Jacobo Muelas

As a NORCAP member deployed to IOM HQ in Geneva as a Roving Shelter and Settlement Officer, I provided strategic and technical support to IOM’s Shelter and Settlements (S&S) response across Ukraine and neighboring countries, ensuring alignment with global policies and standards. My achievements included designing a globally adopted programming scope framework, leading over 23 field missions, supporting 140 project proposals for 20 donors.

As a NORCAP member deployed to Ecuador with UNHCR, I reinforced shelter emergency assistance and operations in border areas as well as key cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. I provided capacity building and strategic guidance for UNHCR's shelter and emergency response and led shelter response coordination with partners in the inter-agency platform for Venezuelan refugees and migrants and contributed to a long-term strategy for sustainable protection and integration.

As a NORCAP member deployed to Colombia with UNHCR, I supported shelter needs assessments to inform the development of an interagency shelter strategy. Additionally, I developed monitoring and evaluation tools to supervise shelter works and activities. A key achievement was planning and implementing the transit center project in Maicao, where I coordinated WASH, supply, and field teams during the construction phase, ensuring timely and effective delivery

As a NORCAP member deployed to Dominica with IOM, I was responsible for designing and constructing shelters in hurricane-affected areas and monitoring project implementation. My role included developing specifications for engineering goods and services, applying engineering practices, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. I supervised IOM construction projects across multiple sites, focusing on operations, building specifications, logistics, and resource administration.

As a NORCAP member deployed to Ecuador with IOM, I managed the shelter program strategy and implementation in collaboration with the Shelter sector, government representatives, beneficiary communities, and humanitarian stakeholders. I planned, developed, and supervised shelter program activities while providing remote oversight for operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial functions of IOM sub-offices in Manta and Pedernales.

As Construction Supervisor and focal point for BOD in the Dominican Republic, I oversaw the construction of the new Radiopharmaceutical Laboratory at the Cancer Centre in Santo Domingo. I managed on-site construction activities, ensuring the project was implemented and completed according to designs in Revit. I provided technical and operational assistance to the building company, documented processes, tracked project variances, and reported daily updates to stakeholders.

As part of the team under the supervision of the Head of Office in Spain and the Project Coordinator, I supported the implementation of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programs (AVRR), including proposal submissions and supervising beneficiaries' business plans. I assisted the Chief of Mission with agenda management, correspondence, media contacts, and data collection.Additionally, I managed program activities, ensuring effective coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of their implementation.

As Programs and Humanitarian Emergency Response Coordinator in the Dominican Republic, I led technical project management for emergency preparedness and response. I developed technical and financial reports, managed procurement and inventory systems, and enforced transparent procurement and contracting processes aligned with IOM and donor standards. I also supervised logistics, vehicle operations, and staff movements, and handled financial planning and budget monitoring.

As a consultant for Typsa on the European Union project "Detailed Technical Studies of Market Works in the Binational Border Region of Haiti and the Dominican Republic," I identified local market opportunities and established dialogue with international and local agencies. I managed and coordinated technical resources and field teams, representing Typsa in project forums. I provided technical assistance to ensure the project's outcomes were adapted to the Dominican-Haitian context.

As the representative of Eptisa in Haiti, I established a new technical and commercial office in Port-au-Prince, managing legal, logistical, and administrative processes while driving significant commercial activities. I identified opportunities and assessed risks across sectors such as development cooperation, transport, water and sanitation, health, and energy, coordinating strategies and administrative documentation.

As a Technical Manager of Architecture in projects in Romania, I managed design and execution projects, coordinating multidisciplinary and international teams. My responsibilities included aligning four residential block projects with local legislation and overseeing their subsequent implementation. Key achievements included completing the execution project (PT) for five apartment blocks in Constanța.

As part of various teams in architecture and urbanism, I coordinated and managed projects in rehabilitation, residential, and tertiary uses. I contributed to construction design and site management for projects such as 74 housing units in Carabanchel, Madrid, a senior residence in Illescas, Toledo, and the Cultural Center "Las Aves" in Aranjuez, Madrid. I oversaw the rehabilitation of the "Palacio de Fuensalida" as the headquarters for Castilla-La Mancha's regional government .

A two-year, modular Executive MBA program designed by IESE, Bussines School from Navarra University for professionals. Core areas included finance, strategy, marketing, operations, and leadership. The program emphasized case studies, group work, and international modules in cities like New York and Beijing. It also featured coaching and leadership development for personal growth and global business exposure

A 7-year professional program ( 75 Plan) combining technical, artistic, and theoretical education in architecture. The curriculum included basic sciences, architectural design, construction technology, urban planning, and history/theory. Emphasis was placed on studio work, practical application, and a Final Degree Project . Graduates were qualified to practice as licensed architects in Spain. the 75 Studies plan, Include Degree and Master in Architecture.