Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 27 years of experience, the expert has more than 17 years in gender analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and financial inclusion. Responsibilities have included leading gender mainstreaming initiatives and developing gender-responsive financial tools. The expert's project management experience spans local and international initiatives, such as leading the gender component for the Somali Ministry of Finance and co-authoring the African Development Bank’s strategy. Previously held roles at the International Finance Corporation and Grant Thornton have focused on gender equity, MSME development, and financial inclusion across Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Involvement includes providing technical gender, social, and MSME expertise for the Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihoods, and Entrepreneurship through Digital Uplift program. Additionally, the expert contributed to the African Development Bank's strategy for improving quality of life in Africa. The work has been regional in scope, focusing on financial inclusion and gender equity across multiple African countries, including Somalia and Zambia.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in gender analysis, financial inclusion, MSME development, and market research, the expert has worked across several sectors. Roles such as Gender Specialist and Project Manager have focused on integrating gender perspectives into policy and development programs. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes applying a gender lens to financial services and entrepreneurship, with a regional focus across Africa. The work has involved both the private sector and NGOs, emphasizing women's economic empowerment and social inclusion. Geographic experience spans countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Somalia, and Angola, demonstrating deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in gender mainstreaming and financial inclusion projects.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, Swahili, and Luo, with basic proficiency in Italian, the expert has utilized these language skills in various professional contexts, including in-country work across multiple African nations and collaboration with multilingual teams. Additionally, the expert is a certified KUDO interpreter for English-Swahili, enhancing communication in diverse settings. Educational background includes an MBA in Global Business and Sustainability from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy, and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from International Leadership University, Kenya. The expert also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Gender and Development from Strategia Netherlands and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Economics from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, India.