Professional Experience:
I have 15 years’ experience working in community engagement, international development and education in the U.K., Africa and Asia.
I hold an MSc in Sustainable Development from SOAS and have a strong understanding of the development sector and the challenges in delivering high-quality projects, MEAL and research in the global south and beyond.
My experience working in international development has spanned many different countries and projects. In 2019, I helped organise stakeholder workshops on agro-processing in Johannesburg and earlier in 2020, I was in Dodoma for an impact event with government officials and policymakers. Going back to Tanzania was poignant after I first volunteered there back in 2009 for a local NGO.
I have lived and worked in institutionally fragile contexts such as with the US State Department in Myanmar whilst part of the American Center in Yangon; a role that included working with a range of partners from local and international organisations. I have also worked closely with colleagues from a wide variety of backgrounds whilst working on education programmes in South Korea and Taiwan.
In my current role, I project manage research projects examining challenges faced by LMIC and LDC countries in close collaboration with country partners. My position involves balancing multiple priorities simultaneously with pragmatic problem solving, relationship management and project coordination. I have a keen interest in ensuring that research is undertaken in a rigorous, transparent, and inclusive manner. In my previous role as community programmes advisor for the third largest private charity donor, I was responsible for managing and commissioning over £8 million annually in grant funding to third sector organisations across the UK.
My background includes working on a diverse portfolio projects including quantitative and qualitative data gathering, analysis, management and storage as well as community engagement and stakeholder liaison initiatives.
I have a history of successfully managing a wide-ranging portfolio of multi-partner programmes and budgets. I have led the organisation of public events for up to 1,500 people, involving complex negotiations with multiple partners and logistical challenges.
I am a strong communicator with excellent negotiation skills and feel at my best when working towards a common goal in collaboration with others. I am confident and approachable and I have had the opportunity to constantly update and improve my communication skills through working with a range of different audiences and a variety of projects across my career; working successfully in different countries including Myanmar, South Korea and Tanzania requiring me to understand and be sensitive to local culture and context.
I am comfortable in a variety of settings and I have honed my diplomacy skills through
working internationally with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds, experiences and professional
capacities. This has including collaborating with community groups, large corporations, diplomats, national and regional bodies, local authorities, NHS trusts and educational institutions of varying sizes. I have also presented at conferences, facilitated public events and hosted events with a diverse set of stakeholders from many different backgrounds.
I am always keen to learn from others and enjoy adapting to new roles, organisational values and challenges. I hope to maintain and develop these skills by continuing to work in areas and on projects that make a difference to others across the world.