Marie-Thérèse Zahr
Peer Evaluator – Lebanon Region
Marie-Thérèse Zahr is a distinguished professional with a robust background in communication, research, and international relations, seamlessly blending her expertise to drive impactful contributions across various organizations. Holding dual citizenship in Lebanon and Canada, she is multilingual, proficient in Arabic, French, and English, which has significantly enhanced her ability to navigate and connect within diverse cultural landscapes.
With an impressive academic foundation, Marie-Thérèse earned a Master's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations and an M.A. in Translation from the Lebanese University in Beirut, Lebanon. Additionally, she holds a B.A. in Political Science from Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, and a B.A. in Translation from the Lebanese University. Her educational journey is further enriched by a Diplôme Approfondi de la Langue Française from the International Center of Pedagogical Studies, under the French Ministry of Education.
Marie-Thérèse has excelled in leadership roles such as Director at SOS Children's Villages and the Lebanese Association for Permanent Civil Peace, where her responsibilities included orchestrating workshops, preparing reports, and conducting meticulous research. Her communication prowess was instrumental in translating documents, drafting project proposals, and disseminating findings, all of which were pivotal in fostering collaboration and advancing organizational objectives.
Her international experience includes working with the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) in Lebanon and ICON plc in Ireland, where she honed her skills in copywriting and editing. Crafting compelling narratives required not only linguistic dexterity but also a keen understanding of the target audience and effective communication strategies. These roles equipped her with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and tailor messages to resonate with their unique perspectives.
Moreover, Marie-Thérèse’s work with organizations like the International Harm Reduction Association and the Lebanese Constitutional Council provided invaluable insights into cross-cultural communication and diplomacy. She adeptly navigated complex geopolitical landscapes, collaborating with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to build bridges and foster understanding. Her career is a testament to her dedication, skill, and ability to make a meaningful impact in the fields of communication, research, and international relations.