Key skills and expertise.

Bringing over 24 years of experience in fisheries, aquaculture, and food security, the expert specializes in policy development and strategic planning. With technical skills in data analysis and fisheries statistics, the expert understands regional legal frameworks against IUU fishing. Career highlights include contributions to local and international initiatives with ECOWAS and FAO, focusing on regional fisheries governance and sustainable management strategies. Responsibilities have included data collection, framework establishment, and capacity building, with accomplishments such as analyzing over 15 country reports to assess fisheries' impact on food security in West Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure.

The expert has collaborated with international donors, including the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme, in projects focused on fisheries governance and management. This involvement encompasses project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building. Projects have been regional in scope, targeting the West African maritime ecoregion, including countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde. Thematic areas include governance and poverty reduction within the fisheries sector.

Sectors and geographic focus.

With extensive work in the sectors of food security, fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture, the expert has held roles such as Fishery Policy Specialist and Program Officer. These roles have focused on policy development, strategic planning, and data analysis. The work has a regional scope, particularly in West Africa, and includes cross-cutting expertise in integrating fisheries governance with food security initiatives. The expert has contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and developing sustainable management strategies, demonstrating interdisciplinary knowledge in regional development and environmental management. Geographic experience spans a wide range of West African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Long-term assignments in Guinea (1994-2009) and Gambia (2009-2018) underscore deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues.

Languages and education.

Fluent in French, with excellent reading, speaking, and writing skills, and proficient in English, the expert has utilized these language skills extensively in professional settings across multiple West African countries. This linguistic ability has facilitated effective communication in multilingual teams and during international collaborations. The expert holds a Master's degree in Maritime Resources Management from the University of Que, Canada, a Master's degree in Management of Environment from the University of Senghor, Alexandria, Egypt, and a Master's degree in Biology from the University of Conakry, Guinea. Additionally, the expert possesses a Secondary School Certificate from the Secondary School of Coleah, Conakry, Guinea.