Key skills and expertise

With 18 years of experience in democratic governance and electoral affairs, the expert is skilled in project management, technical assistance, and capacity building. They have served as an Electoral Expert and Technical Adviser, managing international projects with organizations like the United Nations and the European Union. The expert has led initiatives in electoral conflict prevention, gender integration, and civic participation. Previously held roles include Country Director for IFES, and they have been involved in election observation missions, contributing to enhanced electoral systems and democratic governance in multiple countries.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, USAID, and UNESCO. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in governance and electoral processes. Worked across diverse projects on a regional and national scale, specifically in countries like Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau. The expert also contributed to developing strategies and proposals for donor-funded projects, enhancing democratic governance and electoral systems.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including civil society, NGOs, democratization, law, institutional development, and capacity building. Background includes positions as Research Consultant, Country Director, and Electoral Management Adviser, providing expertise in project management, technical assistance, and election observation. Their interdisciplinary knowledge spans digital ethics and e-governance, with a geographic scope covering Europe, Africa, and Asia. The expert has contributed to regional and country-specific initiatives, enhancing governance structures and electoral systems in diverse cultural and political contexts. Extensive geographic experience across Europe, Africa, and Asia includes work in countries such as Afghanistan, Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, France, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mozambique, Portugal, South Sudan, and Uganda. They have developed deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in electoral systems and democratic governance. Long-term assignments in Burkina Faso and South Sudan have contributed to regional development and electoral management, with involvement in multiple electoral observation missions across these regions.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in Portuguese, French, and English, with French being a mother tongue due to living in France for 15 years. These language skills have been utilized extensively in international work contexts, including collaboration with multilingual teams and conducting research and project management in diverse countries. The expert's proficiency in these languages has facilitated effective communication and coordination in various international initiatives and electoral observation missions. The expert holds a European Master Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation from the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation, Italy and Cyprus. They completed a Post-Graduation in Humanitarian Aid and Co-operation under Critical Situations at Universidade Moderna de Lisboa, Portugal. Additionally, the expert obtained a Law Degree from Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal, with part of the studies conducted at Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania, under the ERASMUS Programme.