Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 14 years of experience in urban planning and mobility, the expert specializes in sustainable urban development and accessibility. They have led innovative projects like the DREAMap initiative, which focuses on data-driven solutions to urban challenges. Previously held roles include technical lead positions on Green City Action Plans and Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. Career highlights include collaboration on international projects with organizations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), demonstrating strong skills in stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and policy development. Their leadership has been instrumental in creating strategic frameworks and actionable plans for urban transformation.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving international donors such as the EBRD and FCDO, through UN Habitat projects. Responsibilities have included project implementation and providing technical assistance in urban planning and sustainable mobility. The expert's work has focused on Green City Action Plans and street accessibility projects in Turkey, specifically in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Kocaeli. These initiatives are regional in scope, addressing environmental challenges and promoting inclusive urban environments.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in urban development, transport, and social development, the expert has held roles such as startup founder, technical lead, and project specialist. They have spearheaded projects focusing on sustainable urban mobility and accessibility, integrating digital solutions into urban planning. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes data-driven mapping and stakeholder engagement. The geographic scope of their work spans regional initiatives in Turkey and international projects in Belgium, demonstrating a strong capability in managing complex urban and mobility projects. The expert possesses a deep understanding of urban planning and regional development issues in these countries, with significant projects in cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Kocaeli.

Languages and education

With a background in City and Regional Planning, the expert is a native Turkish speaker and proficient in English, using these languages in professional and academic settings, including international projects in Turkey and Belgium. They have also engaged in translation tasks, such as Turkish-English proofreading of reports. Additionally, the expert has beginner-level skills in Dutch, gained through interactions in multilingual environments. Their educational background includes a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from Middle East Technical University (METU), Turkey, completed in 2022. They also hold a Master's degree in Regional Planning from METU, obtained in 2014, and a Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning from the same institution in 2011. Furthermore, they participated in the Erasmus Mobility program at KU Leuven, Belgium, within the Faculty of Engineering Science from 2015 to 2016.