Key skills and expertise

With over 35 years of experience, the expert is a project manager and institutional adviser specializing in water and environmental sectors, including integrated water resources management (IWRM) and wastewater management. They have successfully led projects in 37 countries, focusing on capacity building and sector reforms. Career highlights include 26 years as a team leader and 7 years as a project director, where they have developed strategic plans and spearheaded development initiatives. Responsibilities have included policy development, institutional strengthening, and fostering public-private partnerships, all aimed at achieving sustainable outcomes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience in international development, the expert has collaborated with prominent donors such as the European Commission (EC), World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (AsDB), United Nations (UN), USAID, Danida, and SIDA. They have participated in project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building across various sectors, including water resources management, sanitation, and infrastructure. These projects have ranged from national to regional scales and have been executed in locations such as Palestine, eSwatini, Egypt, Samoa, and the Philippines, showcasing the expert's ability to manage diverse and impactful development initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert's background includes positions in key sectors such as water and environmental management, agriculture, decentralization, and education. Previously held roles like project manager, institutional adviser, and team leader have focused on policy development, institutional strengthening, and capacity building. Their cross-cutting expertise involves integrating climate change adaptation and public-private partnerships into sector reforms. The geographic scope of their work includes regional and country-specific projects in areas like eSwatini, Palestine, and Vietnam, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development. Their long-term assignments in countries like eSwatini and Palestine highlight their region-specific expertise and ability to navigate complex cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, Dutch, and Spanish, the expert also has proficiency in German, French, and Portuguese. These language skills have been extensively utilized in international projects, facilitating effective communication with multilingual teams and stakeholders. With a background in Human Geography, the expert holds an M.A. degree in Human Geography of Developing Countries and a B.A. degree in Human Geography from the University of Utrecht, Netherlands. Additionally, they have a Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from De Baak, Dutch Employers' Training and Education Centre. Their educational background is further enhanced by training in management consultancy, professional development, and quality assurance and audit (ISO-9001) at institutions like Nijenrode University and Lloyd's Insurance Company in the Netherlands.