Key skills and expertise

With 31 years of experience, the expert possesses strategic skills in development processes, aid management, and business development. They have led international projects across nearly 30 countries, collaborating with multilateral and bilateral donors, governments, and NGOs. Career highlights include brokering Zambia's Joint Assistance Strategy and preparing South African development aid guidelines. Previously held roles such as Managing Director and Country Director, overseeing diverse projects and teams. Recognized for strong communication skills and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, the expert delivers impactful solutions in community development, agriculture, and environmental management.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, EU, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DFID, Danida, and the World Bank. Involvements include project implementation, technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluations across sectors like agriculture, governance, and environmental management. Projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in countries including Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, and Latvia. The work has focused on enhancing economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert's professional experience spans key sectors such as community development, environment and climate, food systems and livelihoods, urban development and housing, and agriculture and rural development. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, project management, and business development. The expert has demonstrated cross-cutting expertise in areas like infrastructure in rural development and digitalization in agriculture. The geographic scope of work is extensive, covering regional and country-specific projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Notable long-term assignments include Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and South Africa, where the expert has developed deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues. Other countries of experience include Kenya, Malawi, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, and Vietnam, among others.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in English, with excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills, and is a native Danish speaker. Additionally, they have good proficiency in Portuguese, used in professional contexts such as in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. Russian is spoken at a basic level. These language skills have facilitated effective communication and collaboration in diverse international development projects across multiple continents. The expert holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs, Economic and Political Development from Columbia University, New York, obtained in 1995. Additionally, they completed a BA and graduate studies in International Development & Technological and Socio-Economic Planning at Roskilde University, Denmark, from 1989 to 1994.