Key skills and expertise

With over 20 years of experience in Sustainable Natural Resource Management, the expert has developed significant expertise in climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and biodiversity assessment. Responsibilities have included leading international and local initiatives, such as projects funded by the African Development Bank and UNDP. Career highlights include success in establishing multi-level governance structures, capacity building in early warning systems, and integrating indigenous knowledge into disaster preparedness. The expert has published in peer-reviewed journals and has held leadership roles in managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective project implementation and stakeholder engagement across Southern Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors like the African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environmental Fund. Their involvement has encompassed project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building. Thematic areas have included climate change resilience, disaster risk management, and natural resource management. Projects have spanned regional and national scales, primarily within Southern Africa, covering countries such as Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors, including rural development, environment and natural resource management, food security, social development, fisheries and aquaculture, and agriculture. Previously held roles have involved leadership in project management, research, and policy development, focusing on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge includes integrating indigenous knowledge into early warning systems and leveraging digital tools for sustainable agriculture. The geographic scope of work has predominantly been regional, involving multiple countries in Southern Africa, such as Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. Extensive geographic experience in Southern Africa includes professional engagements in Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya. The expert has deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues, particularly in Zambia, where long-term assignments have been undertaken. Work has involved collaborating on regional projects, addressing climate change adaptation, natural resource management, and disaster risk reduction, contributing to sustainable development across the region.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is fluent in English, Bemba, and Nyanja, possessing professional proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work across Southern Africa, collaborating with multilingual teams, and engaging with diverse stakeholders in international development projects. The expert holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Management with a focus on Climate Change Adaptation from Copperbelt University in Zambia. Additionally, they possess a Master of Science in Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Zambia, a Bachelor’s Degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Sciences from the University of Malawi, and a Diploma in Fisheries Sciences from the University of Zambia (NRDC).