With a professional journey extending over two decades, Elie brings substantial expertise in the realms of peace conflict studies, humanitarian aid, and human rights. Presently assuming the role of Senior Policy Officer at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) representation to Egypt and the League of Arab States. All through his career, Elie has been instrumental in leading and offering strategic counsel to various international, regional, and local nonprofit organizations. An international fellow of the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy within the U.S.-based Center for Strategic & International Studies, Elie is a Visiting Lecturer in various universities the MENA region. He serves as the Senior MENA Advisor at Strategy International" in Cyprus and has been a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Religion & Security Council in Rome since 2020. Notably, from 2013 to 2023, he served as the MENA Regional Director at the United States Institute of Peace. Elie has also held key leadership positions at organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, Danish Refugee Council, the Arab Human Rights Fund, and other nonprofit entities. Elie was also the managing partner, Senior Consultant & Trainer at the Ottawa based Elephas Consulting. Elie is a frequent contributor to publications across the MENA region, Europe, and the United States. He continues to actively serve on the board of directors for several regional nonprofit organizations. Dr. Abouaoun holds a master’s degree in business administration and management and is a Doctor of Dental Surgery.