Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 35 years of experience in social and community development, the expert has dedicated 20 years to management, leadership, and capacity building. Skilled in knowledge management, effective communication, and project cycle management, they have led international initiatives with organizations such as UNDP and VSO. Career highlights include increasing social media engagement for climate projects by over 550 followers in a month and enhancing group satisfaction ratings by 67% through strategic communication training. Responsibilities have included key leadership roles in program coordination, organizational development, and climate resilience advising across Asia and Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors, the expert has worked extensively with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They have served as an International Consultant for the Global Policy Network in Bangkok and as an Admin & Knowledge Management Specialist for the Climate Change Adaptation Project in Sri Lanka. These collaborations involved project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance in areas such as climate change adaptation, governance, and economic empowerment. The projects have been regional and national in scope, covering locations such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and across Asia and the Pacific region.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across diverse sectors, including civil society and NGOs, environment and natural resource management, food security, gender, poverty reduction, and youth. Previously held roles such as consultant, program coordinator, and organizational development specialist. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating climate change adaptation into development projects and promoting gender and social inclusion. The geographic scope of their work spans regional and country-specific initiatives in Asia and Africa, focusing on capacity building, strategic planning, and community engagement. They have extensive geographic experience across Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malawi, and Sri Lanka, with significant involvement in regional development and governance. Worked on long-term assignments and projects focusing on community development, climate resilience, and social inclusion, contributing to various international development initiatives and capacity-building efforts.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia, with native proficiency in Sinhalese, the expert has applied these language skills in various professional contexts, including in-country work across Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malawi, and Sri Lanka. They have effectively communicated in multilingual teams, facilitating international development projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders. The expert holds a Master of Arts in Social Science from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Additionally, they have a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Communication and a Bachelor Hons in Development Studies Special Degree from the University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka. Further qualifications include a Diploma in Management from the University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, a Diploma in English from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a Diploma in Youth & Development from the Commonwealth Asia Centre in Chandigarh, India.