Key qualifications:

·   University degree in Agriculture Science;

·Senior expert with over 35 years of professional experience in agriculture, rural development, agro-food, market systems development, value chains development, food security, food safety, valorisation of natural resources, irrigation and drainage, administration, and a successful track record delivering long-term assignments in developed and developing countries;

· More than 25 years of professional experience in international cooperation projects/programmes, in developing countries, in the field of agriculture/rural development;

·  More than 15 years' experience in project management for development cooperation initiatives;

·  Over 10 years’ experience in conflict, post-conflict, and emergency settings (e.g., Syria, Somalia, Iraq) and well versed with conflict-sensitive approaches and the do-no-harm principles (e.g., Syria, from 2014 – present, Somalia, 1999 to 2002), demonstrating abilities to work under stress in high-risk environments;

·   Knowledge of the Safety and Security measures for personnel (course of MAECI/DGCS passed with examination, score 10/10);

·  In deep Knowledge and Strong expertise in techniques and methodologies for formulating, managing, and monitoring international cooperation projects (project cycle management, Logical Framework approach, Theory of Changes, Result Based management) including rules applied by several donors (Italian Foreign Ministry, EU, DFID, GIZ, SRTF, and Australian Government;

·  Fluent in the use of all Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.) and demonstrable experience in management of data, and in use of AutoCAD;

· Extensive skills in providing leadership and human resource management of multi-cultural international and local teams acquired as program manager/chief of party, and project manager;

·  Personal skills and capacities: excellent skills in Leadership, Communication, Organizational, Time management, Problem-solving,             Adaptability, Risk management, Team building; Fully understanding the project domain and relevant tools and technologies;

·    Experience in Budget and finance management (grants, soft loans, and debt Swap with budgets up to € 42 million) and proficiency in all the financial aspects of the projects/ programs, involving accountancy, financial reports, and financial monitoring;

·  Deep knowledge of the procurement rules and procedures of international donor agencies;

· Proven experience in technical assistance to Ministries of several Countries (Jordan, Syria, Philippines, Iraq and others) to develop new public policies and programmes in the agriculture and rural development;

·    Proficient in developing relationships with stakeholders (donors, counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries);

·   More than 15 years of previous experience as project manager in development initiatives, implemented by CIHEAM Bari, in developing Countries;

·    Extensive experience in proposals and reports writing in the development sector.

      o   Project proposals for developing countries, written and approved: n. 36 with a total budget of € 88 million;

      o   Programs/ Project directly managed; n. 13 for a total budget of € 80 million;

·    Fluency in English and excellent reporting skills.