Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 23 years of experience in education, research, and consulting, the expert specializes in higher education governance and development. Key qualifications include designing qualitative and mixed-method studies, conducting field research, and facilitating scientific workshops. Career highlights include leading international projects in Africa, analyzing university-industry linkages and organizational reforms. The expert is proficient in MS-Office, MAXQDA, and project management tools, having held leadership roles such as owner of Higher Education Research & Consulting and project manager at CHE Consult GmbH, contributing significantly to strategic consulting and impact analyses.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors, the expert has worked with organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH. Responsibilities have included project implementation, evaluations, and research fellowships focused on education and higher education governance. Projects have been conducted in various African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Sudan/South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, addressing regional and sector-specific challenges in higher education and development cooperation.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked primarily in the education, science, and innovation sectors, focusing on higher education governance and development. Previously held roles such as owner of a consulting firm and project manager, providing strategic consulting and conducting impact analyses. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes the integration of research policy with higher education and business, particularly in African countries. The expert's work spans regional and country-specific projects, emphasizing the development of university-industry linkages and capacity building within the education sector. Extensive geographic experience in Africa includes significant involvement in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Sudan/South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Familiarity with local governance and higher education development in these regions is underscored by recurring involvement and contributions to regional development initiatives.

Languages and education

With a strong educational background, the expert holds a Doctorate in Social and Economic Sciences (Dr. rer. pol.) from Universität Kassel, Germany, and a Magister Artium (M.A.) in African Studies, Islamic Studies, and Jewish Studies from Universität zu Köln, Germany. Additional qualifications include a project management certificate from Grundig Akademie and an Arabic Language Certificate from Cairo University, Egypt. Language competences include native proficiency in German and fluency in English, with intermediate skills in French and basic skills in Swahili. These language skills have been utilized in diverse contexts, including conducting research and interviews in multilingual teams across various African countries, and facilitating communication in international academic and professional settings.