australian Command and Staff College
Department of Defence
One of seven civilians selected for demanding year-long leadership and management course in a class of 161 middle-ranking military officers from Australia and abroad in preparation for senior command and staff positions. Completed subjects in management, law strategic studies and media awareness. Graduated with distinction.
Executive Officer, Defence Renewal Branch
Department of Defence
Led teams in the design and implementation of organizational development activities for the Department of Defence. Developed curriculum and crafted program plans and budgets for leadership workshops and organizational renewal conferences to improve alignment with government strategy, accountability to taxpayers and the overall quality of organizational leadership across the organization.
Civilian Liaison Officer
Peace Monitoring Group, Bougainville
Seconded to a remote civil-military liaison team, gathered information and disseminated key messages about disarmament and the process to establish a new Constitution for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of its eight-year civil war. Initiated weekly women’s meetings to assist them to develop a consistent position in the weapons disposal and constitutional process. Negotiated weapons containments with former combatants in remote areas, including a number who had previously refused to be brought into the process, and assisted them to obtain UN logistic support for reconciliation meetings. Delivered a weekly peace broadcast on Radio Bougainville with island-wide listenership. Repaired and updated the Lotus-based project database for the Buka area of operations, dramatically improving the standard of data management in support of ceasefire violation reporting.
Skills
Top Skills
Michele also knows about...
Education
Organizations
Additional Organizations
Languages
English
Native or bilingual proficiencyFrench
Professional working proficiency
Volunteer Experience & Causes
Causes Michele cares about:
- Civil Rights and Social Action
- Human Rights
Recommendations
Pooja Gupta
Project Coordinator, Stability Sector, Afghanistan Region
June 13, 2014, Michele managed Pooja indirectly at DAIPooja is one of the most exceptional young professionals I have ever worked with. She is tremendously organized and effective and has a keen eye for detail. She is bright, personable, unfailingly poised and professional, and a total pleasure to work with. She gives sound advice, knows her business, follows up promptly, and laughs at my jokes. Difficult to fault.
Stevo Stephen
Country Risk Director, Afghanistan
June 18, 2012, Michele worked directly with Stevo at DAIIt goes without saying that Afghanistan is a difficult environment in which to get anything done. When things were at their toughest, I could rely on Stevo to keep a cool head and come up with a response to our security challenges that would maintain expatriate safety and that of our local staff, while also respecting our programmatic objectives and ASI's broader strategy....moreMeg Moir
Director Human Resources
May 22, 2011, Michele worked with Meg at Aegis Defence Services LtdI worked with Meg for almost three years and came to rely on her for her common sense, wise counsel, outstanding work ethic, fierce loyalty, attention to detail, and intolerance of stupidity and unfairness. She is one of the most compassionate and dedicated people I have ever met, and I would have no hesitation to recommend her for any post that requires superlative HR...more
Nick Charnley
Senior Intelligence Analyst
April 10, 2008, Michele managed Nick at Aegis Defence Services LtdNick's contribution to our team is broader than his (signficant) expertise as an analyst and technical expert on threat and risk assessments. He is responsible for all of our national analytical outputs, and I know that this part of our operation will be in hand, all the time. He mentors our diverse staff of 32+ analysts with a rare blend of insight, pragmatism and humor....more
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