Key skills and expertise

With a background in International Development, the expert brings 19 years of experience in strategic planning, fundraising, program design, and implementation. Career highlights include leading multi-disciplinary teams in conflict and post-conflict zones and securing nearly $60 million in funding. Previously held roles such as Country Representative and Deputy have involved overseeing operations, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. The expert has successfully managed projects addressing gender-based violence, human rights, and women's empowerment in regions such as Timor-Leste, South Africa, and SADC countries, demonstrating significant accomplishments in the field.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the US Department of State, Australian DFAT, New Zealand, the European Union, and PEPFAR. Responsibilities have included project implementation, strategic advising, and securing co-financing. Thematic areas covered include governance, human rights, gender-based violence, and women's empowerment. Projects have been both regional and national in scope, taking place in locations such as Timor-Leste, South Africa, Eswatini, and 15 SADC countries.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including civil society, NGOs, gender, human rights, democratization, institutional development, and capacity building. Background includes positions at international organizations where they managed complex programs and multicultural teams. Cross-cutting expertise includes integrating governance, health, and education in development initiatives. The geographic scope of work spans regional and country-specific projects in Asia and Africa, particularly in Timor-Leste and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), addressing issues like gender-based violence and women's empowerment. Geographic experience extends to Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Morocco, with deep familiarity in local governance and cultural dynamics, especially in Timor-Leste.

Languages and education

Bringing strong language skills, the expert is fluent in English and Afrikaans, with intermediate proficiency in Tetum and beginner skills in Zulu. These competencies have been utilized in diverse international settings, including work in Timor-Leste, South Africa, and other multilingual environments. Educational background includes a Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University, United Kingdom, and a Master of Arts in African Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Additionally, they graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Southern California, USA, with studies focused on human rights law, African studies, and identity politics related to apartheid in South Africa.