Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 27 years of experience in international development, the expert excels in strategic planning, advocacy, policy influence, and program scaling. Responsibilities have included managing large teams and overseeing budgets up to USD 27 million, leading successful initiatives in health, education, and child rights across Africa. Previously held roles such as Country Director and Regional Campaign Director, the expert has influenced policy changes, notably securing free healthcare for millions of children in Burkina Faso. Adept in donor acquisition and partnership building, the expert demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors like USAID, leading projects in the health and education sectors. In Senegal, they implemented a three-year program with USAID, fostering a new relationship with the government. Their work has influenced policy and secured partnerships in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal, managing substantial budgets and overseeing operations in complex environments. Their efforts span regional and national scales across multiple African countries, with a focus on governance, health, and education.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse projects involving community development, NGOs, education, training, capacity building, food systems, livelihoods, gender, human rights, public sector governance, agriculture, and rural development. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, policy influence, and program implementation. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise encompasses advocacy and policy development, with a geographic focus on West and Central Africa. Their work includes regional and country-specific initiatives, providing a comprehensive understanding of cross-cutting issues in international development.

The expert has extensive geographic experience across Africa and Europe, having worked in countries such as Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, and the UK. They possess deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in West and Central Africa, where they have led significant development initiatives and policy influence efforts. Their long-term assignments and region-specific expertise have been pivotal in addressing regional development issues.

Languages and education

With a background in French and English fluency, both official UN languages, the expert has utilized language proficiency extensively in multicultural environments across Africa. This capability has facilitated communication and collaboration with diverse social groups, NGOs, and government bodies, proving instrumental in leading international development projects and engaging with multilingual teams in various countries.

The expert holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Analysis of Development from Paris X University, France, equivalent to a Master's degree. They also obtained a Diploma Equivalent to a Master Degree in Agricultural Economics for tropical and sub-tropical countries from Institut Supérieur des Techniques d’Outre-mer (ISTOM), France. Additionally, they specialized in Post-Harvest Technologies at Silsoe College, Cranfield University, UK.