Key skills and expertise

With a background in agronomy and over 13 years in international development cooperation, the expert is adept in value chain development, food security, resource management, and sustainable rural development. Career highlights include leading projects in Africa and Oceania, such as increasing equity for shea women groups by 10% and establishing the Volta Value Chain Cooperative Union in Ghana. Responsibilities have included strategic planning and capacity building, demonstrating expertise in managing complex projects and fostering institutional development.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors like GIZ, BMZ, EU, and AusAid, contributing to development cooperation projects. Their involvement spans project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building, focusing on value chain development, food security, and sustainable rural development. These projects have been regional and national in scope, conducted in various countries across Africa and Oceania, including Benin, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse projects involving rural development, food security, poverty reduction, agriculture, and program management. Previously held roles such as Development Advisor, Technical Advisor, and Research Program Leader, with responsibilities in project implementation, capacity building, and strategic planning. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes digital and technical innovations in agriculture and sustainable rural development. The expert's work spans regional and country-specific projects in Africa and Oceania, reflecting a broad geographic scope and deep sectoral knowledge. Extensive geographic experience includes significant assignments in Benin, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and several other countries, developing a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues.

Languages and education

Bringing multilingual capabilities, the expert is a native German speaker, fluent in English and Melanesian Pidgin, with advanced proficiency in French. These language skills have been utilized extensively in international development cooperation projects across Africa and Oceania, where working in multilingual teams and diverse cultural environments was essential. Additionally, they possess basic proficiency in Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish. Educational background includes an MBA from Open University in Milton Keynes, UK, focusing on Business Administration; a Diploma of Business in Frontline Management from PATTAF in Australia; and an M.Sc. in Agronomy with a focus on plant production, plant nutrition, and soil science from the University of Hohenheim and the Technical University of Weihenstephan in Germany.