Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 25 years of experience, the expert specializes in governance, human rights, and international law. They have founded and led initiatives focusing on post-conflict transformation and sustainable development. Career highlights include serving as Head of UNITAR's New York Office, where they developed 120 seminars and workshops to enhance diplomatic training. Responsibilities have included advising on democratic governance in Timor-Leste and managing legal units in UN missions. Accomplishments feature establishing partnerships for female ex-combatant reintegration and organizing international retreats and seminars on sustainable development and peacebuilding.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in international development, the expert has collaborated with international donors through roles such as Head of the New York Office for UNITAR. They managed resource mobilization and developed programs focusing on conflict prevention and governance. Worked across diverse projects involving project implementation and capacity building in areas like governance and sustainable development. Geographic locations for these initiatives include Colombia, where they developed partnerships for reintegration projects, and Rio de Janeiro, in connection with the Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including civil society, NGOs, human rights, democratization, law, institutional development, and agriculture. Previously held roles such as founder of a non-profit organization and head of a UNITAR office, focusing on governance, reconciliation, and sustainable development. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating human rights and legal frameworks into governance and development projects, with a geographic scope covering regions like Timor-Leste, Colombia, and parts of Africa. Extensive geographic experience includes regions like Timor-Leste, Colombia, Angola, and Mozambique, focusing on local governance and regional development issues. Their work in Timor-Leste involved advising on democratic governance, while in Colombia, they developed initiatives for the reintegration of female ex-combatants. The expert also contributed to UN peacekeeping missions in Angola and Mozambique, enhancing their understanding of local cultural dynamics and governance challenges.

Languages and education

With a background in diverse linguistic environments, the expert is a native English speaker and is proficient in Portuguese, French, and Spanish. These language skills have been utilized in various international contexts, including work in multilingual teams and international initiatives, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments. Background includes positions at prestigious institutions, holding a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale University, USA, and a Master of Laws with a concentration in International Legal Studies from New York University, USA. They also have a Master of International Affairs with a concentration in Economic and Political Development from Columbia University, USA, and a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from American University, USA. Additionally, they received a Master Certificate in Post Conflict Recovery from a program by Harvard University, USA, and the Italian Ministry of Health.