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.
Director, Strategy, Governance and Engagement - Responsible for leading the governance and legal functions of the environment department. Responsibilities include the following:
- Providing governance advice to the Secretary of the Department
- Ensuring that the department has access to high quality, timely legal advice
- Ensuring that the risk and audit function of the department is operating effectively
- Chair of the Accredited Purchasing Unit
- Assisting a significant restructure of the Department
During the 12 months I worked with the Government of Nauru, I provided technical, policy and planning advice across a range of areas including climate change, renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity conservation and integrated water resource management. My key projects included:
- Working in close partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to develop and finalise the Pacific Climate Change Finance Assessment Framework - Nauru Case Study
- Working in partnership with GIZ/SPC on the development of an Energy Road Map for the Government of Nauru
- Working with the Government of Nauru to develop and finalise the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Policy and Implementation Plan
- Assisting in the development of RONAdapt, the Republic of Nauru Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Framework
For 3 years I was the Executive Director responsible for climate change policy and projects within the South Australian Government. This included the effective financing of climate change projects and ensuring that key institutional and human capacity frameworks were in place. Some of my key projects during this period included:
- The development of South Australia’s Adaptation Framework following exhaustive national and state consultations with academics, the private sector, senior officials and ministers and extensive research. The Framework has received national recognition in Australia for its innovative and collaborative approach to climate change adaptation. The World Bank is also in the process of investigating the approach to determine its applicability to other parts of the world.
- Development and implementation of the South Australian Government’s international climate change program. This program included the provision of assistance to regions in developing countries.
- Work with local government, state government and the private sector on an innovative financing mechanism to facilitate the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures in office accommodation in South Australia.
- Overseeing the development of a low emission vehicle strategy for South Australia to accelerate uptake of these vehicles in the state
- Overseeing various demonstration projects, which were funded through South Australia’s Building Innovation Fund, including trials of mini-wind turbine and co-generation technologies and the installation of green roofs on large office building
I led the development of climate change policy for the South Australian Government. Some key projects that I was responsible for during that time include:
- The development of Tackling Climate Change: South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy which is South Australia's long-term response to climate change and which was developed after significant consultation with industry, community, academia, local councils and government. The strategy sets out specific goals and targets for South Australia, recommended ways to achieve them and identifies key action areas.
- Work on a net metering policy for the State to increase the use of renewable energy at the household level. As a result of this policy South Australia now has the highest rate of solar roof top penetration in the country, with 170,000 households with solar panels, twice the national average.
During this period I had lead responsibility for the Corporation’s policy and strategy function. This included responsibility for the following functions and projects:
- Providing policy and strategic advice to the Corporation’s Board and CEO
- Developing a strategic plan for the Corporation
- Contributing to the development of a national film policy framework, including a new film funding model
- Developing a business case for a major film studio hub for South Australia
- Working with the South Australian film industry on an industry development plan
- Providing advice to CEO and Board on public sector governance issues
I was responsible for leading the policy function within the office of the secretary of the department. This included responsibility for the following functions and projects:
- Providing policy advice and analysis to the Secretary and relevant Government Ministers on transport, urban planning and urban regeneration issues
- Contributing to the preparation of the Departments budget proposals, budget papers and annual report
- Supporting and advising Boards and Committees associated with the Department
- Providing advice to Ministers and the Secretary regarding law reform including during the parliamentary process
- Developing whole of government and regional approaches to urban regeneration, service delivery and economic development
Member - Australian Institute of Emergency Services
Member – National Competency Standards for Emergency Management
Member – Development Team (Understanding Emergency Risk Management Training Course
Qualified Trainer and Assessor in Disaster Management
(Certificate IV Workplace Training (Category Two))
Manage the response to the 2010-2011 flooding and cyclones
Manage the response during the flooding of the State Capital, Brisbane
Manage response to Cyclone Yasi and major flooding in South West Queensland in 2012
Establish a consulting business to provide response services to national, state and local governments, business and industry, agencies and community groups involved in disaster/emergency management
Establish comprehensive disaster risk management programming including risk management and mitigation strategies
Wrote guidelines for risk management in the Pacific Island Countries
Comprehensive Hazard and Risk Management (CHARM) guidelines were adopted in the region by the various Island nations
Drafted the Queensland Guidelines for Cyclone Shelter Operations which included his findings from the USA and the experience he gained while managing the flooding and cyclones across Queensland in 2010 to 2012
Building resilience to disaster in the community, economy, infrastructure and the environment
Implement risk studies leading to Risk Management Planning and Mitigation Planning across Queensland and the Pacific Island Countries
Provide operational advice ranging from standard operating procedures to whole of government multi-agency response
I have considerable experience working as an economist with over 20 years experience working on a range of macro and micro economic issues for Commonwealth and State agencies in Australia and regionally in the Pacific for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. I have extensive experience working on a range of public policy issues. I have held management roles responsible for the leadership of, and significant contributions to, development of infrastructure plans, climate change finance, disaster risk reduction, natural resource policy and legislation, regulation of markets, performance measurement and evaluation reporting frameworks, cost benefit analysis proposals and policy governance frameworks.
Over 10+ years consultancy work on climate resilience policy & institutional review; CC project & program design including development of PPDs & financial proposals; MfDR-based corporate planning; M&E/R; Organisation Review; Community development/assessments etc for Samoa and the Pacific. Designed & developed the Pacific Island owned Rapid Response Fund & Regional Technical Support Mechanism (ADB funded; SPREP implemented; overall guidance by WARD/CROP agencies). National consultant for several projects including PPCR Samoa country track; DRM/DRR Act/policy review; CRPD impacts ratification for GoSamoa etc. SQA/NUS Professional Unit Certified Adult/Community Trainer- conducted in-country training & workshops/forum including the 2015 post-SIDS Joint CSO Forum (CSSP SUNGO/GEF-SGP/PIANGO) for Samoa. 20+ years experience in Pacific island project design, management & implementation in the areas of environmental information, knowledge management and clearinghouse mechanisms.
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
Climate Financing Specialist
Climate Change Adaptation and Finance Adviser for the Office of Environmental Planning
Wrote a report on Climate Change Finance options for RMI
Advising the Director of the OEPPC, preparing briefing documents, presentations, cabinet papers, managing visits from CROP agencies, writing concept proposals for climate change adaptation projects
Organising committee member for the Cartagena Dialogue Organised bilateral meetings, prepared briefing papers and speeches for the Foreign Minister
Followed up from the Climate Change Finance Assessment carried out on RMI by facilitating workshops that lead to a climate change finance roadmap
Created and designed plan for the creation of a climate change coordination guideline for RMI
Developed a report for UNDP and the Palestinian Government on climate finance opportunities vis-à-vis ratification of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;
Presented findings to the National Climate Change Committee, the Environment Quality Authority (EQA) and UNDP/PAPP;
Developed a concept note for a donor on meteorological stations in the West Bank and Gaza;
Joined the Palestinian Delegation to COP19 in Warsaw: tracked climate finance negotiations, organised bilateral meetings, prepared briefing papers and speeches for the Chairman of the EQA (Ministerial equivalent).
Research Assistance assisting Professor Robyn Eckersley at the Faculty of Political and Social Science with research on a three year project around international climate leadership in a number of key countries, including Norway.
Translating material and analyzing policy history to establish different discourses of the agents acting within the Norwegian climate and foreign policy arena.
Recognised as a research assistant in the article: Eckersley, R. (2013), Poles Apart?: The Social Construction of Responsibility for Climate Change in Australia and Norway. Australian Journal of Politics & History, 59: 382–396. doi: 10.1111/ajph.12022.
Analysed human societal perspectives on energy choice and climate solutions
Researched and produced materials covering various energy fields: unconventional gas, biogas, carbon capture and storage, transportation/mobility, geopolitics related to energy and more.
Organised events and represented the company at conferences.
Completed administration tasks as necessary and held responsibility for and training of one staff member.
Countries of Work Experience: India
Project Manager for Nexant Inc; Prepare budget for project, prepare progress reports for client. Facilitating stakeholder consultation. Developing innovative financing instruments and market deployment strategies for up-scaling re technologies for rural, commercial and industrial sectors in India
Project Manager for Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation in 2013-2014; Map the International sources of climate finance. Provide recommendation for setting appropriate institutional structure for effective climate finance
Project Manager for UNDP in 2013-2014; Develop a detailed financial resource assessment for implementing recommendations and strategies in the MP SAPCC;
Estimate the finance that need to be invested for fully operationalizing the strategies proposed for identified sectors
Classify the sectoral recommendation and identify the fund requirement for each activity
Identification of financial options and gap-filling strategies by assessing current budgetary allocations/expenditure of the department; working on issues falling within these sectors, to explore funds that could be made available for implementation
Development of plan of action along with details on the methodology proposed to be used for making the estimates of financial requirements
Project Coordinator for IKEA Trading Pty Ltd, India; - Set up a Project Monitoring Unit comprising of a Field Coordinator, Project Officer and a team of village level motivators
Worked closely with beneficiaries to understand their problems related to energy and health
Planned and organized mass awareness generation campaigns for beneficiaries, students, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, electricians and mechanics
Promoted and customized solar home lighting systems and centralized charging stations
Solar street lights and a solar water pump were installed for irrigation and drinking water supply in one village as part of a larger mandate to set up a model solar village
Project Coordinator for European Commission in 2005-2007; -Co-operation between India and European Union. Encourage both technology transfer and investment flows. Direct beneficiaries for both the ethanol and biodiesel sector were farmers; sugar industry; oil expelling/processing companies; urban areas (due to clean environment); and the country as a whole as a result of savings in foreign exchange and CDM opportunities for the country. Partnership with EU organizations ensured value addition by bringing forth the knowledge, experience, management, and technologies to India
Editorial Coordinator for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 2009-2011; UNDP/GEF supported a major Biomass Energy based project with the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Raise awareness level about the technical and other aspects of biomass energy under a major capacity building initiative among all possible stakeholders
Raise awareness and coverage of technological, operational, financial and regulatory aspects of various biomass conversion technologies such as combustion, cogeneration, gasification and biomethanation
Grant Administrator; Developed the Operational manual to provide grants. Promote program through web based technologies and other networks to ensure active participation of renewable energy enterprises to submit proposals. Careful screening of applications and developing a decision matrix to arrive at results. Preparation of contract documents to follow up on project deliverables of sub-grantees, clearing financial payments of sub-grantees
Expert at UNFCCC for Registration and Issuance
Expert for CDM Methodology Review
Member at Project Developer Forum
Expert at Partnership for Market Readiness; a World Bank Initiative for capacity building and piloting of new market based tools for GHG reduction
Countries of Work Experience: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Lao, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria
Project Head UNDP 2014; To develop a detailed financial resource assessment for implementing the recommendations and strategies outlined in the Madhya Pradesh (MP) State Action Plan (SAPCC:
- Estimate the finances (direct as well as indirect) that need to be invested for fully operationalizing the strategies proposed for identified sectors
- Classify the sectoral recommendation and identify the fund requirement in for each activity and the sources for them.
- Identification of financing options and gap-filling strategies by assessing current budgetary allocations/expenditure of the departments working on issues falling within these sectors, to explore funds that could be made available for implementation
- Development of plan of action along with details on the methodology proposed to be used for making the estimates of financial requirements.
Project Leader for Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation 2014, Main objective is to map the international sources of climate finance which India could potentially access and provide a comparative analysis with other peer developing countries to gauge India’s preparedness to access International Climate finance and provide recommendations for setting appropriate institutional structure for effective climate fiance
Project Leader for GIZ 2013; Preparation of Activity Data and Selection of
Emission Factors for these sectors in Mexico to generate the emission data base and Emission Inventory
Emission of F-gases and preparation of a ‘NAMA Project’ for F-gases in Mexico
Project Leader at National Environment Commission Government of Bhutan 2013; Performed a situational analysis formulating and implementing NAMAs in Housing; Transport & Waste management sectors and LEDS in Transport and Industrial sectors and the related MRV functions. Profiling of the baseline scenario in the relevant sectors including social, gender, poverty and environmental issues. Integrated gender issues/ recommendations from the gender rapid assessment. Preparation of capacity development work plan and timeline on capacity needs assessment implementation and delivery in technical, social and operational aspects. Identification of SMART (ie Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and time-specific) capacity development indicators that the NEC could use.
Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Urban Development 2013; To estimate the improvement in GHG emissions in each of the SUTP cities due to the implementation of the demonstration projects and related co-benefits (air, noise and safety). To build capacity in the SUTP project cities to carry out systemic energy assessments of urban transport systems as well as generate locally relevant information regarding environmentally soundness and sustainability
of the cities’ transportation interventions.
Project Leader for UNDP & State of Jharkhand; Identified the sectors that are likely to be impacted by the temperature and precipitation changes in the long run. Consultation and coordination with the climate advisory, coordination team for preparing the state action plan. Developed a road map for state to adapt climate change. Developed the SAPCC document.
Project Leader Technology needs Assessment for Bhutan 2011: Identification Prioritization and Action Plan preparation for GHG reduction. Technologies for country of Bhutan Under the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), Project under UNFCCC for non Annex countries and consistent with Guidelines of UNEP Risoe Center
Project Leader Policy Study on bio fuel assessments and development plan for Lao PDR, Ministry of Energy and Mines 2013.
Project Leader, EVI National Solar Power Development Program. Leader of EVI Development of methodology AMS IIIAF “Shift from high carbon Intensive fuel mix ratio to low Carbon intensive fuel mix ratio
Project Leader, Registration of CDM projects with UNFCCC and othe GHG protocols 2005-2013.
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
Member - Global Development Professionals
Member - SEA Change Community of Practice (M&E in climate change)
Member - Adaptability Climate Adaptation Network
Member - Climate Change Professionals Network
Member - Climate- Evaluation of climate change and development)
In this position I worked with country offices across the global south (mainly focused on the Asia-Pacific) to address the risks climate change poses to key thematic and sectoral programming. My responsibilities included providing technical advice for the development, implementation and monitoring of climate change programs as well as integrating climate
risk and resilience building into sector-based programs. I also provided policy advice and authored academic and popular publications advocating for a child-centred rights-based approach to climate change adaptation. I was also the global lead on climate change for Save the Children International’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
Working Group and a member of the International Organizing Committee for the annual International Conference on community based Climate Change Adaptation. My role included a substantial research component including drafting and publication of research papers and keeping abreast of the latest in science and social research on climate change and development.
Selected Projects/outputs are listed below:
Designed a 2.5 year, $3 million multi-agency community based adaptation project in Vietnam which was successful in a global AusAID funded project window
Developed a multi-year proposal to integrate climate change adaptation into children's club in Bangladesh which was successful in attracting AusAID funding
Designed a multi-country research project on child-centred climate change adaptation in Asian cities which received funding from the Rockefeller Foundation
Developed a monitoring and evaluation framework for a large community based adaptation project in Vietnam
Developed a results framework for Save the Children International Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2012-2015
Reviewed project proposals for a range of donors (AusAID, DFID, EU, USAID) to ensure climate change risks and resilience were adequately addressed
Reviewed country and regional strategies and provided advice on integrating climate risk
Drafted save the children Australia's program environment management system to help program staff address environment and climate and disaster) risks and safeguards in sectoral programming
Developed a climate change and adaptation training program and implemented it across 10 country offices
I co-managed the Australian Government's $328 million, five year International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative. I worked with country and regional program areas to develop and implement activities to help vulnerable communities in the Asia Pacific and beyond enhance their resilience to the impacts of climate change. this role had a strong focus on small island developing states and least developed countries with a particular emphasis on integration, adaptation and disaster risk reduction into AusAID-funded activities in the Pacific.
Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
Associate Director - Climate Change Policy Report
Provide a financial response to climate change: Risk apportionment in the insurance sector
Westpac’s business sustainability and strategy
Carbon Assurance
Climate Change Strategy for Global Mining Company
Carbon pricing mechanism advisory
Commercial Implications of a price on carbon
Citigroup Australia Audit Manager
Alinta Energy Financial Controller
KPMG’s global training on sustainability assurance