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An international development specialist with 15 years’ experience in environmental, community engagement and education programs. An effective and proven communicator adept at bringing together diverse groups to work on common goals. Qualified project manager with background in MEAL, development research and team leadership. Actively seeking new opportunities. |
 Contact John Robson
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Area of Expertise: |
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Administration, Management, Accounting/Finance, Procurement
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Communications, IT, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor
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Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
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Private Sector, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility
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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.
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Education: |
I hold an MSc in Sustainable Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. In addition to this, I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winchester.
I also hold a certification in DPro Project Management; a globally recognised qualification focused on international development and humanitarians projects.
In 2019, I gained the ILM Level 3 Award from the Institute for Leadership & Management. This followed the completion of a comprehensive management training program including sessions with legal experts, Law at Work.
I have carried out training on disability awareness in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act so I am able to consider the needs of users in order to deliver socially inclusive programs that serve the needs of the whole community.
In addition, I undertook 'Dignity for All' training in accordance with the updated Equality Act which has helped me to better
understand and value diversity.
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
I am a member of the Association of Research Management Professionals as well as holding a Level 3 award from the Institute of Leadership and Management and am certified in Project DPro project management. I have achieved commendations and received awards both in my current and previous roles. Most recently I was awarded a £100 voucher for pioneering a new collaborative short-form contract to help facilitate speedier project facilitation for international development research projects.
I work, and have worked, alongside colleagues from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and I apply the skills learned from these trainings to ensure I treat each colleague in a fair and equitable manner.
I also successfully completed the 2 day 'Workplace Travel Planning' course
run by ACT Travelwise at Loughborough University which involved planning
projects to better enhance public/private collaboration around environmental initiatives in the UK.
I have always sought to take advantage of personal development opportunities and, for example, have undertaken various organisational training programmes in order to enhance my verbal and written communication skills; something I believe is key to delivering successful projects.
These training programmes have enabled me to shape messages appropriate to specific situations and audiences whilst also using plain English where possible to communicate clearly and concisely.
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Being headhunted – make me an offer
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Years of Experience:
10-15 years |
Highest Qualification:
Masters |
Languages:
English, French (beginner), Swahili (very basic), Korean (reading and very basic) |
Nationality:
United Kingdom
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LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnandrewrobson/
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