Professional Experience:
An experienced strategist, relationship builder, and team leader, Zachary Isdahl has leveraged his global development experience and management expertise to develop, launch, and accelerate several innovative, multi-donor funded development initiatives across more than 15 countries in Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East.
With nearly 15 years of senior-level international experience primarily in East and Southern Africa, Mr. Isdahl is recognized for his creative thinking, cultural competence, and demonstrated ability to successfully lead international programs in complex and politically sensitive environments with a diverse range of high-level governmental, international, NGO, and private sector stakeholders. His recent work includes positions with the World Bank, the Universities of California, and the ILO (UN agency).
Zachary is also a tireless champion of contemporary African art. As a Co-Founder of Africa Facing Art, he works to advance the role of the creative and cultural sectors as a key driver of development on the continent - through the platform of contemporary African art.
Experience:
South Africa Program Director
University of California, San Francisco
Apr 2012 – Present
Location Johannesburg Area, South Africa
Technical Officer
International Labour Organization
Aug 2011 – Mar 2012
Location:Geneva Area, Switzerland
Project Director
World Bank Group
May 2008 – May 2011
Location:Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania In-Country Manager
University of California, San Francisco
Jul 2006 – May 2008
Location:Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
University of California, San Francisco
Vanuatu Field Manager
University of California, San Francisco
Apr 2005 – May 2006
Location:Port Vila, Vanuatu (South Pacific)