Key skills and expertise

With 32 years of experience in international development, the expert is a senior specialist in early childhood development (ECD) and child protection, skilled in program evaluation, policy development, and multisectoral program design. Career highlights include leading initiatives with UNICEF and other global organizations, achieving significant outcomes such as a $100M annual fundraising target in the Gulf Area. Responsibilities have included managing large-scale projects, providing technical support, and driving policy reforms across more than 20 countries. Previously held roles such as Chief of Partnerships at UNICEF and technical lead for significant educational and child protection programs.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including UNICEF, UNDP, DFID, Plan International, Save the Children, CARE International, and the World Bank. Involvement has encompassed project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in thematic areas like education, child protection, and social development. The scope of projects has been both regional and national, covering locations such as the Gulf Area, Egypt, Ghana, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Albania.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors such as education, social development, human rights, and program and resource management. Previously held senior roles, including Chief of Partnerships at UNICEF and Senior ECD Expert Advisor, with responsibilities spanning technical advisory, policy development, and program implementation. Interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating early childhood development with emergency response and social policy research. The geographic scope of work is extensive, covering regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. The expert has extensive geographic experience, having worked in over 20 countries including the Gulf Area, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, OPT, Albania, Vietnam, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Ghana. Deep familiarity with regional development issues and cultural dynamics, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia, through long-term assignments and recurring involvement in these regions.

Languages and education

Bringing fluency in English, the expert has utilized this language extensively in international development work, including collaborations with multilingual teams and in-country projects across diverse global regions. Background includes a PhD in Child Developmental Psychology and an MPhil with Distinction in Advanced Methods of Social and Psychological Research, both from The London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. These qualifications emphasize first-class quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and an in-depth understanding of child development and social research methodologies.