Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 15 years of experience, the expert is a Senior Communications Specialist skilled in strategic communications, media relations, and advocacy. Career highlights include managing a $180 million communications budget for the Bloomberg Initiative for Tobacco Control and securing free airtime for a Polio Immunization program. Responsibilities have included leading teams of over 10 people and coordinating high-profile communications campaigns, showcasing strong leadership and strategic thinking skills in global health and development sectors. With a background in international initiatives, they have worked with esteemed organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with major international donors such as Bloomberg Philanthropies, USAID, and the Gates Foundation. Their involvement spans project implementation, technical assistance, and resource mobilization in health and public health sectors. They have been instrumental in managing communications for the Bloomberg Initiative for Tobacco Control and drafting technical strategies for WHO's Global Malaria Programme. Worked across regional and national projects in diverse locations, including Nigeria, Switzerland, India, and Southeast Asia, focusing on governance, health, and advocacy.

Sectors and geographic focus

With extensive experience across key sectors, the expert has worked in public health, media and communications, water and sanitation, and social development. Previously held roles such as Communications Consultant and Officer, managing strategic communications and media relations for organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes digital strategies and advocacy within public health initiatives. The expert's work has had a regional and global scope, with significant contributions in Nigeria, Switzerland, and Southeast Asia, enhancing their capability to address diverse sectoral challenges in international development contexts. They have demonstrated a deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly through roles in these regions.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, French, Hindi, and Bengali, the expert has utilized these language skills in international settings, including work in multilingual teams and communication roles with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS. They hold a Certificate in French Language from Alliance Francaise de Calcutta, enhancing proficiency in French. Their language competencies have supported work in diverse geographic locations, facilitating effective communication in global health and development projects. With a background in Sociology, they hold a Master of Arts from Madurai Kamraaj University, India. Additional qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Management from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations from Birla Institute of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Journalism from Sikkim Manipal University. They also possess a Diploma in Social Work and Community Services from the National Council of Education, Jadavpur University.