Key skills and expertise

With 31 years of experience, the expert is adept in project formulation, strategic analysis, and operational management for international environmental initiatives. They possess technical expertise in integrating ecosystem and biodiversity conservation into sustainable land and water management. Career highlights include leading projects in river basin management and wetlands conservation, securing co-financing from donors, and coordinating multi-country training programs. Responsibilities have included stakeholder coordination, procurement, and results-based monitoring, with roles such as Team Leader and Senior Technical Adviser.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and USAID. Involvement has encompassed project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sectors like environmental conservation, water management, and biodiversity. The expert has contributed to regional and national projects in locations including Georgia, Viet Nam, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing extensive experience in sectors including environment and natural resource management, water and sanitation, agriculture, and pollution and waste management. Previously held roles such as Consultant, Team Leader, and Senior Technical Adviser, focusing on project management, technical advisory, and strategic planning. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating biodiversity conservation into land and water management. The expert's work spans regional and country-specific projects in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, addressing cross-cutting issues like climate change adaptation and sustainable development. Geographic experience includes significant long-term assignments in Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Viet Nam, with deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

With a background in language proficiency, the expert is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in English and Russian, with advanced proficiency in German. These language skills have been utilized in international project management and coordination, working in multilingual teams across various countries including Russia, Georgia, and Viet Nam. The expert holds a BSc in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture with a major in Tropical Soil Science and Water Management from Larenstein International Agricultural College, Netherlands. Additionally, they have an MSc in Soil Science, Hydrology, and Meteorology, majoring in Soil Inventory and Land Evaluation, from Wageningen Agricultural University, Netherlands.