Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 32 years of experience in sustainable rural development, the expert excels in poverty reduction, SME development, and organizational strengthening. Career highlights include leading international projects in economic development, climate change, and governance, securing significant funding such as USD 6.1 million for Caritas Switzerland. Previously held roles such as Country Director have involved managing program and operational activities and implementing projects that conserved significant carbon emissions. The expert is proficient in project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building, demonstrating strong analytical and planning skills across various global regions.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the European Union, FAO, GIZ, BMZ, UNHCR, USDA, and SDC. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in areas like economic development, climate change, governance, and disaster risk reduction. Projects have been implemented at national and regional levels, particularly in countries like Bolivia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in key sectors including rural development, agriculture, microfinance, poverty reduction, and SME development, the expert has held leadership roles such as Country Director, overseeing program management and strategic initiatives. Their cross-cutting expertise includes climate change, gender equity, and participatory development. The expert has managed projects with a geographic scope covering Latin America, Asia, and Europe, implementing strategies for sustainable economic growth and capacity building in diverse cultural and governance contexts. Extensive geographic experience includes deep familiarity with countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. Long-term assignments have provided specific expertise in regional development issues, local governance, and cultural dynamics, including significant roles in Bolivia and Kyrgyzstan, where initiatives in economic development and climate resilience were led.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Lower Saxon, with conversational proficiency in German and beginner-level Russian. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and collaboration within multilingual teams. The expert holds an MSc in Tropical Animal Production and Health from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and a B.Sc. in Animal Husbandry from the Agricultural University (CAH) in the Netherlands.