Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 31 years of experience in natural resource management and integrated rural development, the expert has spearheaded large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects globally. Their focus has been on poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and enterprise development. Known for strategic partnership building, they have led initiatives with governments, private sectors, and international agencies. Career highlights include expanding the FAO-GEF project pipeline from $135M to $400M, securing significant co-financing, and demonstrating a proven track record in program design, management, and team leadership across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and various bilateral donor governments. Their involvement has encompassed project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in thematic areas like natural resource management, poverty reduction, and rural development. They have led regional and national projects in Asia-Pacific countries, including Myanmar and Vietnam, and engaged in global initiatives in partnership with major donor agencies.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in rural development, natural resource management, poverty reduction, SME and private sector development, corporate social responsibility, agriculture, and risk management, the expert has held leadership roles such as team leader, director, and advisor. Responsibilities have included overseeing program design and implementation, with interdisciplinary expertise in integrating environmental sustainability into rural development. The expert has managed projects on a global scale, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to initiatives that foster collaboration between governments, private sectors, and international organizations.

They have extensive geographic experience across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Notably, they have worked in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines, focusing on natural resource management and rural development. Long-term assignments in the Asia-Pacific region have provided deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics. Additionally, the expert has contributed to projects in Sierra Leone, Uganda, and various European countries, enhancing their global development perspective.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, the expert possesses intermediate proficiency in Vietnamese and French, with beginner skills in Bahasa Indonesia and Japanese. These language competencies have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work across Asia-Pacific regions and collaboration within multilingual teams on international development projects.

With an MPIA (Honors) in Economic and Social Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, the expert also graduated Cum Laude with a BA from Valparaiso University, USA. Additionally, they conducted research at Cambridge University, United Kingdom, focusing on cultural preservation and conservation. An Advanced Certificate in Asian Studies was also obtained from the University Centre for International Studies, Pittsburgh, USA.