Key skills and expertise.

Bringing over 27 years of experience in economic development, the expert has specialized in working within fragile and conflict-affected regions. With a background in private sector growth, financial inclusion, trade facilitation, and capacity building, the expert has consistently delivered impactful results. Career highlights include leading the $193 million Iraq Provincial Economic Growth Program and managing the USAID-funded Afghanistan Competitiveness of Export-Oriented Business Activity. Previously held roles such as Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party have involved overseeing large teams and ensuring successful project outcomes in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia.

Project experience and donor exposure.

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as USAID and FCDO, focusing on economic development and private sector growth. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building. The expert has managed initiatives spanning thematic areas such as financial inclusion, trade facilitation, and SME development, with a regional scale in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, and Somalia. Background includes managing large-scale initiatives like the $193 million Iraq Provincial Economic Growth Program and the USAID-funded Afghanistan Competitiveness of Export-Oriented Business Activity.

Sectors and geographic focus.

The expert has worked across key sectors including rural development, micro-finance, trade, anti-corruption, banking, SME and private sector development, finance, and accounting. Previously held senior roles such as Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, managing projects focused on economic growth, financial inclusion, and capacity building. Their cross-cutting expertise includes integrating gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion into development initiatives. The geographic scope of work spans regional and country-specific projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Somalia. The expert has demonstrated deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in conflict-affected regions, contributing to economic development and resilience-building efforts.

Languages and education.

With a background in language competencies, the expert is a native English speaker, with intermediate proficiency in French and basic knowledge of Arabic. These language skills have been utilized effectively in diverse cultural contexts and in-country work across regions such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, and Somalia, facilitating communication with stakeholders, local partners, and multilingual teams. The expert holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Munster Technological Institute in Ireland. Additionally, they are a Fellow of the Institute of Incorporated Public Accountants in Ireland, holding a CPA qualification.