Key skills and expertise

With 21 years of professional experience, the expert possesses strong analytical and report writing skills, and proficiency in statistical and GIS software such as SPSS, STATA, ESRI, and Quantum GIS. Extensive experience in socio-economic analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and disaster risk management has been demonstrated. Worked on international projects with the UN and SADC, focusing on food security and livelihoods. Previously held leadership roles as a lecturer and consultant, contributing to significant projects in Southern Africa, including vulnerability assessments and national statistical system improvements.

Project experience and donor exposure

Career highlights include collaboration with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) as a National Statistical System Officer, supporting the National Statistical Office in Malawi. Responsibilities included providing technical assistance in statistics, contributing to national development efforts. Background includes positions at the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) as a Program Officer in vulnerability analysis and mapping, focusing on food security and livelihoods in Malawi. These projects were national in scope and centered on capacity building and program evaluation.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across key sectors including food security, humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, and disaster risk management. Roles such as lecturer, consultant, and program officer involved engaging in socio-economic analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and program design. Interdisciplinary expertise spans digital tools in socio-economic modeling and GIS applications in disaster management. The work has primarily focused on Southern Africa, with regional projects in Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia, addressing both national and regional development challenges. Geographic experience in Southern Africa includes significant roles in Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia. Responsibilities have included working on regional development issues, focusing on food security, livelihoods, and disaster risk management. In Malawi, contributions to national statistical systems and service in government roles were notable. In Botswana and Namibia, involvement in vulnerability assessment and analysis programs demonstrated a deep understanding of regional dynamics and development challenges.

Languages and education

Bringing a strong language competence, the expert is fluent in English, a UN official language, utilized extensively in professional settings, including international collaborations and diverse, multicultural teams. Additionally, speaks Chichewa and Tumbuka, supporting effective communication in in-country work and regional projects across Southern Africa. With a background in economics, the expert holds a PhD Programme in Economics as a Research Fellow from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, completed between 2017 and 2020. Additionally, a Master of Arts Degree in Economics was obtained from the University of Malawi in November 2000. The academic journey began with a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, majoring in Economics, also from the University of Malawi, completed in March 1997.