Juan M. Henao
New York ****.********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/juan-manuel-henao-7b513520 202-***-**** Legal Advocate & Case Manager
Bilingual ~ Veteran ~ $500K–$65M ~ Planning, Compliance, Budgeting & Reporting Dynamic program management professional with extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects aimed at promoting rule of law, security, stability, and socio-economic development in challenging environments. Accomplished in cultivating international partnerships and aligning diverse stakeholders towards common goals, with keen focus on capacity-building initiatives. Demonstrated ability to secure funding, design strategic plans, and implement large-scale programs that drive impactful change. Committed to fostering sustainable community development, enhancing workforce readiness, and advancing security reforms through collaborative and innovative strategies. AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Strategic Planning Project Management & Execution Program Design Fund & Resource Allocation Strategic Partnerships
Stakeholder Management Grant Procurement & Administration Public Relations Economic Growth & Development Community & Governmental Buy-In Regulatory Compliance Training Bilingual Spanish & English CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Spearheaded strategic planning and execution of expansive USAID, INL, and PM/WRA initiatives across Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, elevating over 160 vulnerable communities to newfound resilience by slashing crime and violence rates by more than 65%.
Championed professional development of over 600 young individuals, successfully guiding them to secure gainful full- time employment through comprehensive training programs.
Excelled in forging robust alliances with corporate entities, local communities, and governmental bodies, securing crucial backing for cutting-edge projects and fostering dynamic multicultural teams.
Demonstrated prowess in public engagement by articulating project visions and progress to international assembly of organizations and government dignitaries, strengthening project visibility and support.
Masterfully steered through labyrinth of government regulations and corporate mandates to ensure unwavering compliance of program operations.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LONG ISLAND FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE, Long Island (temporary) 12/2024 – Current Bilingual Advocate, Outreach & Case Management
Trailblazer for bilingual education and casework with immigrant and non-immigrant fathers across Suffolk and Nassau counties. Responsible for outreach, curriculum, and sustained casework for Latinos on Long Island. Responsible for crafting training materials and presentations in Spanish; and for devising outreach and advocacy plan with community, faith-based and government entities. Currently implementing various bilingual fatherhood courses and supporting Latino clients with financial, legal, housing and employment needs.
LAB-CO, Central America 08/2020 – 12/2024
Rule of Law & Legal Advisor
Lead analytical research, design, planning, oversight, and technical support for the organization’s growing governance, rule of law, and citizen security portfolio in Central America with focus on push factors leading to regional migration and crime and violence. Specific areas of research/work include: migration, poor economic growth, gang violence, organized crime, corruption and governance. Promote Community Policing and Crime Prevention/Reduction strategies. Liaise with U.S. Government agencies, NGOs, international development implementors, private sector and thinks tanks in support of organization’s mission. Juan M. Henao Page 2
WORLD VISION., Guatemala City, Guatemala 03/2019 – 07/2020 Deputy Chief of Party, Strategy and Alliances
Managed strategic oversight for $65 million USAID-funded Youth Workforce Development initiatives, effectively coordinating life and vocational skills training for over 20,000 young individuals in Guatemala's Western Highlands. Mentored diverse team, cultivating culture of unity and fostering supportive environment that encouraged cultural exchange and collaboration among team members. Directed primary consortium partners and guided principal steering committee to guarantee seamless cross- coordination and uphold highest standards of quality in program delivery.
Fostered robust partnerships with 11 consortium members, aligning efforts with municipal leadership and private sector stakeholders to expand reach and impact of educational and entrepreneurial programs across 15 high-need municipalities.
Crafted and executed forward-thinking strategic vision for program, delineating clear objectives and mobilizing programmatic and operational resources to achieve targeted goals.
Orchestrated comprehensive reengineering of internal processes that enhanced technical, administrative, and operational performance, optimizing project outcomes and procedural efficiency.
Led diligent Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team in conducting rigorous studies, securing accurate, insightful reporting, advancing learning opportunities, and meticulously tracking key performance indicators. JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, San Salvador, El Salvador 08/2018 – 02/2019 Program Manager
Steered revitalization of faltering $500K U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) initiative by assembling and directing diverse 48-member team, inclusive of attorneys, clinical psychologists, social welfare professionals, and pedagogues, to review and assess inmate dossiers for potential early or work release candidates. Orchestrated meticulous administration of payroll and operational funds, ensuring stringent adherence to programmatic financial directives.
Secured pivotal support from an array of critical stakeholders, including government representatives and correctional facility administrations, cementing the program's credibility and operational success.
Championed comprehensive evaluation and submission of 2,600 prisoner cases for progressive phase adjustment, focusing on conditional or pre-scheduled release opportunities.
Executed strategic recruitment campaign, culminating in successful hiring of dedicated local workforce, with impressive 75% retention rate despite majority lacking prior correctional system experience. CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL, INC., Tegucigalpa, Honduras 08/2017 – 08/2018 Chief of Party
Launched pioneering office for USAID's foremost community coexistence and homicide reduction initiative, overseeing $15 million budget and directing the strategic integration of 34 Honduran professionals within 33 high-risk locales. Formulated strategic municipal policies and frameworks aimed at crime prevention and bolstering citizen security at the grassroots level. Authored detailed Scopes of Work for core staff and consultants, alongside Terms of Reference for subcontractors tasked with creating national homicide georeferencing database. Produced comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding with the Honduran government, key municipalities, distinguished private sector entities, and academic institutions, fortifying citizen security project's foundation.
Devised and executed five Municipal Prevention Plans, tailoring them to local needs to maximize impact on crime deterrence and community safety.
Championed Place-Based Strategy, aligning multiple international projects within targeted cities and communities to amplify security efforts and outcomes.
Directed strategic technical workshops to formulate multi-year operational blueprint and meticulous budget allocations, ensuring program's sustainability and effectiveness.
Innovatively designed and implemented $2.4 million grants portfolio, focusing on empowering vulnerable demographics and enhancing capacities of grassroots and civil society organizations.
Initiated trailblazing Public Private Partnership campaign, mobilizing private sector resources and expertise to reinforce community development and reduce homicide rates.
Crafted bespoke capacity-building program for community-based organizations and civil society entities, placing special emphasis on supporting marginalized groups such as women, youth, LGTBI, Garifuna, and individuals with disabilities Juan M. Henao Page 3
CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC., San Salvador, El Salvador 03/2013 – 08/2017 Deputy Chief of Party & Security Coordinator
Implemented comprehensive $39 million program in El Salvador targeting youth and at-risk communities, co-designed with USAID, resulting in establishment of 127 community outreach centers, 20 vocational training centers, and 20 municipal philharmonics across 77 communities, benefiting more than 57,000 individuals. Managed grants budget of $9 million, overseeing financials and ensuring completion of regulatory documentation and reporting. Revitalized community life by providing music, arts, sports, language, and technical opportunities for severely underprivileged children, reclaiming gang territory for communal centers. Advised on development of crime and violence prevention policies and legislation.
Facilitated inauguration of 77 community infrastructure projects, promoting community security and cohesion.
Empowered 56 vocational students through scholarships for 1.5-year Microsoft coding course, while over 600 others secured full-time positions in their respective areas of study.
Fostered youth engagement by developing 80 themed youth clubs run by youths, based on their interests such as swimming, biking, break dancing, etc., providing necessary equipment to support activities and promote volunteer initiatives.
Successfully secured 27 public-private partnerships exceeding $4 million to sustain ongoing community development and create job opportunities.
Achieved significant reduction in crime and violence by more than 65%, fostering community fellowship and establishing infrastructure to combat gangs and improve conflict resolution.
Garnered support from local stakeholders and initiated crime and violence diagnostic systems in 27 municipalities, enabling collaboration between governmental agencies and police forces to effectively reduce crime in targeted areas.
Spearheaded safety measures including implementation of GPS locators, development of fieldwork protocols, and conducting risk mitigation trainings.
IRI, México & Venezuela 01/2006 – 01/2012
Country Director for Mexico & Venezuela
Registered and initiated operations for Institute’s Venezuela and Mexico offices. Hired multi-cultural team to implement USAID and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) programming geared towards democracy promotion, transparency, governance, citizen security, and women and indigenous rights. Worked with numerous political parties and legislative bodies on democracy/transparency issues; liaised with ministers, ambassadors, senior NGO representatives and the private sector.
Supported Mexico constitutional rule of law initiative that shifted from inquisitorial to adversarial/oral system of justice.
Managed/directed election observation missions in Venezuela, Egypt, Honduras, Mexico, and the Falkland Islands. Participated in election observation missions in Egypt and Pakistan.
Regularly presented, provided briefings and speeches concerning democracy and corruption before national legislatures.
Promoted changes to internal political party policies and practices allowing for transparency and inclusion of women in party ranks.
Provided training on political engagement, communications, civics, and democracy to political leadership, women’s organizations, and university youth.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Juris Doctor, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW Bachelor of Arts, International Relations & Political Science, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Training Sergeant, UNITED STATES ARMY, Ft. Riley, Kansas