Key skills and expertise

With 24 years of experience, the expert is proficient in child rights-based programming, gender equality, and education in emergencies. They have successfully led projects across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, managing budgets up to US$24 million and coordinating initiatives with organizations such as UNESCO and the World Bank. Previously held roles include Regional Education Advisor and Chief of Education, where responsibilities included advancing equity-focused policies and facilitating strategic partnerships. Career highlights include organizing regional education networks and managing initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion in conflict zones.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience in collaboration with international donors, the expert has worked with entities such as the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNESCO, World Bank, JICA, EU, ADB, DFID, KOICA, and Australia's NatComs. Involvement in these partnerships includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building within the education sector. The expert has managed significant funding for education sector plans, school grants, and teacher development projects on both national and regional scales, with work conducted in locations including Myanmar, Guinea, and West and Central Africa.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has extensive experience in sectors such as education, humanitarian aid, social development, and youth programs. Responsibilities have included roles like Education Specialist, Regional Education Specialist, and Education Manager, focusing on program design, management, and policy advocacy. Their cross-cutting expertise includes integrating child rights and gender equality into education and resilience-building initiatives. Geographic experience spans regional and country-specific projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, concentrating on improving access to education and social services in diverse and challenging environments. The expert has developed deep familiarity with regional development issues, particularly in West and Central Africa, engaging in long-term assignments that involved local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese, the expert has utilized these language skills in various professional contexts, including international work assignments across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as in collaboration with multilingual teams on education and development projects. The expert holds a Master’s degree in International Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University, USA, completed in 2000, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Development Studies from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 1999. Additionally, they were recognized with the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Award and were on the Dean’s Honors List at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA, during 1997-98, where they conducted independent research on child labor and education.