Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 25 years of experience in program and project management, implementation, evaluation, and reporting, the expert has worked across sectors such as health, human rights, gender, and peacebuilding. Responsibilities have included leading international initiatives, such as the start-up of HIV support programs and UNAIDS offices, as well as integrating GEDSI principles into community engagement. With extensive experience in stakeholder relationship management, the expert has consistently delivered results in challenging environments and held leadership roles such as UNAIDS Country Director. Career highlights include successful strategic planning and securing funding for major health initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including the United Nations, Australian DFaT, USAID, and the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Worked across diverse projects involving project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sectors like health, human rights, and gender equality. Projects have been executed on regional and national scales across geographic locations such as Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Africa. The expert has also participated in the development of funding strategies and technical reviews for Global Fund grant applications.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in sectors including health, human rights, conflict resolution, democratization, decentralization, and local development, the expert has held leadership and advisory roles, managing and evaluating projects for organizations like the United Nations and Oxfam. With over 20 years of experience in integrating GEDSI principles into community engagement, the expert has developed interdisciplinary knowledge in policy and economic empowerment. Geographic experience spans regional and country-specific projects in Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth. The expert has extensive geographic experience across Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa, with significant involvement in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malawi. They have worked in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and several Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The expert has demonstrated deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues, particularly in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, where they have led long-term projects and initiatives, enhancing their understanding of cultural dynamics and regional challenges.

Languages and education

The expert is proficient in English, French, Spanish, and Tok Pisin, using these languages in various professional contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. This linguistic capability has facilitated effective communication and relationship building in diverse international settings across Asia and the Pacific Islands, enhancing the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and communities. The expert holds an MPhil in Development Studies focusing on policy and economics from Massey University, New Zealand. They also have an MA in Sociology and Social Research, and a BA with a double major in Anthropology and Linguistics from the University of Kansas, USA. Additionally, the expert has completed various certificates, including those in Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Climate Change and Health, and Emergency Preparedness, enhancing their interdisciplinary academic foundation.