Nora Aridi

Background

About Nora Aridi

I’m currently the Operations Manager in the world of digital rights, a role I never exactly planned for, but now juggling strategy docs, budget forecasts, program plans, MEAL logframes, and project activities, all while keeping pace with the digital world’s endless plot twists, armed with a laptop and strong coffee. My journey at SMEX began as the HR & Admin Manager, where I built the HR unit from scratch: everything from crafting job descriptions to figuring out reporting lines (and convincing everyone it was a good idea). Policies, performance systems, org charts. I dove deep because I believe that clear processes, solid structure, and well-defined SOPs are the foundation of any well-performing operation. When done right, internal systems don’t just support admin, they create a work culture people truly respect and want to be part of 🤝. Fast forward to today: as Operations Manager, I’ve stepped out from behind the scenes to become fully hands-on. I helped shape our strategic plan, survived the sometimes painful but essential process of developing our theory of change, and made it my mission to ensure every project connects back to the bigger picture. I turn ideas into actionable plans, learn from our team of experts, keep track of their amazing work, and make sure it shines through in our reports and proposals. With a BS in Management Information Systems and an MBA, my background spans IT, HR, and HR systems implementation. I’ve worked in higher education and with an international organization supporting people forced to flee their homes, and somehow, all those paths have led me here, at the intersection of technology, tech platform policies, and their impact on human rights. If you’re qualified for any role at our organization, feel free to reach out. Likewise, if you represent an organization interested in collaboration, I’d love to hear from you 🤝.