Key skills and expertise

With nearly 20 years in the development sector and a total of 31 years of professional experience, the expert is well-versed in strategic planning, proposal development, and budget management. They have led international projects with a focus on climate change, food security, and governance, demonstrating strong negotiation and influencing skills. Career highlights include managing a USD$12M DfID grant and facilitating the creation of 4,000 jobs for youth. Previously held roles such as Country Director involved overseeing multi-year strategic plans and managing significant donor relationships.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience working with international donors, the expert has collaborated with organizations such as the European Commission, Comic Relief, DfID, USAID, UNICEF, and the World Food Program. Their involvement includes project implementation, capacity building, and strategic planning in thematic areas like climate change, food security, livelihoods, youth employability, and governance. They have worked on a national scale in Zimbabwe, enhancing development outcomes through various donor-funded initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across key sectors including social development, organizational development, project management, and agriculture and rural development. Responsibilities have included senior roles such as Country Director, focusing on climate change, food security, livelihoods, and governance. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise encompasses resilience building and youth employability, with a geographic focus on Zimbabwe. They have demonstrated strong leadership in strategic planning, resource mobilization, and donor collaboration, effectively managing both local and international initiatives. Background includes positions at international NGOs, with over a decade of engagement in Zimbabwe, managing significant development projects and cultivating strategic partnerships.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, both orally and in writing, the expert has used these language skills extensively in professional settings, including international development projects and multilingual teams. Additionally, they are fluent in Shona, enhancing their ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively in Zimbabwe. Educationally, the expert holds a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master’s Degree in Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS from the University of South Africa. They also earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Social Theory from the University of the Witwatersrand and have a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Zimbabwe.