Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 12 years of experience in local economic development, urban regeneration, and smart cities, the consultant has led significant projects, such as developing Croydon Council's Smart City strategy and managing European funded projects with budgets up to £6 million. With strong capabilities in project management, policy development, and capacity building, the consultant has demonstrated proven success in European collaborative projects and proposal assessments. Career highlights include directing Cugnet Consulting Ltd and serving as EU Programme Development Manager at Nesta, supporting multiple international initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the European Commission, specifically through Horizon 2020 projects and EC tenders. The consultant's involvement included project development, bid writing, and compliance management, with projects having a regional scope across European cities, focusing on infrastructure and urban innovation. Additionally, the consultant supported bidding processes for USAID and the Department for International Development, indicating involvement in international development cooperation efforts.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in public administration, local economic development, urban regeneration, smart cities, and innovation, the consultant has held leadership roles such as Director at Cugnet Consulting Ltd and EU Programme Development Manager at Nesta. Responsibilities have included project development, policy strategy, and capacity building. The consultant possesses cross-cutting expertise in integrating digital solutions within urban development and has managed projects with both regional and European scopes, engaging with public-private partnerships and European collaborative initiatives. Geographic experience spans Europe, particularly in the UK, France, Belgium, and Central London, with involvement in local governance and regional development projects, including urban regeneration and smart city initiatives. The consultant's work with European collaborative projects and institutions like URBACT and Horizon 2020 has provided deep familiarity with European cultural dynamics and policy frameworks.

Languages and education

With a native proficiency in French and fluency in English, the consultant also possesses proficiency in Spanish. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including working with multilingual teams and engaging in international projects across Europe. The consultant also has basic skills in Italian and beginner-level knowledge of Arabic, enhancing the ability to work in diverse linguistic environments. The educational background includes a Master’s degree in Economic Development and Local Authorities Cooperation in Europe from University Lumière Lyon 2, France, and an M.A. in Political Science, majoring in International Development and Cooperation, from the Institute of Political Studies of Toulouse, France, and the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada. Additionally, the consultant holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Evaluation from London Metropolitan University and completed a Smart Cities Online course from The Open University, UK.