Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 41 years of experience in international development, the expert is adept at leading large-scale programs in South and Southeast Asia. The focus has been on poverty eradication, public-private partnerships, and strategic organizational leadership. Known for advancing women's and children's rights, the expert has significantly influenced public policy and held leadership roles in organizations such as CARE India and GAIN Bangladesh. Career highlights include receiving the Global Nutrition Leadership Award and contributing to policies like India's National Nutrition Mission. The expert excels in resource mobilization, technical advisory services, and organizational transformation.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with numerous international donors, including BMGF, CIFF, TATA Trusts, WHO, USAID, DFID, Unilever, Dutch Embassy, AusAID, CLUSA, CIDA, Ford Foundation, Dubai Cares, WIPRO, World Bank, WFP, UNICEF, DEC-UK, IFPRI, GIZ, GSK Pharma, WISH Foundation, and PepsiCo. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, and strategic advisory services in health, nutrition, and governance. These projects have been both regional and national in scope, primarily focused in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in key sectors such as food security, health, poverty reduction, social development, and corporate social responsibility, the expert has held roles like CEO and Country Director. Responsibilities have included program management, policy advocacy, and organizational transformation. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge spans public-private partnerships and strategic advisory services, with a regional focus on South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. This experience includes advancing women's and children's rights and influencing significant health and nutrition policies. Extensive experience in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, has provided a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. This has enabled the expert to lead and manage significant international development projects, contributing to poverty reduction, health, and nutrition initiatives.

Languages and education

With a background in language proficiency, the expert is fluent in Bengali, English, Hindi, and Oriya. These skills have been utilized in professional settings across South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, facilitating effective communication in multilingual teams and cross-border collaborations within international development projects. Educationally, the expert holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature and Education and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Utkal University, Odisha, India. Additionally, the expert has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development Management (PGDRDM) from the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), India, recognized as a premier rural management institute in Asia.