Key skills and expertise

With 13 years of experience in rural development, education, gender, and social inclusion, the expert is proficient in strategic planning, project coordination, and grassroots campaigning. Career highlights include leading initiatives with Save the Children International and UN Women, focusing on gender equity and social inclusion. Notable achievements involve developing a GESI strategy for the ESPID project, facilitating scholarships for indigenous girls in STEM fields, and increasing girls' enrollment in education by 22% in Niger State. Responsibilities have included providing technical support to donor agencies and government institutions, enhancing gender policy implementation and social protection programs.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as UNICEF, the World Bank, the Commonwealth of Learning, and the Japanese International Corporation Agency. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in thematic areas like education and social inclusion. Projects have been national in scope, focusing on vulnerable and socially excluded groups in Nigeria. The expert has also participated in resource mobilization strategies and donor mapping for UN Women, enhancing women's empowerment and social protection initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including rural development, education, gender, humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, and social development. Previously held roles such as Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor and Gender and Economic Rehabilitation Officer involved integrating gender equity and social inclusion into program cycles. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes developing strategies for social protection and empowerment initiatives. The work is primarily country-specific to Nigeria, addressing the needs of socially excluded groups and enhancing policy implementation and capacity building at national and regional levels. The expert has extensive experience working in Nigeria, with a deep understanding of local governance and cultural dynamics. Long-term assignments and projects have contributed to regional development and policy implementation across various states in Nigeria.

Languages and education

Bringing proficiency in English and native proficiency in Hausa, the expert also possesses intermediate proficiency in Fula. These language skills have been utilized in professional settings within Nigeria, facilitating communication and collaboration in multilingual teams and projects focused on rural development, education, and social inclusion. The expert holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands. Additionally, they obtained a Master's in Development Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.