Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 14 years of experience, this seasoned international development lawyer and finance professional has demonstrated expertise in law, policy reform, project management, and climate finance. Career highlights include overseeing the Energy Transition Mechanism Partnership Trust Fund, successfully raising USD 57 million. With extensive experience in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and policy development, the expert has facilitated dialogues among ASEAN judiciaries and managed trust funds, showcasing proficiency in legal advisory, research, and analysis. Responsibilities have included managing teams and coordinating international initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors such as the Foreign Federal Office of Germany, Japan Ministry of Finance, and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the expert has played a pivotal role in managing the Energy Transition Mechanism Partnership Trust Fund. This involvement included providing technical, legal, financial, and administrative expertise and supporting fundraising efforts. Thematic areas of focus include climate finance and energy transition, with projects primarily regional in scope. Geographic locations for this donor-related work encompass the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors, including energy, justice reform, law, grants management, and program resource management. Previously held roles such as Senior Fund Coordinator and Legal Specialist, focusing on project management and legal advisory. The expert's cross-cutting expertise includes climate finance and policy development, with a regional focus on the Asia-Pacific. Responsibilities have included stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and strategic leadership, contributing to initiatives like the Energy Transition Mechanism and ASEAN environmental governance. The expert possesses extensive geographic experience across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the South Pacific, and Europe, with specific expertise in Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Fiji, France, and the UK. They have engaged with local governance and cultural dynamics through various international development projects and regional initiatives, particularly in environmental governance and legal reform.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and Filipino, the expert has utilized these language skills in professional contexts involving in-country work across various regions, including Southeast Asia and Europe. These competences have supported roles in international development projects and collaborations with multilingual teams. The expert holds a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge, UK. Additionally, they obtained a Juris Doctor with Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence from the University of the Philippines Diliman. They also hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from the same institution in the Philippines.