Strategic Board and Senior Leader with experience in the UN, INGOs, global networks, NNGOs and UK voluntary sector. Leadership philosophy includes: value based visioning; futures thinking and "pracademic" analysis; brokering partnerships for high level collaboration; mutuality in relationship management; power of demonstrating impact; agility in management systems; catalytic role of brand and internal communications; safeguarding and protection of communities and staff; enabling and releasing employee talent; centrality of accountability; and the agency of crisis affected populations.
Global Specialist in international aid system, strategy design, strategic partnerships, multilateral frameworks, grant management, locally led risk reduction and response. Thought leadership in programme design and policy influencing for: resilience and disaster risk reduction; risk informed development; climate change adaptation; capacity sharing and livelihoods strengthening. Brokered successful results in: anticipatory financing; innovative funding approaches; community level disaster management capacity; social action networks; organisational development of NNGOs; and local and national government planning.
Experienced Practitioner with a media and public profile including: BBC, Al Jazeera, podcasts, panelist and motivational speaker. International operational experience includes: delivery of integrated programmes in Malawi, Bangladesh, Philippines, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka; oversight for technical support in Haiti, Central America, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Ethiopia and Kenya. Live emergency responses include: Indian Ocean Tsunami, Haiti Earthquake, Cyclone Idai, Ukraine conflict, and Covid response.
Working on portfolio of consultancies and voluntary roles to support future of aid and risk financing; global collaboration networks; locally led response; and good practice in resilience and climate risk management. Achieved Advance Practice in Partnership Brokering, and undertaking accreditation.
As Humanitarian Director, launched and developed global service delivery department which covered strategy, advocacy, funding, impact measurement, learning, research, communications and emergency response for all countries across Tearfund. The team comprised of global roles, international matrix team, plus technical sub unit. Alongside 6 Regional Directors, role was part of senior leadership team supporting decision making, accountability and assurance.
Part of leadership team overseeing all response and DRR projects across 32 countries. Operated with team of 8 and had oversight for: institutionally funded donor programmes spanning multiple countries; senior technical advisers and research; DRR technical publications; co-development of external policy positions; advocacy relating to DRR and CCA; and surge and capacity development for partners in disaster prone locations.
Coordination and oversight for DFID 5 year programme to strengthen community based DRR practices in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Malawi, plus undertake advocacy initiatives in further 4 countries. Project operated against DFID logframe, implemented by small team of 3 with strong inter-team working to ensure continuity, learning and quality of implementation.
Responsible for oversight and strategy of Central Asia programme to provide humanitarian programme for Afghan refugees and returnees. With budget of approx £1.5 million, role managed 3 field locations, international staff team of 7, and national staff team of 50.
Created Post Conflict Transition Team (PCT) with national and international staff, to develop initiatives supporting Sri Lankan peace process, peacebuilding and integrated development programmes. Operated portfolio of 7 projects with approx $6 million budget from bi-lateral donors.
Worked on formulation, planning and implementation of a new programme for conflict affected areas in Sri Lanka. Focused on economic rehabilitation and sustainable livelihoods through training, enterprise development, micro credit, and agri-business. Managed remote field office with staff team of 13.