Soha Youssef is the Learning and Development Coordinator at United Nations University MERIT, where she coordinates the Dual Career Ph.D. programme and manages various events.
After three years working as a researcher focused on migration studies, she transitioned to a new role coordinating the university's Dual Career Ph.D. programme and managing various events. In this role, Soha has been instrumental in spearheading the needs identification process for UNU-MERIT's Ph.D. program. She conducts regular consultations with students and faculty to identify skill gaps and development opportunities, championed the merger of two major programs while restructuring the Ph.D. program, and developed a comprehensive guideline to ensure a smooth transition for students.
In addition to her role at UNU-MERIT, Soha is an active researcher and teaches the Migration Studies course at the University College of Maastricht since February 2022. She supervises capstones for students in their final year of their bachelor's degree, providing guidance and support in their academic and professional development. Soha is also a mentee in the Master's programme at UNU-MERIT, where she has developed a growing interest in supporting students' professional growth.
Soha holds a double MSc. in Public Policy and Human Development from Maastricht University/UNU-MERIT, with a specialization in Migration Studies. Her graduate thesis focused on the decision-making processes of Sudanese migrants living in Egypt. Prior to her current role at UNU-MERIT, Soha obtained her BA from the American University in Cairo, where she studied political science with a specialization in international law and international relations. After completing her bachelor's degree, she worked as a refugee status determination senior assistant at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Cairo. In this position, she managed complex cases, including exclusion, statelessness, unaccompanied minors, and family reunification, demonstrating expertise in international and domestic immigration law. She also developed innovative solutions for stateless individuals, collaborated with governments and NGOs to secure recognition and documentation, and advocated for family reunification by coordinating with international authorities and tracing relatives across borders.
Throughout her career, Soha has shown a strong commitment to client service, organization, and time management. She is proficient in various project management software and has strong cross-cultural communication skills. Her dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and adapting content to meet diverse learner needs has been evident in her various roles.
