Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 19 years of experience as a WASH Specialist, the expert has demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale development and humanitarian projects across Africa. They have successfully led WASH programs in Nigeria and Malawi, overseeing budgets exceeding eleven million USD. Career highlights include facilitating access to safe water for over 5 million people and achieving Open Defecation Free status in multiple regions. Responsibilities have included leading teams, coordinating emergency responses, and building strong partnerships with governments and NGOs. The expert possesses excellent leadership, program management, and capacity-building skills, contributing to significant health and sanitation improvements.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the European Union, DFID, and the Netherlands Government. These collaborations have focused on implementing WASH programs like the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme and the Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria initiative. The expert's role has encompassed project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance, achieving significant outcomes in water and sanitation access at state and local government levels in Nigeria, specifically in Bauchi, Adamawa, and Enugu states.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in the health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, the expert has held leadership roles such as WASH Specialist and Officer in Charge at UNICEF. Responsibilities have included program management, emergency response coordination, and capacity building. The expert possesses interdisciplinary expertise in managing community health and environmental health initiatives, focusing on communicable disease control and sanitation infrastructure. Their work has spanned regional and country-specific projects across East, Southern, and West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Malawi, contributing to significant public health advancements. Extensive geographic experience includes long-term assignments in Nigeria and Malawi, with deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics integral to the success of regional development projects.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English, a UN official language, and has utilized this proficiency extensively in international development work across various African countries. Additionally, they speak Chichewa, which has been instrumental in facilitating communication and engagement in local communities during project implementations. The expert holds a Master's degree in Community Health and Health Management in Developing Countries from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. Additionally, they have obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences, focusing on Energy and Pollution, from the University of Maryland, USA. The expert also completed a Diploma in Public Health from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Malawi.