Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 20 years of experience in the NGO sector, the expert specializes in program development, project management, strategic planning, and resource mobilization. Key skills include project monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, agriculture and livestock development, and climate change adaptation. Career highlights include leading initiatives with organizations like Oxfam and Heifer International, managing multi-million dollar projects, and fostering partnerships with international donors. Responsibilities have included securing funding and delivering impactful programs, demonstrating leadership in both local and international contexts.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, DFID, USAID, and the Scottish Government. Their involvement includes project implementation, proposal development, and evaluations in thematic areas like food security, agriculture, and community resilience. The projects have been national in scope, primarily located in Malawi, focusing on sectors such as dairy development, climate change resilience, and water sanitation. Additionally, they have engaged in capacity building and partnership management with multilateral donors and local governments.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across various sectors including civil society and NGOs, food security, humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, monitoring and evaluation, program and resource management, and agriculture. Previously held roles such as Programme Funding Coordinator and Deputy Country Director, focusing on strategic planning, resource mobilization, and project management. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge spans climate change adaptation, political economy, and rural development, with a country-specific focus on Malawi. Their work integrates digital tools for data collection and analysis, enhancing project outcomes in agriculture and community resilience. The expert has extensive experience working in Malawi, with a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. Their work has primarily focused on agricultural development, food security, and climate resilience in Malawi. They have been involved in long-term assignments and projects that address both national and community-level challenges, demonstrating significant expertise in navigating the socio-economic and environmental contexts of the region.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in English and native in Tumbuka and Chewa. These language skills have been utilized extensively in professional settings, including in-country work in Malawi and collaboration with multilingual teams. The expert's proficiency in these languages supports effective communication in diverse cultural and professional environments, facilitating successful project implementation and stakeholder engagement. The expert holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture. These degrees have provided a strong foundation in development studies and agricultural sciences, equipping the expert with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in international development and agricultural project management.