Key skills and expertise

With 24 years of experience in humanitarian aid, social development, and program management, the expert has led significant projects for organizations like World Vision India and Reach To Teach. They have managed large-scale initiatives, including a 400,000 USD flood recovery project and a CSR partnership impacting 75,000 pupils across India. Key roles have included Deputy Project Director and Program Manager, highlighting expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and financial stewardship. Accomplishments include pioneering youth engagement models and successful disaster relief operations, demonstrating strong leadership and project execution skills.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as Coca-Cola, NDTV, BMW, and USAID in projects across India. Involvement included project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance in sectors like education, disaster recovery, and community development. Notably, they managed a USAID grant for rebuilding homes in Gujarat, demonstrating expertise in donor-funded initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including humanitarian aid, social development, urban development, water and sanitation, and corporate social responsibility. Previously held roles such as Deputy Project Director, Program Manager, and Head of Corporate Partnerships, overseeing project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and financial management. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating peacebuilding in community development and managing disaster recovery initiatives. The geographic scope of their work primarily covers India, with significant projects in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi, alongside participation in international forums and training. Extensive experience in India, particularly in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi, has provided a deep understanding of local governance and cultural dynamics. Work has included long-term assignments in urban and rural development, disaster recovery, and community mobilization. Additionally, participation in international training and workshops in countries such as Australia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bangladesh has enhanced their regional development expertise.

Languages and education

Fluent in Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Nepali, the expert has utilized these language skills in various professional contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. This linguistic proficiency has supported effective communication and project management in diverse cultural settings. Background includes a Master of Social Work with a focus on Labour Welfare, Personal Management, and Industrial Relations from Karve Institute of Social Services, Pune University, India. Additionally, they obtained a P.G. Diploma in Human Resource Management from Baroda Management Association, India, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from M.S. University of Baroda, India. They also completed a Certificate III in Humanitarian Services at The University of Melbourne, Australia.