Independent economic development consultant, team leader and evaluator of projects and programs. Over 25 years of practical work experience including 15 years in development work in Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and remotely in all Eastern Europe, Central Asian and Southern Caucasus countries. Implemented over 30 projects, assignments and studies funded by the EuropeAid, WB, IFC, EBRD, USAID, UK DFID (now FCDO), UNDP, UNECE, UNOPS and bilateral aid agencies.

Team leader or Project manager on the EC, WB, UNDP, and EBRD-funded projects, mid-level management roles in private sector companies and banks (around 8 years of management in total). Successfully led small teams, developed workplans, controlled the budgets, conducted quality assurance, delivered the results and submitted progress reports on time.

Interested in a short- or long-term Key Expert, Deputy or Team Leader position within an international donor-funded project.

Fields of expertise: economic growrth, private sector development, microeconomics, SME support policy, financing, blending, investments and job creation, economic analysis, SME competitiveness, financial market development, business and investment climate improvement, foreign direct investment (FDI) promotion; export, climate finance (GCF, GEF, etc.), market and sector research, mapping and working with different stakeholders. Capacity building (TNA, training, mentoring) of founders of start ups, entrepreneurs, enterprise managers, bankers and public officials responsible for SME support, FDI promotion, climate change and economic growth policy. 

I am good at drafting project proposals for international donors, writing analytical papers, economic concepts, feasibility studies, national or regional strategies, and state programmes with action plans; developing reports with conclusions and presenting viable recommendations.

Development experience is complemented by a track record in the field of banking and financial services (5 years), and as independent investment and business advisor directly to start-ups, innovative high growth and fast developing enterprises in ICT, green oil refining, pharmaceuticals, commercial fishing, exotic food distribution, footwear trade, education technology sectors, and running my own online start up, totally for 5 years more. Services included development of feasibility studies, business plans, pitch decks, searching for partners, matchmaking, mobilizing investment for development, and management training.

Monitoring and evaluations. As a senior consultant or team leader I completed nine (9) mid-term or final evaluations of multi-country projects and programs related to the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Central Asia and/or EaP countries. Good knowledge of the OECD/DAC, EU and UN evaluation criteria, methodologies, and qualitative and quantitative tools. Areas: innovations, clean water, climate change, environment, sustainable energy, private sector development, retired experts programme, twinning, banking, training, and cross cutting issues (human rights, gender equality, women's empowement, youth and disability inclusion). 

Regarding education, I hold a Diploma in International Economic Relations and Ph.D. degree in Economics (Financial Markets and Institutions) from the Finance University in Russia, and Executive MBA from Cranfield School of Management in the UK. Native Russian, fluent English (C1/C2), speak some German (B1) and Spanish (A2).