Key skills and expertise

With 32 years of experience, the expert possesses extensive skills in project design, monitoring and evaluation, and technical and financial management. They have led both international and local initiatives focusing on community resilience, climate change adaptation, and agricultural value chain development. Career highlights include managing significant projects, such as a EUR 10 million agricultural market initiative funded by the Dutch Embassy. Previously held roles such as Managing Director and Programs Director emphasize capacity building, consortium management, and disaster risk reduction.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including the European Union, USAID, and the Global Fund, providing technical assistance, project implementation, and capacity building. They have worked across thematic areas such as governance, health, food security, and rural development. Projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in locations such as Benin, Togo, and other parts of West Africa. Responsibilities have included strengthening livelihoods post-disaster and promoting women's rights and empowerment.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including agriculture, rural development, disaster risk management, and women's empowerment. They have held leadership roles such as Managing Director and Programs Director, overseeing project design and implementation. Their interdisciplinary knowledge includes integrating digital tools in agriculture and infrastructure development in rural settings. The expert's work has had a regional focus, particularly in West Africa, addressing cross-cutting issues like gender integration and climate change adaptation.

Bringing extensive geographic experience in Africa, Europe, and Asia, the expert has significant involvement in countries such as Benin, Togo, and Rwanda. They possess deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, especially in West Africa, where they have worked on numerous regional development projects. Long-term assignments in Benin and Togo underscore their expertise in regional issues, including community resilience and agricultural development.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is a native speaker of Kinyarwanda and fluent in English, French, and Russian. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across international projects. The expert's proficiency facilitates effective communication and coordination in diverse and multicultural environments.

Background includes a Doctorate (PhD) in Biology from the K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. They also obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Agronomy from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow. Additionally, the expert earned a Diploma of Specialized Studies in Development Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) in Belgium.