Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 42 years of experience in the development sector, the expert specializes in resilient agriculture, rural livelihoods, education, and climate change. With a background in designing and managing projects in remote and conflict-affected areas, the expert has collaborated with international organizations, governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Career highlights include leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve significant results in sustainable agriculture and community development. Previously held roles such as Program Director and Project Director demonstrate expertise in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has extensive experience working with international donors, including the World Bank, UNDP, EU, GIZ, DFID, SDC, and USAID. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building across various sectors like agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods. The expert has worked on regional and national projects in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. This work has focused on enhancing sustainable agriculture, improving infrastructure, and promoting education and health in developing regions.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a diverse background, the expert has worked across key sectors including food security, poverty reduction, social development, monitoring and evaluation, conflict resolution, corporate social responsibility, and agriculture. Responsibilities have included overseeing project implementation and strategic planning in leadership roles such as Program Director and Project Director. The expert's cross-cutting expertise includes integrating digital solutions in agriculture and infrastructure development in rural areas. Geographic scope spans regional and country-specific projects, particularly in South Asia and Africa, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture, community development, and stakeholder collaboration. The expert has extensive geographic experience across Asia, Africa, and Europe, with significant work in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. Long-term assignments in India and recurring involvement in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal highlight familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics. The expert's work extends to regional development initiatives and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in these areas.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and Hindi, the expert possesses excellent reading, speaking, and writing skills. Additionally, proficiency in languages such as Urdu, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Kumaoni, Marathi, Punjabi, and Rajasthani has been utilized in diverse contexts, including in-country work across Asia and Africa, collaboration with multilingual teams, and engagement with local communities and stakeholders in international development projects. The expert holds a Ph.D. in Integrated Area Development and Socio-economic Planning from Meerut University in India. Additionally, an M.A. in Geography with a specialization in Rural and Agricultural Studies was earned from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, along with a B.A. in Economics, Geography, English, and Hindi from Kurukshetra University, India.