Key skills and expertise

With over 43 years of experience, the expert specializes in water and sanitation, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Programme & Resource Management. He has led multidisciplinary teams and managed technical assistance contracts worth millions of euros. His expertise includes capacity building, project implementation, and the development of monitoring and evaluation systems. He has successfully facilitated national and regional programs, contributing to policy documents and strategic plans. His leadership roles have involved steering committee facilitation and quality assurance, demonstrating a commitment to results-based management and innovative solutions in international and local initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as DANIDA, UNDP, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union, and GiZ/KfW. His involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in the water and sanitation sector. He has managed regional and national programs in countries like Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, and Nigeria, focusing on infrastructure development and community-based approaches. The projects have been sector-specific, addressing the needs of public and private stakeholders in water supply and sanitation services.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse projects involving water and sanitation, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Programme & Resource Management. Previously held roles such as team leader and senior hydrogeologist, managing large-scale projects and technical assistance contracts. His cross-cutting expertise includes capacity building, community development, and the application of Integrated Water Resources Management principles. His work spans multiple regions, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, focusing on both public and private sector development, infrastructure projects, and regional program implementation. The expert has extensive geographic experience, particularly in Africa, with long-term assignments in Burkina Faso, Benin, and Cape Verde Islands. He has also worked in Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Nigeria, Mauritania, Cameroon, Djibouti, and the Philippines. His work in these regions has involved deep engagement with local governance and regional development issues. Additionally, he has experience in the Gulf Region, specifically in Qatar, and has undertaken assignments in Europe, including Belgium.

Languages and education

Background includes positions at multilingual teams, utilizing language skills in diverse contexts. The expert is a native Dutch speaker and is fluent in English and French, with excellent reading, speaking, and writing skills in these languages. He also has working knowledge of German and Portuguese. His language skills have been utilized in diverse contexts, including leading multilingual teams and facilitating international projects across various countries. Responsibilities have included ensuring effective communication and collaboration in multilingual environments. The expert holds a Master of Science in Applied Geology from the University of State Ghent, Belgium, with a specialization in hydrogeology and geophysics, completed with Magna cum Laude. Additionally, he has pursued specialized training in geological engineering at the same university. He is currently undertaking an MBA in International Management through a distance learning course at Royal Holloway, University of London, England.