James Lewis, Director of Intercoastal Consulting, is a certified practicing civil engineer with over 15 years of experience specialising in coastal engineering throughout Australasia and across the Pacific. He has a broad knowledge of coastal protection design, integrated coastal management and surf amenity. James’s skills extend outside the office where he has led large-scale metocean deployments, analysing the data captured in the field to calibrate numerical models used to inform coastal design.
He has focussed the last 10 years of his career on working in Small Island Developing States (SIDs) in climate change adaptation, concerned primarily with developing climate-resilient coastal protection. James aspires to see the design phase through to implementation; having supported procurement, and contracting and undertaken construction supervision on large projects in remote locations. He aims to provide value and support through the complete project lifecycle including the social, financial and institutional aspects of these projects, endeavoring to understand the administrative, governmental and funding mechanisms specific to each country and community and their relation to the delivery of a successful project.
Using his knowledge of coastal engineering, the ocean and the environment, James’ primary endeavor is to assist coastal communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Leanne has 25 years of experience designing and coordinating the successful delivery of projects all over the world in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, including tracking the implementation of projects to drive successful outcomes. She has a background in natural resource management (community-based conservation and livelihoods), disaster risk management, and adaptation and resilience.
Leanne has worked with a range of government, multi-lateral donor, regional development, local government, and non-government organizations. She has worked as a strategic and reserves planner for the New Zealand Department of Conservation; a Community Development Officer in the Preah Sihanouk UNDP national park project in Cambodia; and spent half her working life working with the UNDP Global Environment Facility (GEF) on the large and Small Grants Programmes (SGP). Initially with the SGP in the Eastern Caribbean, later in the Pacific with co-financing from NZ MFAT and Australia DFAT, and subsequently managing the introduction and implementation of climate change adaptation funding for all SIDS eligible for SGP grants. Leanne has also worked as part of the three-person project management unit for the GEF/SOPAC Integrated Water Resource Management programme in the Pacific. She has also worked on the EU-funded Caribbean Regional Environment Programme establishing amenity areas including design and participatory monitoring frameworks as well as conducting regular monitoring during implementation.
As Senior International Programmes Manager for Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation & Humanitarian Response in the Pacific and South Asia, administered by Save the Children New Zealand (SCNZ), Leanne co-designed projects, co-developed monitoring frameworks, conducted regular monitoring and reporting, and facilitated mid-term reviews and external evaluations for SCNZ’s resilience programming. She represented SCNZ on the National Disaster Relief Forum (2016 & 2020); represented SCNZ on the SC International Global DRR technical working group; Pacific DRR technical working group; Asia Regional Office Climate Change DRR technical working group; and the MFAT NZ DRR Working Group. She currently leads monitoring and evaluation for the MFAT Africa Geothermal Facility to ensure the Facility meets targets and advises sub-contractors on developing aligned impact measurement frameworks.
Her experience in the Pacific includes work in Fiji, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands, among others. She has worked from the policy/government to the NGO, CSO and community level and is an advocate of approaches that build local capability and foster local leadership and engagement at all levels.
Leanne has experience in the local context of climate change on Tuvalu: she served as the lead consultant in the Early Warning Early Action project by the IFRC Climate Center 2021 - 2022, conducting research, working with local research teams (remotely), and producing final reports for Tuvalu and Palau. She has also supported Tuvalu counterparts in her regional coordination roles on the GEF IWRM project, GEF SGP, and MFAT Pacific Environment Fund. Leanne understands the reality of human resource limitations within the Tuvalu government, the critical role NGO stakeholders play in resilience and adaptation in Tuvalu, as well as the challenges of communication and travel to the outer islands. Leanne will bring her skills in successfully implementing and tracking programmes, her experience in the Pacific and her many years of experience in international development to support the team in the development of Tuvalu’s National Adaptation Plan.
Fifteen years managing development finance in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific and six years in small island developing states. Expert building country systems and partnerships for development. Climate change, resilience building, infrastructure, gender equality, blue/green economy, public health, education and governance program experience.
EDUCATION:
Candidate in Master of Business Administration, USP RMI, (4 more courses needed)
Master of Legal Studies in International and Environmental Law, Australian National University 2002
Certificate in World Affairs, East West Center University of Hawaii, 2004
Certificate Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Studies, Waikato University, 1998
Bachelor’s of Arts Natural Sciences, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 1994-1997
MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: AOSIS
OTHER TRAINING:
Legal Drafting, Parliament Sponsored Workshop, 2006
International Treaty Negotiations, SPREP, 2005
Strategic Planning, held in Guam USA, 2006
Budget/Financial Preparations, Majuro 2005
Environmental and Sustainable Development Project Design
Greenhouse gas inventory, Fiji 1998
COUNTRIES OF WORK EXPERIENCE: Republic of Marshall Islands, Pacific and International
EMPLOYMENT
RECORD:
Project and Programme Design, Preparation, Implementation and Evaluation
Capacity Building, including training, institutional strengthening and policy development and planning
Disaster and Climate Risk Assessments and Management - nationally as well as for specific sectors, islands and communities
Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction Financing
Over 27 years of experience on international development projects, focusing on coastal management, ICZM, coastal adaption, climate policy, wetland biodiversity management and catchment management. Over 12 years’ experience of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) including programmes that involve participatory planning processes, conducting feasibility studies, the assessment climate change and small island state environmental management and the design of programme implementation involving climate change.Over 10 years’ experience in institutional assessment and identification of capacity and organisational constraints within public administration, private sector, civil society (mostly in small island states). Extensive knowledge of donor agency development policies relating to disaster risk, climate change and coastal adaptation. Strong working experience for SPREP since 2011 in Tuvalu, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Fiji, FSM, Samoa. Strong experience in many other SIDs globally.
Over 20 years’ experience working on climate change and disaster risk reduction issues with communities, governments and international entities. Much of my work focused on building the capacities and capabilities to address adverse impacts of climate change and disaster risk reduction issues at the national, regional and international levels and in assisting countries mobilise financial, technical and human resources to implement and manage climate change activities, projects and programmes.
I have particular experience in conducting stakeholder consultations with villages/ communities, national governments and with international community organisations. I have especial skill/know-how in preparing technical and policy documents and reports relating to climate change issues and concerns. I have assisted Pacific islands countries in developing project proposals for funding and implementation of projects including Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme, national communications, national adaptation programmes of action, vulnerability and adaptation assessment, national and regional adaptation and disaster risk reduction projects, adaptation policies and/or strategies (see CV attached).
I also have experience in developing a policy and/or a policy framework such as NAPA, International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, Pilot Programme on Climate Resilience, and Strategic Programme on Climate Resilience, Pacific Adaptation Strategies Assistance Programme, national and regional Global Climate Change Alliance programmes on adaptation and based on stakeholder engagement/consultations.
I have a good knowledge and high level of familiarity and understandings of the Pacific small island developing states government system having lived in and worked in and for the region for more than three decades. Additionally I have undertaken mentoring work with various experts with each of the countries through capacity building and training on various aspects of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. I have a have a good command of English (oral and written) and a good level of understanding of some of the local languages.
I have the necessary track record of achievements, experience and skills to provide scientific and technical assistance and policy guidance to the Pacific SIDS. and others on climate change activities, projects and programmes.
The consultant's key fields of expertise include Environmental Management (Env Mgt Sys, Env Audit, EIA, SEA), Sustainable Development, Climate Change (Adaptation, Mitigation, Science, Policy), Community Waste Management, Community Based Adaptation, Ecosystem-based Adaptation. Proficient project management and project performance management skills that include practitioner skills in project management in controlled environments; skills in concept, grant and full project and funding proposal writing, climate financing proposal writing, design, work planning and budgeting. Skilled in project appraisal of project aspects such as costs, timescales, quality, scope, risk and benefits; deliver of quality project products, monitoring, reporting and evaluation. Offers training and workshops on V&A Assessments that include technical and community-based tools and frameworks, socio-economic assessments, lessons learned, results-based management, survey design and implementation, M&E design and implementation, gender & climate change. Range of working experiences at different levels of development intervention - international and regional (negotiations, policy, advocacy, lobbying, media campaigns and presentation, knowledge management); regional and national (project management, policy, science, gender, adaptation, mitigation, media campaigns, public awareness) and community (CBA, EbA, V&A, negotiations, training, gender mainstreaming level, implementation, negotiation skills on climate change, waste management, attitude and behavioral change campaigning). Have on-the-ground and field experiences in 14 Pacific Island communities, particularly in Palau, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea. Sector expertise areas of climate change adaptation activities and results in integrated coastal zone management, water resources management (specializing in low-lying atolls), food security, food production, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, tourism and health.
Key skills: providing strategic, targeted knowledge network, evaluation and technical services to international environmental and development programs and institutional capacities. Thematic interests and work experience: project design, implementation and results based monitoring: child rights, disability mainstreaming in UN funds and programs, inclusive education sector planning, biodiversity strategic planning, disaster risk reduction , climate change and resilience, natural resources and protected area management, ecosystem services and environmental science. Policy and bottleneck analysis and implementation problem resolution including work in environment sectors, poverty alleviation and education, improved service delivery and transparent government initiatives. Advocacy interests focusing on one UN programming, education for sustainable development, education systems and planning, climate change adaptation, emergencies, disaster risk reduction and resilience. Communication: training and education experience, including organizing and leading workshops. Research: data analysis, writing/editing materials for a wide variety of audiences and preparing content for websites.
Knowledge and Management Specialist
Climate Financing Specialist
Disaster Relief/Management Specialist
Environmental and social safeguards specialist
Economist [Cost-Benefit Analysis of CC]
Director at the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit
Community Trainer Specialist
Capacity Building Specialist
Credit Control Supervisor at National Bank of Solomon Islands
Manager Finance at DIDAO Development, Solomon Islands
Countries of Work Experience: Solomon Islands
Conduct assessments of knowledge systems, conduct advisory missions with the US-based endowment on knowledge management, future development, vision and strategic partnerships: New foundland government, IGA England and IGA Boston
Review annual grant proposals for community health and development in northern Newfoundland and Labrador.
Coach Junior Directors
Conceive original concept and mandate; define audience for company products and services, promote technical vision and mandate among directors
Design global knowledge management strategy on education, health and agriculture as technical advisor; providing leadership to four regional knowledge managers to implement the strategy
- Build strategic partnerships: UN regional commissions, UNDP, UNEP, UNV, UNICEF, UNESCO, IDRC, ISDR, etc
Mid-Term Evaluation Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management for Protected Areas Management
Activities Performed: i) Undertook comprehensive Midterm Evaluation MTE of GEF/UNDP PA program and demonstration of PA learning and ecosystems management approach ii) Conducted in-depth consultations and focus group work with key stakeholders and government planning staff. iii) Compiled evidence to support management and governance positive changes to program; conducted assessment of knowledge and learning systems. iv) Critiqued the program me indicators and all changes incurred during implementation by project staff. Suggested new indicators. v) Delivered and presented report to multi-sector and institutional stakeholders
Mid-Term Evaluation Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management for Institutions for Natural Resources Management
Activities Performed: i) MTE of GEF/UNDP INRM program and demonstration of integrated ecosystems management and climate change adaptation approaches ii) Conducted consultations and focus group work with key stakeholders and government planning staff. iii) Compiled evidence to support management and governance positive changes to program including assessment of knowledge and learning systems. iv) Critiqued the programme indicators and all changes incurred during implementation by project staff. v) Delivered and presented report to multi-sector and institutional stakeholders
Evidence, Coaching and Policy Research on South-South Cooperation (SSC) Principles
Developed framework and conducted assessment of IBSA Trust Fund portfolio 11 projects at various stages of completion;
Authored evidence-based policy/resource mobilization paper on the Trust Fund as good South-South Corporation with UN practice
Terminal Evaluation Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management for Sustainable Land Management
Activities Performed: i) Undertook comprehensive Midterm Evaluation MTE of GEF/UNDP environmental mainstreaming program and demonstration pilot sustainable ecosystems approach ii) Conducted in-depth consultations and focus group work with key stakeholders and government planning staff; conducted assessment of knowledge and learning systems. iii) Compiled evidence to support management and governance positive changes to program. iv) Critiqued the program me indicators and all changes incurred during implementation by project staff. Suggested new indicators. v) Delivered and presented report to multi-sector and institutional stakeholders
Knowledge Management (KM) Strategy/Advisor/Author - Climate Resilient Infrastructure /Coastal Zone Development
Conducted in-depth consultations and focus group work with key government and civil society stakeholders, UN and other partners, NGOs and Local Government and Engineering Staff; conducted assessment of knowledge and learning systems
Compiled evidence to support inter-sectoral knowledge management and learning strategy and provided recommendations related institutional reforms for climate resilience infrastructure and coastal zone management
Delivered and presented KM Strategy and Architecture for Climate Resilient Infrastructure to multi-sector and institutional stakeholders and inclusion into multidisciplinary Climate Change Resilience PPTA.
Created a climate infrastructure learning network - documented and shared PA - KM activities
Abyei Area Development Programme
Activities Performed: i) Produced an inception report for UNDP Khartoum concerning delivery of the requirements outlined in the ToR and a detailed evaluation with an analytical response to all key components. ii) Used qualitative/quantitative techniques to obtain information; developed new indicators to assess project outcome. iii) Conducted field visits to rural offices, meeting with relevant staleholders; visited UNDP senior management, team leaders and program officers; consulted women, children and other marginalized groups and devised other means to measure progress, effect and impact. iv) Organized a debriefing session for UNDP staff, partners and collaborators; v) Re-developed UNDP’s programming strategy
Study and Policy Paper - UNEPs Contribution to South South Cooperation- A Knowledge Management Approach
Activities Performed: i) Conducted baseline research on UNEP’s role in promoting South-South cooperation on environmental capacity building; interviewed UNEP staff. ii) Authored relevant paper for UN-wide publication. iii) Authored related policy recommendation/paper on cooperation for staff
Developing a National Knowledge Management Platform for Action on Disaster Risk Reduction
Activities Performed: i) Coordinated development of a new national policy framework and 10-year action plan on disaster risk reduction. ii) Conducted community profiling exercise to establish baseline and set targets for support; designed and wrote proposals for strategic partnerships iii) Advocated support extension to implement national strategy on community-based DRR
Instituting and Implementing a Global Knowledge Management Strategy for UNDP on Environmental Issues
Activities Performed: i) Established first Energy and Environment Practice Network, managing network budget of $1/4 M. ii) Managed network and designed monitoring and evaluation plan. iii) Organized, recruited and managed network volunteers, two professional staff iv) Facilitated the Human Rights Knowledge Network – HURITALK (2001). v) Piloted regional/sub-regional support networks – Zambia, Mauritania, Senegal, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and Bratislava. vi) Provided environmental management policy and reported to country offices. vii) Participated in global water partnership technical meeting; conducted knowledge management needs assessment. Provided recommendations to senior management concerning GWP KM reforms
UNDP Global Policy and Programme Support
Activities Performed: i) Conducted Terminal Review of UNDP Global Programmes: UNCED (1992), WSSD (1995) and Partners in Development (1995). ii) Conducted research for 2 UNDP Global Poverty Reports (1999-2000). iii) Conducted a GEF Climate Change Portfolio Review – Africa Region (1998). iv) Conducted statistical analysis of UNDP sustainable livelihood programme. v) Researched and drafted policy statements vi) Conducted and statistically represented programme research (governance, poverty, HIV and AIDS, environment, gender)
UNDP Support Programme in Indonesia
Activities Performed: i) Located and interviewed policy experts; reviewed project/policy concepts; developed briefing materials; ii) Fostered strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education and the Minister of Religious Affairs to develop programs and projects concerning expanding access and quality of education; leveraged resources from development partners and the international monetary institutions. iii) Researched/drafted educational policy statements; developed strategic partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO; coordinated UN input for the conference ‘Education for All – Nine Most Populous Countries’. iv) Monitored/developed projects: environment, energy, women, education issues. v) Backstopped three gender projects on behalf of UNIFEM