María Alejandra Medina
Bogotá,DC
Summary
Accomplished Policy Advocacy Manager, specializing in public policy analysis and political strategy. Expert in fostering government relations and leveraging analytical thinking for impactful decision-making. Achieved significant advancements in harm reduction and sustainability, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and relationship-building skills. Skilled in analytical thinking and adaptability, consistently achieving objectives with impactful results.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Corporación Acción Técnica Social
07.2020 - Current
- Developed comprehensive 5 project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results. Promoted innovation within project teams, encouraging exploration of new tools and methodologies to enhance project outcomes.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Led 12 educational workshops on topics related to harm reduction strategies.
- Conducted research and dissemination of over 20 opinion articles, 3 research reports, and 1 chapter in an international book. Additionally, contributed to the development of a repository of information and scientific evidence, comprising over 300 international articles translated into Spanish.
- Monitored legislative developments to identify opportunities for proactive engagement or defensive action on critical issues.
- Provided support for drug policy research with a focus on public health, human rights, participation, and risk and harm reduction.
- Identified areas for policy improvement by analyzing existing legislation and regulations. Conducted monitoring and intelligence gathering on regulations across the executive, legislative branches, and relevant jurisprudence.
- Developed 25 strategic recommendations for advancing legislative priorities based on extensive research and analysis.
- Actively engaged in 10 legislative advocacy forums, delivering impactful presentations on critical policy issues. Participated in approximately 18 technical roundtables and consultation sessions with government entities. Additionally, served as a speaker at national and international events, delivering over 15 presentations and contributing as a panelist.
Policy Advocacy Manager
Fundación MarViva
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Built relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and promote organizational goals.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to develop unified positions on key policy issues affecting the organization.
- Influenced legislative outcomes by researching and analyzing policy issues, preparing succinct briefs, and presenting persuasive arguments.
- Developed strong working relationships with key decision-makers across all levels of government to advance organizational objectives.
- Developed and presented 5 technical documents to the Ministry of Environment and AUNAP, addressing shark conservation, marine pollution, and responsible fishing. Additionally, provided legislative recommendations for 4 bills focused on responsible fishing and the governance of coastal and marine resources.
- Represented the organization at 13 conferences, panel discussions, and other public forums where key policy issues were being discussed.
- Conducted 2 qualitative research studies on marine pollution and authored 2 policy papers on marine spatial planning and responsible fishing.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations, and policies related to coastal and marine governance, responsible fisheries, climate change, marine pollution, plastic alternatives, value chains and green businesses, and conservation in marine protected areas.
Coordinator of Political and Regulatory Monitoring
Fundación Karisma
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed 7 policy briefs that summarized key findings from research activities, highlighting implications for future action and providing actionable recommendations for decision makers.
- Provided expert guidance on relevant regulations, legislation, guidelines, standards, best practices related to specific policy areas.
- Promoted human rights by advocating for reforms and supporting local civil society organizations in their efforts.
- Advanced human rights initiatives, collaborating with national and international organizations to promote global standards.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations, and policies related to human rights and technology, freedom of expression, social inclusion, security, personal data usage, democracy and technology, digital citizenship, digital gender-based violence, culture and digital environments, and the transparency of social networks and technology companies.
- Conducted 4 quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends, assess risks, and evaluate potential impacts of policies.
- Conducted research and published 2 articles on the transparency of communication companies. Additionally, provided consultancy to 2 social media companies on human rights and community guidelines.
- Monitored more than 50 legislative developments, regulation and public policy in national and local levels to inform organizational strategy and priorities.
Governance Lead in Sustainability Management.
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Defined performance indicators and quality metrics to maintain compliance with governing policies, standards and adoption requirements.
- Developed and executed strategies and methodologies to promote governance of artisanal and small-scale mining and facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogues at the local level.
- Designed and implemented methodologies for capacity building, public policy advocacy, rights protection, citizen participation, and regulatory frameworks in communities.
- Contributed to advocacy efforts influencing public policies relevant to sustainable mining practices and community governance.
- Actively contributed to the promotion and enhancement of territorial governance frameworks, ensuring sustainable and equitable community engagement.
- Created 7 documentary products and materials to support the promotion of territorial governance and the Sustainable Mines Program.
- Developed and implemented 9 sustainability strategies tailored to local communities, ensuring that environmental, social, and economic considerations are integrated into community development projects.
Public and Regulatory Affairs Consultant
Prospectiva Consulting
08.2018 - 09.2020
- Participated in industry conferences, staying current on emerging trends and new legislation affecting the field of regulatory affairs.
- Developed expert knowledge of global regulations, effectively advising clients on international market entry strategies.
- Implemented regulatory guidance procedures for market access in more than 5 pharmaceutical clients and 2 technology company clients.
- Created and executed government affairs and corporate social responsibility strategies for private sector companies and civil society organizations.
- Conducted in-depth analysis and research on the regulatory environment, legislative and executive agendas, and political and economic context, identifying risks and opportunities for clients.
- Developed diagnostics, stakeholder mapping, and action plans in public policy, with a focus on health policy.
- Provided guidance and support to clients in implementing stakeholder engagement action plans.
- Managed projects that have been recognized for their added value and effectiveness in achieving client objectives
Education
Master - Social Responsibility And Sustainability
Universidad Externado De Colombia
Bogotá D.C.09.2019
Bachelor - Government And International Relations
Universidad Externado De Colombia
Bogotá D.C.03.2018
Skills
- Project Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Government relations and Regulatory knowledge
- Public Policy analysis and Political strategy
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Sustainability Strategy Development
- Analytical Thinking
- Goal Setting
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Upper intermediate
B2
Timeline
Policy Advocacy Manager
Fundación MarViva
03.2023 - 03.2024
Coordinator of Political and Regulatory Monitoring
Fundación Karisma
03.2022 - 05.2023
Governance Lead in Sustainability Management.
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)
09.2020 - 09.2021
Project Manager
Corporación Acción Técnica Social
07.2020 - Current
Public and Regulatory Affairs Consultant
Prospectiva Consulting
08.2018 - 09.2020
Master - Social Responsibility And Sustainability
Universidad Externado De Colombia
Bachelor - Government And International Relations
Universidad Externado De Colombia
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