Key skills and expertise.

With over 31 years of experience, the expert has excelled in leadership roles such as Chief of Party and Country Director, managing projects valued up to $125 million. Expertise includes inclusive market systems, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Successfully implemented multi-sectoral projects, developed partnerships with over 300 organizations, and trained more than 400 practitioners. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Career highlights include increasing women's participation in the Ghana poultry sector from 17% to 39% and facilitating access to over $11 million in direct bank loans.

Project experience and donor exposure.

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as USAID, USDA, SIDA, and GCF. Involvement has included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors like agriculture, economic growth, and climate change adaptation. Managed projects at both national and regional levels, focusing on inclusive market systems and sustainable development. Geographic locations of donor-related work include Zambia, Ghana, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Madagascar, with project values ranging from $2 million to $125 million, demonstrating significant experience in managing donor-funded initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus.

The expert has worked across key sectors including agriculture, economic growth, climate change adaptation, tourism, and SME development. Previously held roles such as Chief of Party and Country Director, managing complex projects and fostering inclusive market systems. Interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating ICT in agriculture and promoting sustainable practices across value chains. Geographic scope includes regional and country-specific projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a strong focus on enhancing economic opportunities and environmental sustainability in developing regions. Extensive geographic experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, having worked in countries such as Zambia, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Nepal, Madagascar, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in Zambia and Ghana, where long-term assignments focused on economic growth and sustainable development have been led.

Languages and education.

Bringing linguistic capability as a native Dutch speaker and fluent in English, with functional proficiency in French, German, and Spanish. Language skills have been utilized in various international contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across regions such as Afghanistan, Ghana, and Madagascar, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in complex, multi-lingual environments. Background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool, UK, obtained in 2012, MSc Courses specializing in Environmental Studies at University Heerlen, Netherlands, in 1995, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Tropical Agriculture from IAH Deventer, Netherlands, in 1992. This educational background combines management, environmental studies, and agricultural expertise, providing a solid foundation for professional roles.