Jen Smith

Jennifer Smith is Deputy Vice President for Academic and Professional Programs at Amideast, where she leads initiatives that expand access to education, strengthen workforce readiness, and advance economic development across the Middle East and North Africa. She oversees a broad portfolio including workforce development, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), accessible education, and Education Abroad programs.

Since joining Amideast in 2018 as Country Director for Tunisia and Libya, Jennifer has held several senior leadership roles, including Regional Director for Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship (2023–2026). Across these roles, she has led large-scale programs that enhance employability, support youth skills development, and deepen private sector engagement across the region.

Jennifer brings over 20 years of international experience in workforce development, vocational education and training (TVET), and economic inclusion. She previously advised organizations including the United Nations, World Bank, and GIZ on labor market systems and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia, and coordinated a national network of TVET-linked social enterprises in Lao PDR. She began her career in investment banking in London before launching and managing a successful hospitality venture in Fez, Morocco.

She has held leadership roles with the Regional Hotel and Guesthouse Association in Fes-Boulemane and the American Chamber of Commerce in Lao PDR, and is an ILO-certified Green Business Trainer.

Jennifer holds a BA from Duke University and an MA from SOAS University of London. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for research in Syria and also holds a Cordon Bleu diploma.