Rawan Elsharkawi
Head of Document Control with DEME Group (Abu Qir II Project - Egypt)
Can you tell us a bit about you?
My name is Rawan Elsharkawi, and I’m an Egyptian national and am based in Egypt. I work as the head of Document Control in large-scale infrastructure and marine projects (Suez Canal expansion, Abu Qir port expansion, Mistral Quay wall project in Alexandria, Burullus power station).
Such complex and high-volume environments require structured information and reliable documentation for supporting project success.
Outside of work, I enjoy singing, listening to music, cooking different cuisines and herb gardening, as well as creating a comfortable and organized home environment. These simple activities help me stay focused and maintain a balanced mindset alongside a demanding career and recharge creatively.
What is your current role?
I currently work as Head of Document Control in Abu Qir II Project with DEME Group, where I oversee Document Control activities across the project lifecycle.
My role focuses on ensuring that all project documentation is properly structured, controlled, and aligned with project requirements and quality standards such as ISO 9001. I manage document workflows, reviews, approvals, and distribution processes using Aconex EDMS.
In addition, I lead the Document Control team, provide guidance and training, and ensure consistency across all disciplines. A key part of my role is continuously improving workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce delays, while maintaining high standards of traceability and compliance, aligned with international best practices.
This contributes directly to smoother coordination and more reliable project execution across teams.
Additionally, I facilitated communication with Authorities on behalf of my company when language barriers required it.
Can you describe your professional experience?
My professional experience has been built working for a European Marine Works Contractor within large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects.
I started with hands-on document control tasks and gradually moved into more senior roles focused on leadership, process improvement, and system design. Over time, I became more involved in developing workflows, establishing standards, and supporting teams in working more efficiently.
Working on major projects, including Abu Qir, strengthened my ability to manage high volumes of documentation, to coordinate between multiple stakeholders, and to ensure that information remains clear, controlled, and accessible. This contributed to improving workflow efficiency and reducing delays in document processing and more importantly managing document lifecycles.
I also had the opportunity to work in a diverse, multinational environment, collaborating with professionals from different nationalities, many of whom were from Europe. This experience helped me adapt to different working styles, improve communication, and work effectively across cultures.
In addition, I attended workshops and training sessions at the head office in Belgium, where Document Controllers from multiple countries came together. This experience was highly valuable in exchanging knowledge, aligning on international best practices, and understanding different approaches across diverse project environments.
This experience shaped my perspective that Document Control is not just an administrative function, but a key contributor to risk management, compliance, and overall project success.
Which Consepsys course did you attend and when?
I have completed the Certified Document Controller, Lead Document Controller, and Advanced Document Control courses with Consepsys as part of my continuous professional development, which strengthened my practical skills and understanding of structured Document Control processes.
What did you think about the course? How did it help you in your current role and career development?
The courses were highly practical and directly applicable to my work.
They strengthened my understanding of Document Control as a structured discipline and enhanced my knowledge of document lifecycle management, workflows, and best practices. They also reinforced the importance of clear roles, responsibilities, and governance in managing project documentation effectively.
One of the key benefits was gaining a more structured approach to improving processes and supporting teams. The training gave me greater confidence in designing workflows, aligning Document Control practices with project needs, and contributing more strategically within complex environments, while applying the principles learned directly to my current projects.
Overall, the courses supported my career development by enhancing both my technical expertise and my ability to add value at a higher level within project teams. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from Consepsys, as the insights gained continue to influence how I approach Document Control in real project environments.
Interview date: March 2026