Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 38 years of experience, the expert specializes in strategy development, monitoring and evaluation, and the organization of government communication, mediation, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs. Career highlights include leading international and local initiatives in sectors such as environment, financial, and judicial, achieving effective communication programs and sustainable organizational capacities. Previously held roles such as Team Leader and Managing Director, the expert has accomplished designing communication strategies for projects funded by major donors. A diplomatic approach has facilitated lasting solutions in complex policy areas across more than 50 countries.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Commission, World Bank, UN, Asian Development Bank, and the Netherlands Government. Worked across diverse projects involving project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building across sectors like governance, health, education, and infrastructure. These projects have ranged from national to regional scopes and have taken place in various geographic locations, including South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in civil society and NGOs, education, social development, human rights, media and communications, and institutional development, the expert has held roles such as Senior Communication Adviser, Team Leader, and Managing Director. Responsibilities have included strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge includes integrating communication strategies into environmental and water projects, primarily in South Asia and Eastern Europe. This work has involved both regional and country-specific initiatives, enhancing governance and capacity building across diverse cultural contexts. Extensive geographic experience includes working in over 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Notably, the expert has deep familiarity with South Asia, involving projects in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar. This includes long-term assignments and region-specific expertise in governance, environmental, and water sectors. The expert's work also spans Eastern Europe, with significant involvement in countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, addressing regional development issues and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and Dutch, with advanced proficiency in German. These language skills have been utilized in diverse international contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across various global projects. The expert holds an MA Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, obtained from 1985 to 1987. Additionally, the expert earned a BA in Social Anthropology from the State University of Leiden, Netherlands, from 1981 to 1985.