Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 20 years of experience, the expert is a seasoned International Science and Innovation Management practitioner with a specialization in the advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) across the African continent. Key qualifications include project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. The expert has successfully managed a €20 million EU-funded program and has been instrumental in overseeing bilateral and multilateral STI cooperation. Previously held roles include Deputy Director of Development Partnerships, where responsibilities encompassed capacity-building and fostering international collaboration. Career highlights include winning a 2019 Hackathon for innovation solutions and establishing partnerships with major international agencies and governments.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the European Union, USAID, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Governments of Finland, China, France, and Japan. The expert's involvement includes managing bilateral and multilateral STI cooperation projects, providing technical assistance, and coordinating capacity-building initiatives. Thematic areas of focus include science, technology, innovation, and economic development. Projects have been executed on both regional and national scales, with significant work conducted in various African countries and beyond, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in multiple sectors, the expert has worked within Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), ICT and Telecommunications, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Private Sector and Trade. Responsibilities have included senior management positions such as Deputy Director of Development Partnerships, focusing on international cooperation, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes digitalization in agriculture and infrastructure in rural development, supporting regional and country-specific development initiatives. Geographic experience spans Africa, Europe, and Asia, providing deep familiarity with regional development issues, local governance, and cultural dynamics, particularly within the African continent.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and French, two of the United Nations' official languages, the expert has utilized these language skills in various professional contexts, including international development projects and collaborations across multiple countries. This linguistic proficiency has been key in managing partnerships and engaging with multilingual teams in diverse regions such as Africa and Europe. The expert holds a Master of Management in Public and Development Management from the University of The Witwatersrand, South Africa, obtained in 2013, providing insights into public policy development and management strategies. Additionally, the expert earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics and Business Management from the University of Limpopo, South Africa, in 1999, developing skills in entrepreneurship, intellectual property management, and business strategy.