Key skills and expertise

With 46 years of experience, the expert excels in community development, governance, and cooperative management. Bringing a wealth of expertise, they have led initiatives in both local and international contexts, including roles as CEO and Managing Director. The expert has effectively managed large-scale projects, delivering strategic plans and capacity-building programs in Asia and Africa. Responsibilities have included providing consultancy for governments and NGOs, achieving significant advancements in cooperative development and community empowerment. Their leadership roles have involved strategic planning, financial management, and program implementation, resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness and community development outcomes.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID, UNICEF, and the International Cooperative Alliance. In Papua New Guinea, they provided development consultancy and program facilitation for UNICEF, focusing on governance and capacity building. Previously held roles include serving as CEO of a USAID-funded project in Hong Kong, overseeing project implementation and financial management. The expert's work spans regional and national scales, with significant involvement in governance, cooperative development, and community empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region and Uganda.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across multiple sectors, including community development, NGOs, public sector governance, financial services, and agriculture. Background includes positions at various organizations where they held leadership roles such as CEO, Managing Director, and Development Consultant, responsible for strategic planning, project implementation, and capacity building. Their cross-cutting expertise includes cooperative development and governance, with a focus on empowering communities and enhancing economic progress. The expert's work spans regional and national scopes, particularly in Papua New Guinea, Uganda, and the Philippines, where they have addressed complex development challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Extensive geographic experience in Asia and Africa, with significant long-term assignments in Papua New Guinea, Uganda, and the Philippines, has provided the expert with a profound understanding of regional development issues and cross-cultural collaboration.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English, which has been utilized extensively in international development projects and collaborations across Asia and Africa. They have worked in multilingual environments, engaging with diverse teams and stakeholders. Additionally, the expert is proficient in Tagalog, Ilokano, and Filipino, which are used in their native Philippines. These language skills have facilitated effective communication and project implementation in various cultural contexts. The expert holds a PhD in Community Organizing & Development from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. Additionally, they earned a Master of Science in Community Leadership & Development from St. Francis Xavier University, Canada, and a Masters in Cooperatives Management from the Co-operative College of England, England. Their academic background also includes a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Extension from Mountain State Agricultural College (now BSU), Philippines. The expert has obtained several diplomas in rural development, cooperatives development, and social development from institutions in Papua New Guinea, England, and Canada.