Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 20 years of experience, the expert excels in generating social, economic, and environmental change, particularly within agriculture and rural development sectors. Career highlights include leading sustainability and certification projects in the coffee and tea industries across East Africa. As a Rainforest Alliance trainer, responsibilities have included coordinating monitoring and evaluation, communications, and climate actions. Previously held roles such as establishing sustainability departments and developing training manuals demonstrate leadership capabilities. Successfully collaborated with international donors and local stakeholders to implement projects that enhance smallholder farming practices and promote resource efficiency.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the German Investment and Development Company (DEG), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hivos, and Solidaridad. The expert's involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building, particularly in the coffee sector. Projects have been regional and national in scope, focusing on sustainability, certification, and improving smallholder coffee quality and yield in Tanzania.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in environment and climate, water, sanitation and hygiene, agriculture, and rural development, the expert has held roles such as coordinator, sustainability manager, and consultant. Responsibilities have included project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building. Interdisciplinary expertise encompasses sustainable agriculture and resource efficiency. The geographic focus primarily includes East Africa, particularly Tanzania, but also extends to international engagements, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of regional and global development challenges. Extensive experience in East Africa involves collaboration with local governance and stakeholders, providing deep insights into regional development issues and cultural dynamics. Professional activities have also included engagements in Europe, particularly Germany.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert possesses native-level proficiency in English, with strong communication skills across all aspects. Fluent in French and Spanish at a beginner to intermediate level, enhancing the ability to engage in multilingual teams and diverse cultural environments. Language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, contributing to effective collaboration and communication in international development projects. Educational qualifications include an MSc in Water and Environmental Management from Loughborough University in the UK and an MA in Human Geography from Julius Maximillians-Universität in Germany. Additionally, the expert completed the International Baccalaureate at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania.