Key skills and expertise

With over 35 years of experience, the expert is a highly qualified Fishery and Aquaculture Adviser. He has led technical teams in numerous fisheries and aquaculture projects across Africa and Asia, focusing on blue growth, fisheries governance, stock assessment, and climate change. His expertise encompasses project management, monitoring, and evaluation. As Chief of Party and Fishery Officer, he has developed strategic action plans and managed international initiatives, significantly advancing fisheries management and aquaculture development. His strong communication and leadership skills have been instrumental in driving successful project outcomes.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience in international development cooperation, the expert has collaborated with donors such as the World Bank, FAO, IFAD, AfDB, ADB, and the Nordic Development Fund. His involvement spans project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building, particularly in fisheries governance, aquaculture development, and climate change. He has worked on regional and national projects across Africa, Asia, and other regions, including significant contributions in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Maldives. His roles have involved strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation, contributing greatly to international development efforts.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the expert has held leadership roles such as Chief of Party and Fishery Officer. His responsibilities have included project management, technical assistance, and strategic planning. He possesses cross-cutting expertise in blue growth, climate change, and fisheries governance, with interdisciplinary knowledge extending to aquaculture development and fish processing techniques. The expert has contributed to regional and country-specific projects across Africa and Asia, enhancing sustainable development and resource management in diverse aquatic environments. His extensive geographic experience includes work in over 70 countries, with deep familiarity with projects in East and West Africa, including long-term assignments in Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia. His work has also addressed regional development issues in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean regions, fostering local governance and cultural understanding in settings such as Bangladesh, the Maldives, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in Dutch (native), English, French, and German. These language skills have been utilized in diverse professional contexts, including in-country work across multiple continents, collaboration with multilingual teams, and participation in international projects and missions. He holds an M.Sc. Degree in Biology from State University Leiden in the Netherlands, with studies focused on fisheries management, marine biology, coral reef conservation, and fish taxonomy.