Key skills and expertise

Bringing 39 years of experience as a Principal Social and Environmental Scientist and Safeguards Specialist, the expert possesses extensive expertise in sustainable development, social and environmental safeguards, and compliance. Career highlights include leading international and local projects and delivering over 50 safeguards workshops. Notable accomplishments encompass earning several VPU and Leadership Awards and managing high-risk and complex projects across multiple regions. Previously held leadership roles involved coordinating social safeguards for regional programs and mentoring junior staff. Responsibilities have included mainstreaming social development and environmental management into bank-financed operations.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked extensively with the World Bank, providing involvement in international development cooperation projects. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building. The expert has worked across thematic areas such as governance, health, education, infrastructure, and natural resource management. The scope of projects has been both regional and national, covering geographic locations including Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in environment and natural resource management, social development, youth engagement, and monitoring and evaluation, the expert has held roles such as Principal Social and Environmental Scientist and Safeguards Specialist. The expert has interdisciplinary knowledge in integrating social and environmental safeguards into infrastructure and rural development. Geographic experience spans regional and country-specific projects in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America, with a focus on sustainable development and compliance with international standards. The expert has deep familiarity with regional development issues and local governance in countries like Senegal, Mozambique, Mali, India, and Morocco.

Languages and education

With native proficiency in French and English, the expert is also fluent in Portuguese and several West African languages, including Fula, Mandinka, and Wolof, and has a good command of Spanish. These language skills have been applied in diverse contexts, including in-country work and collaboration within multilingual teams. The expert holds an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, UK, and Robert Kennedy College. Additionally, the expert has a dual M.A. in Global Environmental Politics/International Affairs & Natural Resources Management from the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica and American University in the USA. The educational background also includes a PhD (abd) in Diplomacy & International Development Affairs at Université Paris X - Nanterre, France, and a Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies in socio-political dynamics and urban planning at Université de Paris VIII and Université de Paris X, France.