Key skills and expertise

With 28 years of experience, the expert is skilled in rural development, macroeconomics, and public finance. They have managed sector budget support and policy programs, particularly in sustainable agriculture and irrigation. The expert has led projects for the EU Delegations in Rwanda and Uganda, including strategic environmental assessments and irrigation master plans. Accomplishments include enhancing Rwanda's agriculture sector through the 11th EDF Sector Reform Contract and co-chairing the Agriculture Sector Working Group. Advanced knowledge of Integrated Water Resource Management and water use assessment tools further highlights their expertise.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Commission and KFW Entwicklungsbank. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and evaluations in sectors like agriculture, irrigation, and rural development. They have managed national and sector-specific projects in Rwanda, Uganda, Bolivia, and Peru, focusing on enhancing sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and local economic development. The work spans regional and national scales, contributing to strategic environmental assessments and policy dialogue to support development initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across several key sectors, including rural development, agriculture, macroeconomics, public finance, and decentralization. Previously held roles such as International Aid/Cooperation Officer and Project Manager, managing sector budget support and policy programs, particularly in sustainable agriculture and irrigation. Interdisciplinary expertise includes integrated water resource management and project appraisal for public investments. The expert has operated on both regional and country-specific scales, with significant contributions in Rwanda, Uganda, and Bolivia, enhancing agricultural and economic development initiatives. Extensive geographic experience across Latin America and Africa, with long-term assignments in Rwanda, Uganda, Bolivia, and Peru. Deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues, particularly in Rwanda since 2011. Work in Bolivia spans multiple assignments, contributing to projects in rural development and local economic initiatives. Additional experience in Brazil, Colombia, Gambia, and Nicaragua further highlights broad international expertise in development cooperation.

Languages and education

The expert is a native German speaker and fluent in English and Spanish, with proficiency in French and Portuguese. These language skills have been utilized extensively in international settings, including in-country work in Latin America and Africa, and collaboration with multilingual teams across various development projects. With a background in Agricultural Sciences from Hohenheim University in Germany, graduating as a Graduate Agronomist Engineer. Further pursued studies in agricultural production economics, environmental and resource economics, and rural development socio-economics at Goettingen University, Germany, obtaining a certificate. Additionally, completed a postgraduate certificate at the Center for Advanced Training in Rural Development at Humboldt University Berlin, Germany, focusing on communication skills, project appraisal, and rural development strategies.