Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 30 years of experience in TVET and skills development, the expert has held roles such as adult educator, policy adviser, and project manager. With more than 20 years advising governments on TVET systems, the expert has led projects funded by GIZ, DFID, EU, and the World Bank. Career highlights include developing national strategies, such as the 5-year skills strategy for Bangladesh, and managing large-scale projects like the UMIMCC in Bangladesh. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, underscoring leadership roles such as CEO of an Industrial Skills Council and Team Leader of various international projects.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including GIZ, DFID, EU, World Bank, and ADB, providing technical assistance, project implementation, and capacity building. The thematic areas of involvement include TVET, skills development, and labour market information systems. Projects have been both national and sector-specific, focusing on education and skills strategy development. Geographic locations of this work include Bangladesh, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa. The expert has also conducted evaluations and developed strategies and frameworks for donor-funded initiatives in these regions.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors including education, training and capacity building, HR and employment, youth and child welfare, migration and refugees, organizational development, and private sector and trade. Previously held roles such as policy adviser, project manager, and CEO, with a focus on TVET systems and labour market analysis. The expert possesses interdisciplinary expertise in building public-private partnerships and developing competency-based training systems. The expert's work spans multiple regions, including Southern Africa and South Asia, where they have implemented and advised on sector-specific and country-specific initiatives. Extensive geographic experience includes Southern Africa, West Africa, and South Asia, with work in countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Malawi. With over 22 years in Southern Africa and significant periods in South Asia, the expert has developed deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. Long-term assignments and recurring involvement in these regions underscore expertise in implementing and advising on TVET systems and labour market policies in developing country contexts.

Languages and education

With a background in English as a native language, the expert also has advanced proficiency in Portuguese, French, and German. These language skills have been utilized in professional settings across various countries, including work in multilingual teams and international projects, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in diverse environments. The expert holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney, Australia, obtained between 1980 and 1982. Additionally, further certifications have been pursued in relevant fields, including a Certificate in Assessing Competency Based Training from the University of Technology, Sydney, a Certificate in Project Planning and Control from View Point Consulting in South Africa, a Certificate in Labour Economics and Market Policy from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a Certificate in Labour Market Information from the Management College of South Africa.