Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 43 years of experience, the expert excels in international education leadership and management, particularly in higher education and TVET sectors. Responsibilities have included leading numerous projects as a Project Director and Team Leader, with a focus on strategic planning, policy development, and capacity building. Career highlights include developing strategic plans for TVET institutions and facilitating public-private partnerships. Worked across diverse projects in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, achieving significant results in youth employment and private sector development. Known for expertise in entrepreneurship, economic development, and global education policies.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, African Development Bank, World Bank, Nuffic, NORAD, GIZ, KfW, Enabel, AusAID/DFAT, DANIDA, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sectors like education, TVET, and private sector development. These projects have been regional and national in scope, covering geographic locations across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked extensively in sectors such as education, TVET, agribusiness, extractive industries, and transport and logistics. Previously held roles such as Project Director, Team Leader, and Consultant, focusing on strategic planning and capacity building. Cross-cutting expertise includes public-private partnerships, digitalization in education, and youth employment initiatives. The work spans regional and country-specific projects across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, implementing interdisciplinary solutions to enhance economic development and sectoral integration. Extensive geographic experience includes countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa, with deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in English at a C2 level, with working proficiency in French at a B1 level. These language skills have been utilized in various international contexts, including work in multilingual teams and in-country projects across sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. The expert holds an MPhil in International Business Management from ISM International School of Management, Paris, and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, UK. Additionally, there is an MA in Public Policy and Organisation Sciences from Tilburg University, The Netherlands, and an Associate Degree in Library and Information Studies from BDA Tilburg. Currently, pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at IIBM/Swiss International Management Academy.