Dr. Hany El-Banna sums up his life’s achievements in one simple sentence – “The heartfelt thanks on the face of an elderly widow”.
The sentence is the cornerstone of Dr. El-Banna’s values as a humanitarian worker which has remained a constant throughout his career.
Working tirelessly in the field of humanitarian aid and development for over 30 years, Dr. El-Banna has been described as “a pioneer in the field of Islamic Humanitarianism”. Though he sees himself as a grassroots humanitarian worker, his impact on the humanitarian sector cannot be denied
A co-founder and former president of Islamic Relief, the largest western Muslim NGO in the world, Dr El-Banna has visited over 70 countries in pursuit of relieving people from suffering.
Turning Points
Born in Egypt, Dr. El-Banna completed his MBBCH in Medicine at Al Azhar University, Cairo, along with a Diploma in Islamic Studies in 1976. He then furthered his medical training, completing a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in Foetal Pathology in 1991 at Birmingham Medical School.
Through a varied humanitarian career which has taken him through numerous challenges, Dr. El-Banna highlights four key turning points which have shaped the past three decades: a trip to Sudan in 1983, a visit to Bosnia in the early 1990s, Chechnya in 1995 and China in 2001.
A trip to Sudan in 1983 to a medical conference in Khartoum, gave him great insight into the famine ravaging East Africa. What he saw compelled him to raise money from family to go towards relief from the famine in Sudan. These early efforts lead to the creation of Islamic Relief Worldwide in 1984.
A visit to Bosnia in 1992, five weeks after the war broke out in the Balkans, was a visit fraught with danger at every turn. Working on impulse and due to a chance meeting with the Grand Sheikh of Bosnia, he encouraged the Grand Sheikh to join him of a tour of the UK and Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE as well as several other Gulf states to recount the devastation of the war and the loss of lives of men, women and children. This culminated in a visit to Qatar which led to an increase in donations across the board for Islamic Relief.
A particular visit to Chechnya in 1995, helped to build a vision for Islamic Relief and himself which continues to this day: the neutrality required by aid agencies despite coming under scrutiny at checkpoints while travelling through troubled regions.
Finally, a trip to China in 2001 which highlighted a vital role that aid organisations can play by helping governments and local communities through dialogue.
Today Islamic Relief has become an international NGO working in over 40 countries across the world, with over 3,000 staff and field workers helping the poor, needy and destitute.
A voice sending a message
Since his time at Islamic Relief, Dr. El-Banna has spoken at a variety of conferences to heads of state, ministers and political leaders on stages such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, UN Agencies, Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation, League of Arab States and Crans Montana Forum and others.
He has delivered speeches on topics such as HIV, encouraging a greater understanding of the Islamic World and justice through humanitarianism.
Through engagement and dialogue, he has worked to create a new philosophical approach to bridge building between the West, Islamic world and the South.
Tackling a different challenge
His experience with Islamic Relief, travels and speaking engagements, held him in great stead for this next chapter of his life.
In 2008, 24 years after founding Islamic Relief, Dr. El-Banna decided to leave to concentrate on the work he started with The Humanitarian Forum founded in 2006 to be a bridge between humanitarian organisations around the world, and particularly between those in the west and NGO’s from Islamic countries. Supporters and advisors of The Humanitarian Forum include the British Red Cross, World Assembly for Muslim Youth, Mercy Crops and Qatar Charity alongside UNOCHA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Islamic Charitable Organisation, the Charity Commission of England and Wales, and Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Also in that year, with the support of Muslim NGOs from across the UK, the Muslim Charities Forum was founded to act as an advocacy body for Muslim charities based in the UK. Members of the Forum include Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Muslim Hands and Human Appeal International. Dr El-Banna is the Chairman of the Muslim Charities Forum.
Not resting on his laurels, Dr. El-Banna’s vision saw him support the foundation of two innovative and groundbreaking organisations in 2010: The International HIV Fund and Zakat House UK.
In 2007, an international conference in South Africa with representatives from over 200 aid agencies, international government departments, academics and medical experts from across the world came together to discuss Islam and HIV. Dr El-Banna played a key role in encouraging Muslim organisations to play a greater role in HIV prevention. The conference led to the foundation of the International HIV Fund.
The International HIV Fund is a grassroots Muslim-based approach at raising awareness of the effects of HIV amongst the Muslim community in the UK and encouraging a holistic and values based
approach of preventing HIV in different countries around the world. The organisation has moved into a new phase of being by becoming incorporated within the charity Human Appeal International.
Zakat House UK was founded to support the development of small and growing charities all under one roof. The concept is that these charities support and collaborate with each other and share experiences to help each other grow responsibly and work effectively, reducing waste. Charities that Zakat House has supported include the Somali Relief and Development Forum and the Yemen Relief and Development Forum – both of which were also supported by Dr. El-Banna.
Dr. El-Banna has also worked with Muslim broadcasters, newspapers and magazines to form the Muslim Media Forum. The idea that was formed was focused on these companies giving back to the Muslim community in the UK – the main customers they attract – in the form of education about working in the media, engaging with media organisations and offering youth opportunities to work within their organisations.
Engaging with the Civil Society
More recently Dr. El-Banna has focused his energies in supporting diaspora communities in the UK and in Egypt. In 2011, during the height of the famine in East Africa, he worked with Somali community organisations, helping them organise under an umbrella organisation – the Somali Relief and Development Forum – to support aid and development efforts within Somalia.
Similarly he has worked with the Yemeni diaspora community in the UK with similar effect helping Yemenis from across the UK organise to support development projects in Yemen as the Yemen Relief and Development Forum.
Away from the UK, Dr El-Banna has worked to strengthen the civil society in Egypt, by holding lectures and workshops amongst grassroots communities within the country.
Recognition
Dr El-Banna has been recognised by several awards and bodies for his contribution to humanitarian work, most notably an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2004 for his services to the community. Other awards include:
* Honorary Degree from the University of Birmingham, Doctor Honoris Causa (2007)
* Lifetime Achievement Award, Muslim Power 100 Award (2007)
* Asian Jewel Awards (2006)
* Friends of Islam Annual Achievement Award (2005)
* Kashmiri and Pakistani Professional Association Award (2005)
* Ibn Khaldun Award, for Excellence in Promoting Understanding between Global Cultures and Faiths awarded by The Muslim News (2004)
* Award for Service to Medicine and Humanity, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate (2004)
* Hamilton Bailey Prize, Dudley Road (City) Hospital Birmingham (1981)
Looking Forward
Entering a fourth decade in the humanitarian sector, Dr. El-Banna is looking forward to the humanitarian picture beyond 2015. As part of his work with The Humanitarian Forum, he is looking forward to the World Humanitarian Summit 2016, organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). He will be taking part by facilitating workshops in Muslim countries across the world from Morocco to Malaysia to discuss the summit objectives with communities from Muslim countries at a grassroots level.
This summit aims to bring people and groups together to address future humanitarian challenges related to natural hazards and conflicts. The wider summit events will aim to develop stronger partnerships and seek innovative solutions to persistent and new challenges.
So far Dr. El-Banna has visited Tunisia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and France in order to plan local consultations within each of these countries. He has met with local charities and government officials such as the Royal Charity of Bahrain, Qatar Charity, Islamic Development Bank and Secours Islamique in France to plan the workshops in each of these countries and Gain support for the summit in 2016. He will continue to travel to other countries to ensure participation in the summit from a wide variety of actors as possible.
Dr. El-Banna’s belief and values have remained constant throughout his humanitarian and medical career. Seeing a person smile due to the positive change you have made in their lives, is an achievement in itself. But with age and experience he has found that the ideals of his youth have changed. He believes that it is important to work together, to communicate effectively and build partnerships and relationships. There are some goals in life that you can’t achieve alone.
SUMMARY: 17 Years of Experience at; Management , Business Development, Projects Management and Projects’ Coordination in UK, Germany, Malaysia, and Palestine.
Good experience in Planning and Project Management.
Good at researching targeted market to best align the post construction.
Good at building a strong corporate network locally and globally.
Can act as an organizations brand ambassador and a key point of contact with organizations, governments, and promoting the brand image of the organization at all times.
Good at assisting and organizing of important events.
Can lead the organization initiatives globally and taking ownership of the corporate development process.
Good experience at operating and communications computer systems and software.
Extensive experience of working in close coordination with global organizations, embassies, higher education and religious affairs and civil society organizations.
Solid experience in market analysis and liaison, program design, planning and implementation, policy and strategy development, proposal writing, evaluation, facilitation and training.
Practiced in monitoring, evaluation, and research in industry affected areas using a range of research methods to collect, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and apply findings to develop recovery programs.
Sound knowledge of planning processes, monitoring, evaluation, HR and procurement processes, project documents, Results and Resources Frameworks, Work plans, Project Appraisal Committees, Project Board documentation, bid documentation, evaluation and selection processes, etc.
Education & Qualification:
PH.D – School of Planning (HBP)- University Science Malaysia.(USM)
Master – School of Planning (HBP)- University Science Malaysia.(USM).
B.A. Islamic University – Palestine.
General Certificate – High Secondary School – Palestine.
Professional Training:
Training course PDR- Curriculum Development KLMU University-Malaysia December- 2010
Training course ISO-2008 KLMU University-Malaysia October – 2010
Training course Presentation Techniques. KLMU University-Malaysia July – 2010
Training course T Methods , Pedagogy & Active Learning TAR University- Malaysia May 2010
Training course Formulation of Test & Evaluation Questions. Open University-Malaysia April 2010
Training course Publishing Techniques and Paraphrasing. Institute of Graduate Studies (IPS) in USM- Malaysia December 2009
Training course Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Islamic University-Gaza( CSCED) March 2007
Training course Research Methodology Scientific Writing and Statistical Techniques Institute of Graduate Studies (IPS) in USM- Malaysia December 2005
Training course Stress and Time Management Skills Institute of Creativity for Consultancy and Training – Gaza April 2005.
Training course Proposal Writing Association of Engineers – Gaza April 2005.
Training course Energy Efficient Buildings Association of Engineers – Gaza Sep. 2004
Training course MS Project 2003 Association of Engineers – Gaza Mar. 2004
Training course Advanced Computer Skills SMET & UNRWA Jul.2001.
Training course Advanced Computer Skills 2. UNDP& AOE Nov.2001
Training course Youth Leading Mission Of Public Work Feb.1998
Training course Front Page for web design Computer Land Center May.2003
Training course PhotoShop Ver 7.ME Computer Land Center Jan.2002
Training course Photoshop and Corel Draw Association of Engineers – Gaza Jan. 2005
Training course Computer Maintenance hardware AL-Wesam Culture Center-Gaza Sep.2002
Training course Art Drawing & Painting Mission Of Public Work – Nov.1996
by Using Oil Colors Gaza
Training course Art Drawing & Painting by Using Charcoal and Basics of Design Mission Of Public Work – Gaza Mar.1996
Training course Microsoft ADCL Computer AL-Wesam Culture Center- Gaza Jan.1996
Experience & Employment History: 17 Years, 1999-2016
2016- Present Deputy Director The Humanitarian Forum _ London UK * Strategic Planning. * Management Support for Humanitarian Organizations. * Building Strong Corporate Networks.
2015- Present Director Direct London Services & Consultations _ London UK * Strategic Planning. * Management Support for Humanitarian Organizations. * Building Strong Corporate Networks.
2013 – 2015 Manager RECON Consultations LTD * Management. * Generating Revenue for Business. * Researching targeted industries to best align the companies. * Building a strong corporate network locally and globally. * Brand Ambassador and key point of contact within sales, promoting the brand image at all times. * Assisting and organizing of events.
2011- 2013 Consultant Manager SMART BUY LTD * Guide Staff * Generating Revenue for Business. * Building strong corporate networks locally. * Key point of contact within sales, promoting the brand image.
2006-2015 President SPSA Organization * Staff Leadership. * Generating Revenue for Business. * Building strong corporate networks locally.
2012-2014 Chairman PICYR Humanitarian Organization * Staff Leadership. * Generating Revenue for Business. * Building strong corporate networks locally. * Key point of contact within sales, promoting the brand image.
2014-2015 Vice President for International Relations. Polytechnic University (PPU) * Lead the international communications for the PPU University. * Conduct Planning strategy field evaluation researches. * Follow up Aim, Objectives, Vision and Mission Values of the University. * Evaluate the steps and raise of the Organization Brand. * Conduct the Action plans to develop the business progress of the Organization. * Plan, Manage, Guide, Evaluate and follow up all the senior and junior staff at the organization.
2008–2011 Dean – Faculty of Built Environment in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University (KLMU) – Malaysia * Plan Quality Standards. * Lead Program development (PDR) Program. * Follow up Departments’ Facilities, Lecturers and time table, and overall Education Process. * Follow up clients as well as conducting Exterior Communications and Relations with professional bodies. * Conduct Researches and evaluation process of the organization.
Awards
Selected as One of the Best Four HOS heads of departments in KLMU-University 2010.
Selected as a Consultant Professional Member for Architecture Board in Malaysia- 2010.
Selected as a Paper Reviewer of International Journal (IABE.ORG) in UK.
Selected as a Main Consultant for a 270 Million Ringgit Project (KLMU Campus) in Malaysia 2009.
Won a Golden Medal and Dean List as the Best High Score Master Student in USM-2006.
Languages:
Arabic: Excellent
English: Very Good
Bahasa Malaysia: Good
Certification:
I , the undersigned , certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief , this biodata correctly describes myself , my qualifications and my experience .
Over 25 years of experience from the private and charity sectors, in the fields of financial and administrative management, especially in disciplines of budgets, cash projections, and grant management. Proficient in setting internal standards on appropriate due diligence.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
1987M.B.A. Specialized in Finance and Accounting, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, U.S.A.
1986B.B.A. Specialized in Finance, Accounting and Management, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Oct 2015 Charities Finance Summit, London, UK, on risk management, compliance, and financial governance.
Sept 2013 Haysmacintyre, London, UK, on charities Financial Reporting Standards (FRS 102) and Statement of Recommended Practices (SORP).
Feb 2013 Charity Commission, London, UK, on the legal requirement for trustees and managing associated risks.
Oct. 2011 CCLA, London, UK, on training Directors and Trustees on Charity Commission’s compliance regulations and minimum due diligence for finance departments.
Jan 2009 American Institutes for Research Inc. Washington DC, USA, on budgets and USAID policies.
Dec 2006 Education Development Center Inc. Bali, Indonesia, on USAID grants, preparation of budgets, cash flows and analysis.
Oct 2005 Education Development Center Inc. Washington DC, USA, on USAID financial and program audits and reporting of monthly expenses.
Oct 1995DHV Consulting Amersfoort, The Netherlands, on project budgeting, monitoring of systems and institutional development.
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES
January 2010 – Present
Financial Management:
Finance:
Prepare monthly management accounts, key performance indicators for management and statutory accounts at year end.
Maintain ledgers, carry out monthly bank reconciliations and compliance with documentation.
Develop, implement and monitor budgets in line with short term and strategic operational plans.
Carry out quarterly analysis of actual performance vs. budgets.
Prepare quarterly and annual cash flow projections.
Manage and report on restricted, un-restricted and designated funds.
Prepare financial reports for donors as per terms of the grant.
Manage relationships with auditors and bankers.
Liaise with external auditors and organize the examination of financial records.
Responsible for annual reporting requirements to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
Presentation of monthly financial reports on key performance financial indicators, to the Board of Trustees.
Organize trustees meetings.
HR:
Prepare employment and consultant contracts.
Payroll management for local and international employees.
Deposit taxes and NI for employees with HMRC and liaison.
Administration:
Negotiate rental agreements.
Monitor insurance requirements.
Inventory management.
Prepare budgets for national and international workshops and conferences.
Prepare MOUs and Funding Agreements with partners.
Systems Development:
Prepare financial policies.
Review and suggest improving internal financial controls and financial management instruments, both in the UK, and at the international offices.
Host workshops on all aspects of the Financial Manual for the consumption of nonfinancial charity employees.
January 2009 – November 2009
Director Finance & Operations,
American Institutes for Research (AIR), Inc., USA, (USAID’s Middle-Level Education Project for US$ 90 Million). As a member of the Senior Management Team responsible for:
Finance:
HR:
Administration:
Procurements:
IT:
November 2003 – August 2008
Principal Officer and Country Manager Finance & Operations,
Education Development Center (EDC), Inc., USA (USAID’s Primary Education Project for US$ 6 Million).
January 1996 – October 2003
Director Finance and Operations, Ambassador
Responsible for Finance, Audits, HR and Management. Reduced overall costs by 27% and increased sales by 25%. Supervised 47 employees.
October 1993 – December 1995
Senior Manager, Finance & Administration;
Enterprise & Development Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd,
Responsible for Finance, Administration, HR and Systems Development. Supervised 8 employees.
March 1992 – September 1993
Head of Finance & Administration;
Save The Children (USA),
Responsibilities included the supervision and management of financial and administrative activities, relating to the organization’s 9 sub-offices. Supervised over 20 employees.
April 1988 – December 1991
Planning & Control Executive,
AEG,
Responsible for budgeting and forecasting. Assisted in the development of Management Information System. Coordinated with the Head Office in Frankfurt on external audits.
Fatima Hersi has long experience with a proven track record of success spanning 12 years in the UK charitable sector working with the public, directors, staff and charities at local, regional, national and international levels.
She has started as a volunteer working at the office of Dr Hany ElBanna in 2004, who was then the president of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Fatima took on different roles within the organisation, and later joined The Humanitarian Forum in 2014, as the ‘World Humanitarian Summit’ coordinator.
