Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 20 years of experience in private sector development, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, the expert focuses on SME management, strategy planning, and innovation. With 16 years dedicated to professional training delivery, the expert has also advised policymakers on SME growth. They have extensive project experience across various sectors and countries, managing multicultural teams and developing government business support services. Career highlights include doubling consultancy income at the University of Sussex and contributing to the Small Business Act 2019. The expert is proficient in capacity building, market analysis, and fostering international partnerships.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving international donors such as Agence Française de Développement, EBRD, Swiss Cooperation Agency, International Development Ireland, USAID, and TRC Group Inc. Responsibilities have included management consulting, advisory roles, and senior expert positions focusing on capacity building, strategy planning, and project implementation. The work spans sectors such as engineering, environmental, ICT, energy, and business support services, with projects conducted across the EU, Eastern Neighbourhood, Western Balkans, and South/East Mediterranean regions.

Sectors and geographic focus

Previously held roles such as management consultant, senior expert, and adviser across key sectors including engineering, environmental, ICT, life sciences, energy, and business support services. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes digital and creative industries, MedTech, and infrastructure projects. The geographic scope of work is extensive, covering the EU, Eastern Neighbourhood, Western Balkans, and South/East Mediterranean, with a focus on enhancing sectoral competitiveness and international trade. The expert has deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues, particularly in the Western Balkans and South-East Mediterranean, contributing to regional development and international collaboration initiatives since 2004.

Languages and education

With a background in English and Italian, the expert possesses native-level command of both languages, demonstrating strong communication skills. They have full professional proficiency in Spanish, effectively utilized in diverse international settings. Additionally, they are comfortable with professional use of Russian and have experience working in multilingual teams. Their language skills have been applied in various professional contexts, including international development projects and cross-cultural collaborations. The expert holds a Master of Science in Marketing Management and a Master of Science in International Business from Sheffield Business School, UK. Additionally, they have an LLB Law degree from University La Sapienza, Italy. This educational background emphasizes expertise in marketing, international business, and law, providing a strong foundation for a career in business strategy and international development.