Twenty years of experience working at the intersections of Global Sustainability, Climate/Environmental Finance, International Development, Partnerships and Policy.
Forward-thinking, results-driven visionary with experience building strategic partnerships that drive transformative change. Engages with audiences from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to cultivate relationships. |
 Contact Francesca Laursen
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Area of Expertise: |
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Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural
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Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
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Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
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Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
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Trade, Finance, Economics, Cooperation, Global
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Professional Experience: |
Director of Multilateral Relations & Green Climate Fund (GCF)
As the Director of Multilateral Relations and the gatekeeper for relationships with the multilateral's, performed strategic and impactful advocacy, built key relationships within the international diplomatic circuit, and ensured achievement of strategic collaboration on SDGs. Contributed information, analysis and recommendations to global offices to facilitate policy, programs and positions. Lead liaison with government officials, key stakeholders, multilateral development banks, and development financial institutions to promote development and sustainability finance, policies, and programming.
Managed the GCF International Accredited Entity (GCF AE) strategic direction including new team build-out, project operational pipelines, guiding and facilitating multi-divisional cross-sector proposals, global communications and training, and establishment of thought leadership through representation at global meetings. Focused on multi-stakeholder blended funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects across various sectors with project budgets of up to $250M.
• Designed innovative global programs and secured strategic public-private partnerships (PPP) with blended finance, ensuring programs were structured to mitigate potential financial risks. Monitored field staff for global development programs and coordinated with communications teams to develop digital and social media platforms for online funding campaigns. Contributed as a Thought Leader at conferences.
• Adeptly launched and managed a new department with teams in Jamaica, Peru, South Africa, and Brazil focused on climate-smart agribusiness, financial inclusion, women and youth entrepreneurship, health, and nutrition.
• Developed a globally scalable financial inclusion PPP Access-to-Financing for Climate Smart Agriculture Program for small-scale farmers, women, and youth, and raised blended financing from major multi/bilateral banks, governments, and private sector, included guaranteed markets and reduced supply chain costs through negotiations with local corporations.
• Recognized and acted on the potential of a newly developed portable jaundice incubator, negotiated its availability, and coordinated with maternal health clinics in Peru to develop this major health project. Project awarded international funding through the Saving Lives at Birth Grand Challenge.
• Organized INMEDs first Climate Smart Agriculture Conference in 2018 that attracted over 200 global attendees.Coordinated with multicultural field staff and consultants on judicial and legal reform projects, with regular EU policy partner advocacy and collaboration. Prepared environmental legislative and judicial law revisions. Reviewed case materials, drafted issue and precedent papers, decisions, and provided legal and regulatory support for WB Tribunal international hearings. Held earlier role as a Project Task Manager, overseeing banking and financial projects, leading government and stakeholder negotiations, and as a key liaison for country program strategies and project negotiations.
• Project Task Manager for World Bank-government development loans in Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela, and supervised a $300M loan to the Government of Brazil and Trust Fund relations.
• Received the World Bank Spot Award for organizing an annual Conflict Resolution Conference with over 3K attendees. Clifford Chance, a UK Magic Circle firm, has the world's leading international finance practice and a strong Project Finance Practice.
Associate Attorney for Corporate and Project Finance Practice Groups, the world’s leading international finance practice. Represented and provided financial regulatory advice to institutional lenders and global organizations on project financing, structuring, and mergers and acquisitions. Drafted and negotiated contracts for and advised on risk mitigation strategies for complex, cross-border transactions.
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Education: |
Juris doctor Cum Laude Honors from American University 2000
with membership in NY and DC Bar Associations
Masters in International Business Management from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany 1989
BA from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1988
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Being headhunted – make me an offer
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