Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 33 years of experience, the expert is a seasoned international development professional specializing in program development, strategic planning, fundraising, and budget management. They have led projects in agriculture and rural development, managing initiatives across East and West Africa. Career highlights include securing over $20 million in funding, expanding program portfolios, and increasing beneficiary households from 1,500 to over 75,000. Previously held roles such as Country Director and Technical Director demonstrate their expertise in team building, partnership management, and results-based project management.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors, the expert has worked with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, MasterCard Foundation, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the European Union. Their involvement included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors like agriculture and rural development. The expert has worked on projects that were regional and national in scope, taking place in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as in Cameroon. Responsibilities have included diversifying funding sources and expanding program portfolios, significantly increasing the reach and impact of development initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across diverse sectors including community development, agriculture and rural development, environment and climate, and food systems and livelihoods. They have held leadership roles such as Country Director and Technical Director, overseeing program development, strategic planning, and partnership management. Their cross-cutting expertise includes integrating climate-smart agricultural technologies and results-based project management. The expert has operated on a regional scale in East and West Africa, with significant involvement in national-level initiatives in Tanzania and Cameroon, enhancing sustainable livelihoods and development outcomes.

Worked across diverse projects involving East and West Africa, the expert has demonstrated deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, leading development projects and initiatives. They have also worked on regional programs involving Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, enhancing their expertise in regional development issues and cross-country program management. Long-term assignments have contributed to a profound understanding of the socio-economic landscapes and development challenges in these areas.

Languages and education

With a background in international development contexts, the expert is fluent in English and French, utilizing these languages in in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. They possess basic proficiency in Swahili, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in East Africa. Their language skills have facilitated successful partnerships and project implementations across diverse cultural and linguistic environments.

The expert holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Development Management from the University of London, UK. Additionally, they have a Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, both from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. These academic achievements underscore their expertise in sustainable development and veterinary medicine.