Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 31 years of experience, the expert excels in gender and human rights, health, social development, and fundraising. Strong skills in project management, marketing, and media have been demonstrated through implementing wellness programs for GIZ Namibia and developing communication strategies for BenQ Europe. Career highlights include leading projects in Southern Africa with a focus on gender mainstreaming and HIV & AIDS initiatives. As a consultant, the expert has facilitated organizational development and capacity building, showcasing leadership in both local and international settings.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as GIZ Namibia and GIZ Zambia. Responsibilities have included providing technical assistance and capacity building in employee wellness, HIV & AIDS, and gender programs. These initiatives have focused on health and gender mainstreaming within the agricultural and transport sectors at both national and regional levels in Southern Africa, including Namibia and Zambia. The expert has developed strategies and policies for effective program implementation and sector-specific interventions.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in key sectors such as gender and human rights, health, social development, and marketing and media, the expert has held roles such as technical advisor, consultant, and project manager. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, program implementation, and capacity building, with cross-cutting expertise in integrating gender and health initiatives within organizational development frameworks. The geographic scope of work spans Southern Africa, notably in Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania, where regional development issues and local governance structures have been addressed. Extensive geographic experience in Southern Africa has involved long-term assignments focusing on regional development issues such as HIV & AIDS and gender equality, complemented by European experience in the Netherlands.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in English and has vocal knowledge of French, both of which are UN official languages. These language skills have been utilized in diverse professional contexts, including international development projects and multilingual environments across Southern Africa. Additionally, the expert is a native Dutch speaker and has working knowledge of German and Swahili, enhancing the capacity to engage in international and multicultural settings. The educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Publicity & Information from IN-Holland in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and a college degree in Retail from Hanze College Zwolle, specializing in distribution. This is complemented by professional training courses, including Pro Poor Value Chain Development from the International Labour Organization (ILO).