Key skills and expertise

With over 29 years of experience, the expert excels in NGO leadership, partnership development, and project management. They have led international development initiatives focusing on women's rights, HIV/AIDS, and education, achieving significant organizational growth and establishing a new office in Tanzania. As CEO of African Initiatives, responsibilities included managing governance and fundraising strategies, expanding the team, and boosting income. Consultancy work includes evaluating Comic Relief's grant models and leading impact assessments. Skilled in monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and strategic planning, the expert brings a broad geographic experience in Africa and beyond.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as DFID, Comic Relief, Big Lottery Fund, and VSO Netherlands. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sectors like health, education, and governance. The work has been regional and national in scope, covering geographic locations such as Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, China, India, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Ghana. Notable projects include evaluations of Comic Relief's grant models and HIV/AIDS programs, and strategic planning for VSO's initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including health, social development, gender, and education, with a focus on international development. Previously held leadership roles such as CEO and consultant, managing NGO operations and conducting evaluations. Cross-cutting expertise includes gender equality, safeguarding, and disability mainstreaming. The geographic scope of work spans Africa and beyond, with notable experience in Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, addressing regional challenges in women's rights, HIV/AIDS, and capacity building. Extensive geographic experience across Africa includes significant involvement in Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Ghana, as well as work in Guyana, China, and India. Long-term assignments in Mozambique and South Africa have provided deep familiarity with cultural dynamics and development challenges in these regions.

Languages and education

The expert is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in English. They possess intermediate proficiency in Portuguese and basic skills in French and German. These language skills have been utilized in various international development contexts, including in-country work in Mozambique, South Africa, and other multilingual environments. The expert holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Bath, UK, and a Bachelor of Economics with a major in Marketing from the Economic Business School (HEAO) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.