Key skills and expertise

With 32 years of experience, the expert excels in education, social development, and organizational development. They have led both international and local projects, including the establishment of the German-Colombian Peace Institute in Colombia. As Administrative Director, responsibilities have included managing a €400,000 budget, overseeing scientific projects, and developing digital communication strategies. Previously, they coordinated research on science and technology indicators and advised policymakers. Technical skills encompass digital content production and proficiency in software such as Adobe Page Maker and Wordpress. Leadership roles have been held within Colombia's Ministry of Science and Technology, managing significant internationalization programs.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors, including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Return Program of Experts Trained in Germany. Involvement in international development cooperation includes work with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) as a consultant, designing communication campaigns for reproductive health. Additionally, they have engaged with the Colombian Ministry of Science and Technology in promoting European Framework Programs on science, technology, and innovation, facilitating international cooperation between Colombia and the European Union. The geographic focus of these activities includes Colombia and broader Latin America.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors including education, social development, and science and technology policy. Previously held roles such as Administrative Director at the German-Colombian Peace Institute and Director of International Offices at Colombian institutions. Responsibilities have included project coordination, digital communication strategy development, and international cooperation. Interdisciplinary expertise spans digital content production and strategic communication in governance and peacebuilding contexts. The geographic scope of work is primarily in Colombia, with significant international collaboration, particularly involving Germany and the European Union. Extensive experience in Colombia includes significant roles in national institutions such as the Colombian Ministry of Science and Technology and Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Engagement in international cooperation projects between Colombia and Germany, particularly with the German-Colombian Peace Institute, has fostered relationships with governmental and civil society organizations in Colombia and represented Colombian interests within the European Union. This experience has endowed a deep understanding of local governance and regional development issues in Latin America.

Languages and education

Bringing a strong linguistic capability, the expert is a native Spanish speaker with a good command of English, evidenced by a TOEFL score of 94. Proficiency in German (B1.3) and Portuguese, particularly in reading, enhances their ability to work in various international and multilingual contexts. Language skills have been utilized in work with the German-Colombian Peace Institute and other international cooperation projects, facilitating communication and collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders. The expert holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, completed between 2009 and 2012. Ph.D. courses were also undertaken at Bonn University’s Centre for Development Research-ZEF, focusing on development concepts and cooperation. Additionally, they earned an M.A. in Urban Studies from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, completed from 1997 to 2000, and a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences from Universidad Externado de Colombia, completed between 1989 and 1993.