Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 33 years of experience, the expert is a multi-skilled Development Engineer and Project Management professional specializing in mechanical engineering, rural infrastructure, and agribusiness development. Career highlights include leading international development programs, notably USAID-funded projects, in roles such as Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party. The expert's expertise encompasses supply chain management, renewable energy, and monitoring and evaluation. A significant accomplishment includes managing the USAID-funded Rural Feeder Roads Improvement Program, which enhanced market access and trade. Recognized for strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, the expert has successfully implemented donor-funded initiatives across East Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in international development, the expert has collaborated with donors such as USAID, IFAD, UNICEF, and the Clinton Foundation. This collaboration has involved project implementation, technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluations. The expert has worked on projects covering infrastructure, rural development, agriculture, and water and sanitation. These projects have been both national and regional in scope, primarily located in Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. The expert's work has significantly contributed to enhancing market access, trade, and sustainable economic growth through various donor-funded initiatives.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors including rural development, energy, trade, water and sanitation, SME and private sector development, and agriculture. Responsibilities have included senior roles such as Principal Development Engineer, Chief of Party, and Deputy Chief of Party. The expert's cross-cutting expertise includes integrating infrastructure in rural development and supply chain management in agribusiness. The geographic scope of work has had a regional impact, particularly in East Africa, with a strong focus on Rwanda and Tanzania. The expert is recognized for interdisciplinary knowledge and the ability to manage complex, donor-funded projects effectively.

Background includes extensive geographic experience in East Africa, particularly in Rwanda and Tanzania, with additional work in South Sudan. The expert has deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues, having managed and implemented numerous projects in these areas. Recurring involvement in Rwanda, from 1996 to 2008 and continuing from 2009 to the present, highlights long-term commitment and expertise in the region. The expert's work has also included assignments in Tanzania from 1984 to 1996 and again in 2012-2013, focusing on infrastructure and development projects.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is fluent in English, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda, with proficiency in German. These language skills have been utilized extensively in international development projects across East Africa, facilitating communication in multilingual teams and engaging with local communities. The expert's language competencies have been crucial in roles requiring stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, and project management in diverse linguistic environments.

The expert holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering Design, Planning, and Construction from Duale FachHochschule Baden-Württemberg Lörrach, Germany. Additionally, an Advanced Diploma in Pedagogical and Vocational Education (Metallurgical Engineering) was obtained from the German Foundation for International Development/Industrial Occupations Promotion Center, Germany. Further qualifications include a Diploma in Development Leadership & Management from Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of the North-Louis Trichardt, South Africa, and a Full Technician Certificate (FTC) in Mechanical Engineering from Arusha Technical College, Tanzania.