Key skills and expertise

With over 31 years of experience, the expert is highly skilled in global climate change, sustainable energy, and environmental management. They have led over 30 sustainable energy and pollution prevention projects across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The expert has played key roles in capacity building for international organizations and has managed projects with budgets exceeding $30 million. Responsibilities have included serving as Chief of Party and Team Leader, where they have driven policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of large-scale international initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving major international donors such as EU Delegations, EuropeAid, EBRD, World Bank, IFC, USAID, UNDP, UNECE, and UNIDO. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluations in areas like climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Projects have been regional, national, and sector-specific, focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and other regions. Career highlights include leading and managing projects with substantial budgets, contributing to policy development and strategic planning in environmental and energy sectors.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in sectors such as energy, environment, pollution and waste management, and sustainable development, the expert has held leadership roles, including Chief of Party and Team Leader, managing large-scale projects and providing technical assistance. Their cross-cutting expertise includes integrating climate change mitigation into energy and urban infrastructure projects. The geographic scope of work spans regional and country-specific initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and South and South-East Asia, highlighting an interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex environmental and energy challenges. Responsibilities have included leading projects and capacity-building initiatives, demonstrating deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and Russian, with excellent proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing. They have effectively utilized these language skills in international settings, working with multilingual teams and engaging in projects across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Additionally, the expert has intermediate proficiency in Ukrainian, which supports their ability to work in diverse linguistic environments. The educational background includes a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia, USA, completed between 1991 and 1994, and a Diploma in Biology, equivalent to a Master’s degree, from Moscow State University, Russia, between 1982 and 1987. These educational achievements have provided a strong foundation in ecological and biological sciences, supporting an extensive career in environmental and energy sectors.