Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 29 years of experience, the expert specializes in program management, agriculture, and food security, with a focus on international cooperation. They have led both national and regional initiatives in West Africa, where their responsibilities have included negotiating and financing projects with governments and organizations. Key qualifications include project management, policy development, negotiation, and strategic analysis. Career highlights include the successful implementation of inclusive agricultural policies, enhancement of financial inclusion, and development of local milk production chains. Leadership roles have involved managing partnerships with entities such as ECOWAS and BCEAO, contributing to significant regional development outcomes.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the Swiss Development Cooperation, focusing on agriculture and food security in West Africa. Their project experience encompasses implementation, negotiation, financing, and monitoring of programs aimed at developing inclusive agricultural policies and enhancing financial inclusion. They have worked on regional projects across West Africa, involving partnerships with entities like ECOWAS and BCEAO, and addressing thematic areas such as rural development and economic resilience for pastoral communities.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across multiple sectors, including agriculture, food security, rural development, and public sector governance. Previously held roles such as Regional Advisor and Program Officer, the expert has been responsible for project management, policy development, and stakeholder negotiations. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating financial services and auditing into rural development strategies. The geographic scope of their work primarily focuses on West Africa, where they have addressed regional challenges through collaborative efforts with governments and international organizations. Extensive geographic experience in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, has involved managing national and regional development programs. Their work in the region includes collaboration with local governance structures and a deep understanding of cultural dynamics and regional development issues.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in French and English, two of the United Nations' official languages. These language skills have been utilized in international development projects across West Africa, facilitating communication and collaboration with multilingual teams and partners. The expert's proficiency in these languages has been essential for negotiations, report writing, and stakeholder engagement in diverse cultural and linguistic settings. They hold a Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies (DEA) in Sociology from Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, obtained between 1993 and 1996. Additionally, they earned a Licence in Sociology from Université de Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, completed from 1989 to 1992. Their academic background is focused on sociology, with a particular interest in international relations, including North-South dynamics.