Ole’s CV

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Mr Ole Ramsing is a team-player with operational and programme management experience in programmes of SRHR, disaster risk management, health, youth, institutional- and capacity building, and poverty reduction.

Specifically, his areas of expertise include human rights, humanitarian assistance, strengthening civil society, advocacy, maternal-, adolescents-, and sexual- and reproductive health and rights, building partnerships, strengthening coordination, and resource mobilisation. He has worked with the United Nations, the Danish Government, and NGOs in Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Tajikistan, Belarus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Lebanon, and Mongolia; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Tajikistan, and for Danish NGOs and consultancy companies.

Programme- and Project management experience includes, Center for Church-Based Deveolpment (CKU) projects with several of its member organisations in Asia and Africa, managing ADRA’s programme in Uganda, the Danish Centre for Culture and Development’s Pakistan programme, the Danish Family Planning Association’s South Asia programme, leading programmes for Mission East and DCA, leading the UN Disaster Risk Management Programme in Tajikistan, and UN-funded projects in Mongolia. Has worked with, and has developed country strategies, project proposals and prepared applications for UNFPA, UNDP, IFRC, and for European Union and European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) funded programmes, among others. He is well acquainted with the project cycle, is a certified PRINCE2 practitioner, has worked extensively with Logical Framework Analysis, Theory of Change, and with human rights, as well as gender issues.

Health management experience includes prevention of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, sexuality education, adolescent reproductive health, building partnerships, community-based TB detection and treatment, mobile health units, and NGO development. He has worked with advocacy strategies, policy and strategy development, and information, education and communication.

Disaster risk management experience includes integrating disaster and risk management into development programmes and establishing related partnerships, including community-based involvement. Assisted government authorities in the development of disaster protection policy, strategy, and action plans. Led the coordination of humanitarian assistance between Government, UN agencies, and international and national NGOs during several crises, and has, among others, worked with refugees from Syria, internal displaced persons in Pakistan, hurricane victims in Philippines, and severe winters in Mongolia.

Regional experience includes in-depth knowledge of socio-cultural factors in Central Asia (conversant in Tajik and Russian), Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran (fluent in Farsi), the Middle East (basic knowledge of Arabic), several countries in Africa, China, and Mongolia. From this experience, he is acquainted with specific human rights and gender issues of these regions using strategies based on a rights-based approach and on community participation.

EDUCATION

–     Master’s Degree in Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, Institute of Anthropology. Thesis completed on “Uses of Rituals and Social Change in Tehran, Iran”, based on a year’s field work in Iran (1995);

–     BA in Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, Institute of Anthropology (1991);

–     Courses in Arabic and Persian Language & Culture at the Institute of Oriental Philology (Carsten Niebuhr), University of Copenhagen. Passed exams in both courses (1988).

WORK EXPERIENCE

Project Consultant, Centre for Church-Based Development (CKU) (Aug 2020 – present)

Responsible for managing projects of thirteen member-organisations and for supporting these organisations regarding completed, on-going, and up-coming projects primarily in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, ensuring that the necessary project documents are in place and up to the standards of CKU and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose pooled fund CKU is administrating. Contributes to the development of new guidelines and formats, supports and encourages member organisations to make active use of the CKU fund. Responsible for CKU’s IATI reporting and contributes to the annual result frame work to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Launched and developed a website for the Child Protection Network in Denmark which is constituted by a group of NGOs working with child protection (childprotectionnetwork.dk).

Programme Coordinator, ADRA (Aug 2019 – Jul 2020)

Managed ADRA Denmark’s programme in Uganda, including ensuring daily follow-up on agreements and plans related to the partnership, and provided support to the development of strategies and programme documents for Uganda. Led the development and quality assured new project proposals, technical as well as financial, including to ECHO and to Danida, in cooperation with the partners to ensure compliance with guidelines. Monitored, from Denmark and in Uganda, programme activities and ensured that they were coordinated with other interventions and implemented according to agreements. Kept ADRA Denmark informed about the political and security situation in Uganda. Supported ADRA Uganda in applying for EU and ECHO calls and contributed to strengthening the partners’ capacity within the fields of Human Rights Based Approach, Quality and Accountability, livelihood, inclusion of youth, advocacy, and other fields. Provided inputs to the communication and fundraising department of ADRA Denmark. Has drafted policy papers on Resilience and Nexus, and on Gender.

Project Consultant, Danish Mission Council Development Department (DMCDD (DMRU)) (Mar 2018 – July 2019)

Responsible for administering projects of twelve member-organisations and for advising these organisations regarding completed, on-going, and up-coming projects, ensuring that the necessary project documents are in place and up to the standards of DMCDD and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose pooled fund DMCDD is administrating. Contribute to the development of new guidelines and formats, support and encourage member organisations to take active part in the DMCDD fund. Recent monitoring field trips to projects in Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan. These projects typically include establishment of VSLA, income generating activities, and livelihood improvement. Prepared and finalised a monitoring plan for projects in Afghanistan and monitored these projects. Responsible for DMCDD’s IATI reporting, and contribute to the annual result frame work to Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Danida Advisor, the Royal Danish Embassy in Pakistan, Islamabad (Jan. – Apr. 2017)

Responsible for closing the Embassy’s Culture and Development programme. Had the overall coordinating responsibility for the Pakistan programme, and ensured timely reporting to the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark. The advisor supported 14 Pakistani partners under the programme and three local staff, and was the focal point for joint activities, monitoring, and reporting. The advisor represented the Royal Danish Embassy in meetings with Government officials on national, regional and district administration level, with other missions and donor organisations, as well as with local and international partner organisations to strengthen bilateral relationships.

Pakistan Programme Manager, Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU), Copenhagen (July 2015 – Dec. 2016)

Managed the DKK 25 mill. Pakistan programme (2015-2016) with the objective of implementing the Danish strategy “The Right to Art and Culture.” The overall strategy of the programme was to contribute to reducing poverty, support peace and stabilization as well as working for strengthened democratization, human rights and gender equality. Has been actively involved in designing 14 Pakistani partners’ projects, and ensured high levels of monitoring and financial follow up (with frequent monitoring missions) to these 14 NGO and government partners in all provinces. Supported and supervised three CKU staff based in Islamabad. Ensured timely reporting to the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad (the donor) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark, and provided input to the result contract. Designed, in cooperation with all stakeholders, projects to be implemented in partnership between Pakistani and Danish organisations.

South Asia Programme Manager, Danish Family Planning Association, Copenhagen (May 2014 – July 2015)

Managed Danish Family Planning Association’s (DFPA) programme in South Asia, working closely with partners in Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Worked to promote sexual- and reproductive health and right, using a Human Rights Based Approach. Undertook monitoring and capacity building missions to all partner countries, except India, and drafted required reports to donors. Facilitated Human Rights Accountability Mechanism workshop for partners. Has prepared technical and financial proposals, including “MDG5 implementation in Lake Victoria Basin – An accelerated and comprehensive East African cross border response to SRHR needs,” and lastly for European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights for Nepal. Contributed to the development of country strategies, and coordinated the internal DFPA programme team (women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights). Assisted partners with CEDAW and UPR review submissions, and proposal writing.

Donor Liaison & Monitoring Officer, DanChurchAid, Pakistan (June 2013 to July 2014)

Assisted DanChurchAid’s (DCA) partner organisation in Pakistan, Community World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS-P/A), to establish and maintain donor relations and monitored on-going projects – in particular related to DCA funding from ECHO and Danida. Working closely together with the Associate Director for the partner organisation he successfully drafted proposals for humanitarian assistance to disaster victims in Pakistan, including IDPs, monitored the implementation of projects, and drafted all necessary reports, as well as the DCA country strategy 2014-2016 for Pakistan. Facilitated external ECHO audit visits. As part of disaster emergency response, he was in Lebanon to work with Palestinian partner organisation to assist Palestinian refugees from Syria, and in Philippines to respond to the typhoon Haiyan. Ensured that deadlines were met and budgets were kept as to the project log-frame as well as standards and benchmarks for quality and accountability.

Consultant, Danish-Mongolian Society, Mongolia (Sep. – Oct. 2011)

Assisted Danish Mongolian Society and the Mongolian NGO Social Partnership Network drafting a successful project proposal “Fighting poverty and strengthening Civil Society – Mobilising communities and promoting access to financial services”. The proposed objective is to be reached by improving livelihood for the targeted population through income creating activities, advocacy and private sector development, including establishment of a credit union.

Consultant, IFRC, Tajikistan (Feb. 2011)

Assisted preparing a comprehensive project proposal for the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) tuberculosis programme. The project proposal “Breaking down TB stigma by involving communities in active case detection and treating, and in changing care seeking behaviour in Khatlon, Tajikistan”  was submitted to Stop TB Reach. Did a desk review of all existing data and materials, and collected information needed for subsequent assessment of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in achieving the project objectives. Worked in close consultation with RCST and IFRC specialists, district branches and other stakeholders, especially with the Tajik National TB Programme, to ensure that the project proposal was in compliance with the perspectives of the TB National Coordination Committee.

Cellist, National Opera Ballet Theatre, Tajikistan (Jan. 2010 – Jan. 2013)

Played as full-time cellist in the orchestra, and participated in all its activities, including operas, ballets, concerts, radio-recordings, and concerts and performance for special occasions such as New Year and Independence Day. Liaised between the international community and the Theatre, and arranged concerts and entertainment groups at embassies, restaurants and cafés for musicians, and assisted local artists promoting their arts. After Mr Ramsing’s return to Denmark he managed to have the composition of a young female Kyrgyz composer performed in Denmark.

Disaster Risk Reduction Programme Coordinator, Mission East, Tajikistan (Jul. 2009 – Jan. 2010)

Oversaw the management and conclusion of Mission East Disaster Preparedness and Prevention programme. Managed both Mission East staff teams and local partner organisations and set up local project offices. Ensured adequate programme monitoring and reporting. Assisted in preparation of assessments and funding proposals, and contributed towards ongoing surveillance of emerging socio-economic-political developments and possible emergency situations relevant to Disaster Preparedness. Prepared appeals during disasters, and led and coordinated humanitarian assistance. Worked closely with local and national level authorities to ensure that Mission East’s programmes conform to governmental strategies and the Tajik law.

Coordination Officer, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, (Jun. 2008 – Jun. 2009)

Supported the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) in ensuring greater coherence of efforts by the Afghan Government and international community to implement the Afghan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and Compact and to providing regular and timely public reports on its execution. JCMB is a high-level decision-making body co-chaired by the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA. Prepared documentation necessary for the operations of the JCMB, including agendas, minutes, progress reports, and other reports as requested by the Board; Supported the Joint Heads of the JCMB Secretariat in coordination of the work of short-term technical experts, ensuring that it responded to the needs of the JCMB; Assisted in development of analysis involving implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, including research, maintenance of databases and other relevant materials. Maintained positive working relations and managed feedback and information flows with the Joint Heads of the JCMB Secretariat, government officials, UNAMA, UN agencies and other members of the international community.

Consultant, IFRC Tajikistan (Oct. 2006) 

Assisted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Delegate in Tajikistan, finalising a technical proposal for The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) on “Enhancing the disaster preparedness and response capacity of vulnerable communities and Red Crescent Society in Tajikistan.”

Programme Manager, UNDP Tajikistan (Sep. 2004 – Aug. 2006) 

Led a team of 13 staff implementing the UN Disaster Risk Management Programme. During two years, the project quickly expanded with staff in the capital Dushanbe and in three regional centres. Worked closely with national and international counterparts to achieve the five project objectives: 1) Enhancing coordination through the REACT disaster risk management partnership; 2) Establishing an Information Management and Analytical Centre within the Ministry of Emergency Situations; 3) Improving the national disaster management training system; 4) Making local communities more disaster resilient through small-scale community-based disaster mitigation projects and training; and 5) Strengthening cooperation between the countries of Central Asia. Drafted project documents, and identified and secured funding from six different donors, reported as required to all donors and to UNDP. Coordinated disaster response. Additionally, drafted requests, programme, and prepared background information for a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team mission in Tajikistan. Was furthermore acting head of UN Coordination Unit in Tajikistan from November 2004 to January 2005.

International Disaster Protection Partnership Advisor, UNDP Mongolia (Jan. – Jul . 2004)

International Consultant on a Government of Luxembourg and UNDP funded project “Strengthening the Disaster Mitigation and Management System in Mongolia.” Drafted and designed a plan to establish and implement a Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Partnership (DMRRP) between Government of Mongolia, NGOs, international donors and people in local communities. Assisted the Mongolian Disaster Management Department in the development of a National Disaster Protection Policy and in a Disaster Protection Strategy and Action Plan.

Programme Officer, UNFPA Mongolia (Oct. 2000 – Oct.  2003)

Programme Officer responsible for projects in the areas of reproductive health, adolescents, advocacy, information, education and communication, and NGOs. Led the establishment of a Reproductive Health and Rights NGO Network. Focal point for thematic groups for human rights, disaster management, youth, advocacy and information technology, including web-site management. Contributed to the evaluation and completion of UNFPA’s 2nd Country Programme, and preparations for the strategy and design of the 3rd Country Programme (2002-06). Assisted the UNFPA Representative in resource mobilisation. Worked with parliamentarians in setting up round table discussions between members of Parliament and NGOs. Topics include STI/HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and migration. As focal point for disaster management during the 2000, 2001, and 2002 winter catastrophe in Mongolia, coordinated emergency assistance through various mechanisms including those of the Government of Mongolia, the UN Disaster Management Team, and NGOs.

Consultant, Carl Bro Management, Denmark (Aug. 1999 – Sep. 2000)

Designed, implemented, and evaluated, in close cooperation with the Danish Labour Service, a course on International Project Management targeting unemployed academics. The course included modules on Logical Framework Approach, Transfer of Skills, and Organisational Development. Liaised with consultants and the Danish Labour Service. Drafted technical as well as financial proposals.

Free-lance interpreter/translator, Danish Red Cross and OASIS (Jul. 1999 – Jul. 2000)

Translated for Iranian and Afghan refugees in their meeting with the Danish medical, judicial, and social systems. Oasis is a private treatment centre for traumatized refugees and their families.

Consultant, AMU Intl. (Labour Market Training Centre), Denmark (Jul. 1998 – Jan. 1999)

Project management, project organization and administration, tendering, identification and application for funding opportunities, especially within EU.

Assistant Lecturer, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, (Sep. 1996 – Jul. 1997)

Taught courses and conducted oral and written exams in the ethnography of the Middle East and of China at Institute of Anthropology.

Intern, UNICEF Iran (Sep. 1992 – Sep. 1993)

Organised and implemented a Focused Ethnographic Study (FES) on Acute Respiratory Infection. Organised workshops and training sessions, taught and supervised local researchers in the FES-method, analysed data and prepared the final report “Focused Ethnographic Study on Acute Respiratory Infections in Lorestân, Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Staff member, Danish Red Cross, (1986 – 1995) 

As a staff member at a refugee centre (Sletten) in Denmark for unaccompanied children he established daily routines for the children by coordinating school and free-time activities for them. Also served as a staff member at a registration centre (Sandholmlejren) for asylum seekers, where the asylum seekers received their first information concerning life in the Danish society.

LANGUAGES

	SPEAKING	WRITING	READING
Danish	Mother tongue
English	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Farsi	Excellent	Good	Good
Tajik / Dari	Good	Fair	Fair
Russian	Basic	–	–
Arabic	Basic	–	–

SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION

• Human Rights Accountability Mechanism workshop, DFPA, Kuala Lumpur (October 2014).
• Emergency Response Training, DCA, Kathmandu (February 2014).
• PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner – Rovsing Management Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark (2012)
• UN course on Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments (SSAFE) (2009);
• UN courses on basic and advanced security in the field (2008):
• Training Workshop on GIS Technologies (Esri ArcView 3.3), Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Switzerland (course conducted in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, (2005)
• UN course on “Basic Security in the Field – Staff Safety, Health, and Welfare” (2003);
• Course on Planning for Advocacy in Reproductive Health. Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand (2002);
• Distance Learning Course: The “What and Why of Reproductive Health” – run by UN System Staff College and UNFPA (2002);
• Passed first part of the training as nationally approved translator in Farsi (Statsprøvet Tolk), Copenhagen Business College (1999-2000);
• Course in Adult Pedagogy (Voksenpædagogisk Grundkursus) at the Adult Pedagogical Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark (1999);
• Course on International Project Management at the Danish consultancy company Carl Bro Management (1998).

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Born 1966 in Denmark. Danish citizen.

• Chairman of the Danish NGO Mission East since 2023 (https://missioneast.org),
• Chairman of Amatørsymfonikerne (https://amatorsymfonikerne.dk) since 2018, one of the oldest and biggest amateur orchestras in Denmark,
• Amateur photographer. Photographs in Tajikistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan have been used for UNFPA and UNDP publications, information, education and communication material, and for calendars and exhibitions.
• Amateur cellist, who has played professionally for three years for the National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Tajikistan and in the Mongolian State Opera and Ballet Theatre for a month. Assists regularly in professional orchestras in Denmark.
• Active yoga and meditation practitioner.

Ole Ramsing, Copenhagen, Denmark, 24 April 2025