Erling Petersen is an esteemed senior management consultant with an extensive 40-year background in strategic, operational planning, and educational sector reforms across Africa and Asia. The expert has contributed significantly to development initiatives focused on providing education and training to underprivileged and conflict-affected children and youth. Collaborating with international funding bodies such as DANIDA, DFID, and EU, the expert has led numerous projects to success.

The expert's proficiency lies in education sector reforms, TVET, and skills development. As a project manager and consultant to organizations including GTZ, APDF, and SIDA, they have managed complex projects involving strategic planning, policy formulation, and team building. Their leadership roles have frequently included serving as a team leader, training manager, and management advisor, notably enhancing institutional capacities and management systems.

Among notable achievements, the expert revolutionized education and training frameworks in difficult contexts like Northern Nigeria and Bangladesh, implementing minimum standards and quality assurance systems. They are recognized for their technical skills in project cycle management, logical framework analysis, and participatory planning, alongside professional skills in communication, cross-cultural teamwork, and organizational analysis. The synthesis of socio-economic knowledge and professional capability positions the expert as a valuable asset to any development sector initiative targeting impactful and sustainable change.