About

Picture of Benj Harding
Development Consultant ,
Samoa IBC

Summary

Development professional with over sixteen years of experience living and working in the Pacific region, namely Samoa. A national-level consultant specializing in project management, rural livelihoods development, community outreach, policy and statistical analysis and digital innovation in various thematic areas related to international development such as agriculture, environment and industry. Over eight years managing public affairs, political, economic, and military portfolios for U.S. Embassy Apia. Experienced managing numerous grants, programs, media campaigns, development projects, budgets, volunteer placements, and humanitarian missions involving various federal agencies, host nation governments, and civil society organizations. Experienced office leader in a cross-cultural setting. Excellent at multi-tasking and delivering quality work in a timely manner.

Qualifications and credentials
English, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent
Samoan, Average, Excellent, Average, Average
Master of Development Studies, 2019-2020, Completed, National University of Samoa
Bachelor of Science in Economics, 200-2004, Completed, James Madison University
Work experience
Food, Fuel, Fertilizer, Feed & Finance (5F) Crisis Response Project, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Economist/Statistical Analyst, Apia, -Entirely responsible for the Samoa portfolio under this project -Provided back-up support to all other countries -Spearheaded meetings with the Sa
Publications
SIDS Solutions Forum Report 2022, FAO, http://www.fao.org/3/cc5502en/cc5502en.pdf
Guide to Private Sector Development Programmes (Samoa), Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour of Samoa, https://www.mcil.gov.ws/?page_id=2885