our people
our technical leaders by category of expertise
biodiversity & climate change >
gender equality, human
rights & social inclusion >
education >
health >
food agriculture systems >
humanitarian & disaster preparedness >
conflict & security stabilization >
inclusive governance >
migration & urbanization >
prosperity & growth >
impact, investing & infrastructure >
monitoring, evaluation, research & learning >
our technical leaders by category of expertise
biodiversity &
climate action
health
conflict, security & stabilization
prosperity & growth
gender equality, human
rights & social inclusion
food & agriculture
systems
inclusive
governance
impact investing & infrastructure
education
humanitarian &
disaster preparedness
migration &
urbanization
monitoring, evaluation,
research & learning
our technical leaders by category of expertise
biodiversity & climate change >
gender equality, human
rights & social inclusion >
education >
health >
food agriculture systems >
humanitarian & disaster preparedness >
conflict & security stabilization >
inclusive governance >
migration & urbanization >
prosperity & growth >
impact, investing & infrastructure >
monitoring, evaluation, research & learning >
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
our leadership team
Dr. Bernadette Whitelum >
Bob Francis >
Gayle Turner >
Charles Duff >
Dr. Stephen Moss >
Ruža Obad >
Scott Roantree >
Kendra Toby >
Sonja Vandermeer >
Shelley Priebe >
Joanne Menard >
Kristy Thomson >
our leadership team
Dr. Bernadette
Whitelum
Dr. Stephen
Moss
Sonja
Vandermeer
Bob
Francis
Ruža
Obad
Shelley
Priebe
Gayle
Turner
Scott
Roantree
Joanne
Menard
Charles
Duff
Kendra
Toby
Kristy
Thomson
our leadership team
Dr. Bernadette Whitelum >
Bob Francis >
Gayle Turner >
Charles Duff >
Dr. Stephen Moss >
Ruža Obad >
Scott Roantree >
Kendra Toby >
Sonja Vandermeer >
Shelley Priebe >
Joanne Menard >
Kristy Thomson >
BOB FRANCIS • • • President & CEO
Alinea International’s President and CEO, Bob founded the company – previously Agriteam Canada – in 1986. He built the company on a foundation of agriculture consulting, which diversified over more than 35 years to provide services across a wide range of sectors and countries around the world. With graduate level qualifications in agriculture and animal science, Bob specializes in food and agriculture systems. In addition to running the day-to-day operation of Alinea, he owns and operates a cattle ranch in Priddis, Alberta, Canada.
GAYLE TURNER • • • Vice President
With Alinea for more than 30 years, Gayle is Vice President of Alinea International (Canada) and leads education and governance sector programming for Alinea worldwide. In education, Gayle has recently been engaged in technical education projects in Vietnam and Ethiopia, which involve work with universities and colleges; upgrading undergraduate curricula; and strengthening the provision of technical vocational pedagogy. In governance, Gayle’s recent work involves developing and directing a project in Ukraine following the Maidan Revolution. She is the team leader for the succeeding project, which continues to support reforms of national government departments in Kiev. Gayle’s background also includes work on education sector reform in Jordan, juvenile justice reform in Ukraine, women’s empowerment in Indonesia, and basic human needs in Tibet. Gayle has worked in more than 30 countries and lived in Nigeria, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Indonesia.
CHARLES DUFF • • • Vice President & Managing Director
With more than 30 years of experience implementing international development services for private and public sector clients worldwide, Charles is Vice President of Alinea International (Canada) and Managing Director of Alinea International (UK and Australia). Previously, he led the global international development business of Palladium International Development and the European operating companies of Coffey International Development and Enterplan. An agricultural economist and rural livelihoods specialist, his background also includes managing businesses operating in the fields of geotechnical engineering, environment, commercial advisory and construction project management. Charles supports British Expertise as a member of the Advisory Board and is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Consulting and the Royal Geographic Society.
DR. BERNADETTE WHITELUM • • • Director & CEO, Alinea Whitelum
With a commitment to building thriving communities and responsive governments spanning more than 25 years, Bernadette is Director and CEO, as well as founder, of Alinea Whitelum. She works with governments, NGOs and private sector clients to support them to think and act strategically, set goals, and establish pathways for their achievement. Bernadette specializes in supporting organizations and programs to apply adaptive management principles and practices to their work and utilize evidence to inform policy and practice directions. Her background includes working within the Australian community development sector, NGOs, Australian Government aid program and United Nations Development Program. Notable roles include Counsellor for the Aceh Reconstruction Program in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; Head of the Poverty Reduction Unit for UNDP overseeing the Papua Development Program and HIV/AIDs portfolio; and Program Director for the Australian Civilian Corps Deployment Support Services.
DR. STEPHEN MOSS • • • Executive Chairman, Alinea Capital
With a background in investment banking, law and psychology, combined with a passion for human rights and social justice, Stephen is Executive Chairman of Alinea Capital. He has a unique level of expertise and experience working with professional services firms, mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets; particularly those operating in international development legal services, engineering, environment and management consulting arenas. Stephen specializes in impact Investment and multiple bottom-line investing; professional mediation; change management; and mergers & acquisitions. His background includes key roles in governance and management reviews; providing advice on mergers, acquisitions and combinations as well as capital raising, both debt and equity; and advising and mediation strategy, structure, acquisitions, capital and asset sales. Stephen holds Chairman, Partner and Director positions with multiple professional services companies. He also serves as Chair of the Amnesty International Council in Australia.
SCOTT ROANTREE • • • CEO, Alinea Capital
With a background in management consulting, international development and impact evaluation, Scott is CEO of Alinea Capital. He has extensive experience structuring and implementing large programs that deliver credible social and environmental impact; has experience in mergers and acquisitions; and, has a track record of successfully taking businesses to scale post-acquisition. Degree-qualified in economics and impact evaluation, his experience includes positions as a partner, executive and senior manager across government and the private sector.
RUŽA OBAD • • • Chief Financial Officer
Alinea International’s Chief Financial Officer, Ruža is a finance professional with progressively senior experience in accounting, complex analytics, budgeting and forecasting and treasury. A Chartered Professional Accountant, she specializes in treasury, including cash management, banking operations, syndicate management, hedging and risk mitigation. Ruža’s skill set spans financial reporting, system implementation, operating and capital budgeting and forecasting. Previously, she held senior treasury positions with UFA Co-operative Ltd. and Canexus. Her background also includes working as Associate Director of Compensation and Sales Analysis with Bell Canada.
KENDRA TOBY • • • Business Development Director
With Alinea International for more than a decade, Kendra is Alinea’s Director of Business Development. She leads the company’s business development portfolio and team in proposal preparation, project design and opportunities across all sectors. With a background in communications, Kendra previously held the position of Senior Communications Specialist with NIVA Inc. where she managed projects, researching, writing and editing for a variety of scientific communication materials. Clients spanned the private sector and government departments and agencies. Her background also includes working as Editor for Canadian Wildlife and Wild Magazines.
SONJA VANDERMEER • • • Finance Manager
With Alinea International for more than two decades, Sonja is Alinea’s Finance Manager. She has held positions as an accountant, project financial management specialist and leader of Alinea’s team of Project Financial Controllers in Canada. In addition to expertise in budgeting, reconciliation, audit and full-cycle accounting, Sonja has a Graduate Certificate in Organization Design and Development, which allows her to extend her experience to training and facilitation. As a financial capacity development specialist, she has developed and delivered the training of policy manuals, guidelines and capacity development programs on financial and administrative management in Canada and developing countries. With extensive experience applying contractual terms and conditions, auditing and reconciliation, she has in-depth understanding of contract interpretation and has managed more than 20 donor compliance audits.
SHELLEY PRIEBE • • • Executive Assistant to the President & CEO / Office Manager, Calgary
With Alinea International for more than three decades, Shelley is Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and manages the Calgary office. She has coordinated the administration of more than 15 donor-funded projects worldwide, totaling more than $100 million CAD in cash flows. Shelley develops orientation materials and administrative policies, guidelines and manuals for each project undertaken by Alinea, and develops and delivers training to Canadian and international staff, partners and consultants to ensure adherence to Government of Canada policies and procedures. As a member of the corporate Management Committee, Shelley contributes to the development and oversight of human resource policies, and develops individual training plans for administrative staff.
JOANNE MENARD • • • Office Manager, Gatineau
With Alinea International for more than two decades, Joanne is a professional administrator and manages the Gatineau office. She has more than 35 years of experience in international development working with the Government of Canada, NGOs and private sector, including as Coordinator on multiple Alinea projects. Joanne brings this experience to her knowledge in office management, project administration, policies, procedures, recruitment and contracting. She contributes to the development, training and implementation of Alinea processes, guidelines and procedures, as well as provides ongoing support and guidance to colleagues around the world.
KRISTY THOMSON • • • Communications Manager
With more than a decade of experience covering politics and engaging in the policy arena, Kristy blends her ability to build narrative with understanding of public policy to share stories about meeting the world’s changing challenges with new ideas. As a journalist, she produced news magazine programs, current affairs panel debates, daily newscasts, budget day coverage and election specials. In public affairs, Kristy developed strategies in the areas of communications, government relations and stakeholder engagement for clients across multiple industries, including health and life sciences, energy and environment, infrastructure and the non-profit sector.
CATHERINE HILL
Climate Change & Gender
For more than 25 years, Catherine has applied her gender equality experience on climate change, adaptation planning, agrobiodiversity, food security, livestock, avian influenza, and HIV and AIDS to strengthen the agriculture sector. Her background includes supporting policy, programming, research and capacity initiatives with governments, the UN, the CGIAR and civil society across all regions. As a policy researcher, she supported UN commissions on science and technology (UNCSTD) and plant genetic resources (CGRFA), as well as the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Rural Women. Catherine is a Founding Member of WOCAN: Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.
LUIS BETANCUR
Agroforestry & Biodiversity Conservation
With nearly 40 years of experience in international development, Luis specializes in agroforestry – biodiversity conservation and sustainable tropical forest management, with an emphasis on industrial development in Australia, Asia and South America. Currently, he oversees the operation and development of carbon farming forestry, agribusiness, agroforestry investments, certification, payment for environmental services and carbon forest ventures grants in Timor-Leste. Luis brings entrepreneurial expertise, developed by owning consulting companies and industrial timber developments in Australia and South America, to the revision of large and complex projects funded by multinational NGOs and international donors. In 2002, he was awarded the Brazilian Environmental prize for his contribution to protection of the Amazonian rain forest.
SIMON WILSON
Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
With more than 10 years of strategic policy and programme development experience, Simon brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work with specializations in climate change adaptation, environmental resource management, M&E framework design and institutional capacity building. Previously, Simon worked in the Pacific islands region as the founding Manager of the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) Project Coordination Unit in Samoa, where he was instrumental in supporting its capability as an accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund and managing the development of a portfolio of new resilience building, climate finance capacity and environmental conservation projects. His background also includes extensive work in the Australian Government.
JAIME WEBBE
Climate Change & Biodiversity
Jaime brings more than two decades of experience delivering innovative solutions in sustainability around the world. In senior roles with the United Nations and World Bank, among others, she has a proven track record of successfully transitioning concepts, approaches and technologies from scientific facts to international best practices. Jaime’s experience ranges from nature-based climate solutions, urban resilience and biodiversity conservation, to mobilizing climate finance and engaging Africa’s education sector in the Sustainable Development Goals. Jaime complements her technical know-how with an ability to convene strategic stakeholders to find smart solutions in meeting the world’s changing challenges, with a focus on the areas of climate change and biodiversity.
SHANTEL JORDISON
Natural Resources Management
With experience coordinating capacity building and educational programs in more than 15 countries, Shantel specializes in capacity development programming in the energy sector. Formally trained in GBA+ and e-Learning methods, she is Project Director of the Building Extractive Sector Governance in Colombia Project (Comunica). Previously, Shantel held positions as Senior Policy Analyst at the Government of Alberta and led the Extractive Resource Governance Program at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. She is currently researching governance-related determinants of foreign direct investment and how civil society interacts with public institutions. Shantel is also Academic Chair of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.
BRIAN FAWCETT
Climate Smart Planning
With more than 45 years of experience in international development, Brian brings expertise in climate smart planning to specializations in rural development, capacity development, local governance, management, and financial analysis and economic evaluation. Currently based in Ethiopia, he is Project Director for Climate Smart-PSNP: Technical Assistance to Support Global Climate Change Alliance Plus/Mainstreaming of Climate Smart Planning and Implementation Approaches into the Productive Safety Net Program IV. Previously, Brian was field director for rural and community development projects, which involved program development, implementation, capacity development, governance, and M&E. Brian has designed and managed programmes for GAC, DFAT, the European Commission, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
VEENA VERMA
Rule of Law
As a human rights lawyer, Veena’s 25 years of experience working on human rights issues span India, Guyana and Nigeria. She specializes in human rights-based approaches, labour, law reform, gender and racial equality. Currently, Veena is Project Director of the National Languages Equality Advancement Project in Sri Lanka and Deputy Director of the Promoting Reform Objectives through Technical Expertise and Capacity Transfer Program in Ukraine. Previously, Veena was a partner at a prominent union-side labour law firm and worked as a labour rights consultant for projects in China. She also served as Commission Counsel for a national public inquiry investigating the “extraordinary rendition” of a Canadian citizen to Syria post 9/11.
TOM MONASTYRSKI
Police Reform
Tom has more than two decades of experience in the international development sector. Currently based in Ukraine, he is Project Director of the Canada-Ukraine Police Development Project where he provides strategic oversight and overall coordination in advancing a sustainable professional development system for police in Ukraine. His experience in Ukraine also includes supporting public administration reform, improving municipal service delivery, advancing innovations in citizen engagement and enabling local economic development. Previously, Tom held positions with the Canadian Bureau for International Education, World Bank and Federation of Canadian Municipalities. His background also includes long-term assignments in Jordan and Albania.
PAUL DEGIACOMO
Public Sector Governance
With a background in public policy and community development, Paul has more than 30 years of experience in international development with a focus on governance. Currently, he is Project Director for the Canada-Ukraine Police Development Project. Paul’s expertise spans management, M&E and capacity development, as well as education where he has significant experience. He is also Project Director for the Opportunities for Women in Agribusiness Project in Egypt; a Project Monitor for a vocational skills project in Iraq; and M&E advisor on the Support to Education in the Mining Sector Project in Ethiopia. Previously, Paul managed education sector reform projects in Egypt and Jordan.
MARISA CONSOLATA KEMPER
Peace & Security
With graduate level qualifications in public administration and international human rights law, Marisa has more than 30 years of experience supporting private sector development and democratic governance internationally. She is Project Director for programs in Ukraine supporting expert deployment to governance and security sector reform. Previously, Marisa held positions with the United Nations, including Joint Programme Manager for the UN’s flagship Rule of Law program and with the UN regional political office in the Gaza Strip working with international donors throughout Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Marisa’s background also includes brokering international business ventures in support of Middle East peace following the Oslo Accords.
FELICITY PASCOE
Local Governance & Civil Society Strengthening
With an emphasis on women’s empowerment in her work, Felicity has nearly two decades of experience in local governance and civil society strengthening. Currently based in Jakarta, her recent areas of focus include strengthening systems for adaptive management; developing and reviewing strategies to take pilots to scale; and refining how monitoring and performance systems can support replication and sustainability within complex and fluid environments. Her background includes working on policy reform and program implementation with local communities and governments, and at the national level with central ministries. Previously, Felicity worked on multiple DFAT-funded programs, as well as for the World Bank, UNDP, Australian National University, Australian Council for International Development and NGOs.
CHARLES DUFF
Conflict & Stabilization
For more than 30 years, Charles has implemented international development services for private and public sector clients worldwide, including GAC, FCDO, DFID, USAID, DFAT and the European Commission. He has significant experience in conflict-affected areas and fragile states, and directs Alinea’s support to the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund. Responsible for ongoing programmes in counter-terrorism and cyber security, Charles is also Project Director for the UK Good Governance Fund. Previously, he managed delivery of a joint initiative between the Prime Ministers of UK and Iraq, leading stabilization support across four governorates of Southern Iraq. Charles is Vice President of Alinea International (Canada) and Managing Director of Alinea International (UK and Australia).
SUZANE LOUCHARD
Basic, Early & Childhood Education
With a background in public administration, organizational development and management coaching, Suzane has extensive experience managing projects in West Africa. She leads Alinea’s program development for the region and is Project Director for Projet d’appui aux réformes institutionnelles et techniques pour l’équité and Défi éducation des filles au Mali. Suzane started her career in West Africa as capacity building and OD advisor, and later joined the Canadian public service where she worked for more than a decade managing policy development and executive services. Her background also includes senior positions with Doctors of the World, SUCO and Concern Worldwide in Haiti, and WUSC in Canada.
ELLYN FLOYD
Technical Vocational Education
Working in international development for more than 25 years, Ellyn has extensive technical experience in education, training and gender equality. She applies her expertise to project work on improving educational outcomes for children and youth, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, Ellyn is Project Director for the Empowering Women in Non-Traditional Trades for the Northern Economy Project in Ghana. Combined with a broad range of project management and technical skills, Ellyn has graduate level qualifications in international development and gender and education studies. She gained field experience living and working in West Africa, East Africa, Indonesia and Jordan.
SACHA INNES
Inclusive Education
An inclusive education educator by background, Sacha has more than two decades of experience delivering international development services to public sector clients, primarily in Asia and Africa. Currently, she is Project Director of an institutional strengthening project in Ethiopia, and provides technical assistance to other education initiatives. With significant experience leading complex projects and implementation strategies, Sacha develops and delivers a variety of capacity development programs on inclusive education, leadership, coaching, student-centred education and school supervision. Her background includes designing and managing multiple projects for GAC and smaller consultancies for the World Bank, as well as working in the Philippines, South Africa, Mongolia, China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
GAYLE TURNER
Education Reform
For more than 30 years, Gayle has led education sector programming for Alinea worldwide. Recently, she has been engaged in technical education projects in Vietnam and Ethiopia, which involve work with universities and colleges; upgrading undergraduate curricula; and strengthening the provision of technical vocational pedagogy. With significant experience in governance as well, Gayle developed and directed a governance reform project in Ukraine following the Maidan Revolution and is the team leader for the succeeding project. Her background also includes work on education sector reform in Jordan, women’s empowerment in Indonesia, basic human needs in Tibet and juvenile justice reform in Ukraine. With experience working in more than 30 countries, Gayle is Vice-President of Alinea International (Canada).
CLAUDIE ROBERT-LEMIRE
Refugee Education Strengthening
For nearly a decade, Claudie has supported international development program planning and management, including for more than four Global Affairs Canada-funded projects worldwide as well as DFID and FCDO projects. Currently, she is Project Director for the Enhancing Education for Tibetan Youth Project, which works to improve education quality for Tibetan students in India. With graduate-level qualifications in humanitarian aid, Claudie has extensive experience administrating large multi-year projects across multiple sectors, including education, governance, institutional capacity building and cyber security. Her experience spans initiatives in India, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Haiti and the UK.
ALIX YULE
Teaching Training & Curriculum Development
With more than 30 years of project management experience, Alix specializes in the education and local governance sectors in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Caribbean. Currently, she is Project Director for the Technical Assistance to the Teacher Education Support Project in Tanzania. Alix has led project design teams; conducted participatory monitoring and evaluation assignments; and facilitated interactive training and capacity building sessions. Recognized for her interpersonal and problem-solving skills, Alix’s background also includes coaching and mentoring to teams facing project management challenges.
DEBRA RASUMSSEN
Food Security
An agricultural economist with extensive experience in food security and safety, Debra has managed more than 40 projects worldwide. She has experience in results based management, logical framework analyses, performance measurement frameworks, performance indicators, baseline surveys and monitoring. Debra employs a wide range of participatory and appreciative methodologies in fieldwork, project design, planning, implementation and monitoring. She engages the private sector and consortiums of foreign and domestic industry partners in projects, and facilitates effective partnerships between public and private organizations for responsive agriculture research and training. Debra also has extensive experience in One Health, rural development and the extractive sector, as well as supporting expertise in capacity building, gender equality and ethnic minorities.
BRIAN FAWCETT
Rural Development & Livelihoods
With more than 45 years of experience in international development, Brian specializes in rural development and livelihoods. Currently based in Ethiopia, he is Project Director for capacity development TA supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s food security program. Previously, Brian was field director for rural and community development projects, which involved program development, implementation, capacity development, governance and M&E. Brian’s background also includes agricultural economics, business administration and senior level program management. He has extensive experience in capacity development, local governance, management, and financial analysis and economic evaluation. He has designed and managed programmes for GAC, DFAT, the European Commission, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
BOB FRANCIS
Food & Agriculture Systems
Alinea International’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Bob founded the company – previously Agriteam Canada – in 1986. He built the company on a foundation of agriculture consulting, which diversified over more than 35 years to provide services across a wide range of sectors and countries around the world. With graduate level qualifications in agriculture and animal science, Bob brings a specialization in food and agriculture systems to the design and delivery of international development projects for a wide range of clients. In addition to running the day-to-day operation of Alinea, Bob owns and operates a cattle ranch in Priddis, Alberta, Canada.
RICK SUNSTRUM
Climate Smart Agriculture
Working in international development for more than 30 years, Rick has extensive experience in the agriculture sector, primarily in Africa. Most recently, he led the Small Scale and Micro Irrigation Support Project in Ethiopia with a focus on improving food security through gender-responsive irrigated agriculture. His background includes field-based leadership of the GAC-funded Community-driven Initiatives for Food Security Project in Ghana and Safety Net Support Facility in Ethiopia. Previously, Rick held senior positions with Plan International in Sudan and Sri Lanka; WUSC in Malawi; a NGO in Southern Africa; and Save the Children U.K. in Sudan. He also led a multi-donor-funded food security program in Darfur and Bahr el Ghazal states.
DR. BRIAN BEDARD
Animal Health, Food Safety & Agri-Food Value Chains
A veterinary epidemiologist and food safety specialist, Brian has technical and management experience in China, SE Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean region. Currently, he is Project Director of the Safe Food for Growth Project in Vietnam. His background includes projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food safety, SPS compliance, livestock health and production, research, outreach, education, community-driven development, training and agri-food value chains through public-private partnerships. At the World Bank, he managed the Global Food Safety Partnership, Global Program for Human and Avian Influenza, as well as One Health Initiatives.
SACHA INNES
Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture
Delivering international development services to public sector clients for more than two decades, primarily in Asia and Africa, Sacha has extensive experience in the agriculture sector. With a focus on institutional strengthening and nutrition sensitive agriculture capacity, she is Project Director of the Capacity Development Support Facility Project working with the Government of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Growth Program. Sacha’s background includes designing and managing multiple projects for GAC and smaller consultancies for the World Bank. An inclusive education educator by background, she has worked in the Philippines, South Africa, Mongolia, China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
MORAG HUMBLE
Gender Equality
For more than 25 years, Morag has designed, implemented and managed projects focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment. She has extensive experience in gender mainstreaming and gender transformative approaches; capacity development and the creation of training programs; policy development and advocacy; program and project evaluation; and supporting donor coordination mechanisms. Morag has delivered training in gender-based analysis and results-based management to government and civil society partners in both donor and developing countries. Her background also includes work in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights; maternal, neonatal and child health; HIV/AIDS; and health systems strengthening.
VEENA VERMA
Human & Labour Rights
As a human rights lawyer, Veena’s 25 years of experience working on human rights issues span India, Guyana and Nigeria. She specializes in human rights-based approaches, labour, law reform, gender and racial equality. Currently, Veena is Project Director of the National Languages Equality Advancement Project in Sri Lanka and Deputy Director of the Promoting Reform Objectives through Technical Expertise and Capacity Transfer Program in Ukraine. Previously, Veena was a partner at a prominent union-side labour law firm and worked as a labour rights consultant for projects in China. She also served as Commission Counsel for a national public inquiry investigating the “extraordinary rendition” of a Canadian citizen to Syria post 9/11.
LISA FAYE
Social Inclusion
Working in international development for more than a decade, Lisa has extensive experience in women’s rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and increasing citizen voice at all levels. Currently, she is the Strategic Planning and Social Inclusion Lead for the Support to Ukraine’s Reforms for Governance Program, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Lisa’s background includes living and working in Bangladesh, Botswana, Ghana, Myanmar, Tanzania and Ukraine, as well as leading programming focused on Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Zimbabwe. Working towards social justice and a more equitable world are the driving forces in both Lisa’s personal and professional endeavours.
DON BROWNELL
Language Rights
With 45 years of experience in international development, Don has managed governance and civil society projects and designed and evaluated poverty reduction and institutional strengthening programs in several Asian countries, including China, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. He has extensive program experience in Sri Lanka where he is currently based as Field Manager of the National Languages Equality Advancement Project. Don’s background includes working as Director for Canada’s Tsunami Results Monitoring Project; Local Government Policy Advisor to the USAID-funded Transparent and Accountable Local Governance Project; Senior Advisor to the GAC-funded Sri Lanka Canada Development Fund; and Field Coordinator for Canada World Youth.
CLARE HANLEY
Disability Inclusive Development
With more than a decade of experience in international and community development, Clare specializes in strengthening disability and social inclusion within international development programs. Passionate about ensuring people with disabilities do not miss out on the benefits of development, she has provided advice to a range of Australian Aid partners, including DFAT, NGOs, managing contractors and partner governments on how to achieve disability inclusive development by giving practical, realistic guidance to make inclusion a reality. With extensive experience in M&E as well, Clare develops feasible M&E systems to support continuous learning and adaptive management. Her background includes work in Timor-Leste and the Pacific.
IRIS LOW
Child Rights & Protection
Based in Fiji and with extensive experience in the area of child rights, Iris supports programming and organizational development for civil society organizations, donor agencies and international and regional organizations. Previously, she held multiple senior positions with Save the Children Fiji, including as CEO where she sailed the organization through the aftermath of the largest cyclone to hit the Southern Hemisphere. Her background also includes positions as Program Manager Community Development and Child Protection Focal Point with DFAT and Project Officer with the Fiji Council of Social Services where she developed parent care and youth programs. In 2019, Iris launched a partnership called CoLAB Consulting in Fiji.
TANYA SALEWSKI
Maternal, Newborn & Child Health
For more than 25 years, Tanya has designed and managed global health programming in collaboration with Canadian partners, local institutions, country governments and UN agencies in Africa, Asia and Central America. Recently, she was Field Manager for a Canadian-funded MNCH project in Mwanza, Tanzania with the University of Calgary. Previously, Tanya was the Health Team Lead with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, leading a substantial portfolio of projects in Asia and East Africa. Her background also includes work with the Canadian Nurses Association and Canadian Public Health Association on local partner capacity development, health policy advocacy, organizational leadership, gender equality and reproductive health programming.
DR. BRIAN BEDARD
One Health & Zoonotic Diseases
An experienced One Health practitioner, Brian is a veterinary epidemiologist and food safety specialist who has held positions with the World Bank’s Global Program for Human and Avian Influenza, swine flu response and post-SARS One Health response. Currently, he is Project Director of the Safe Food for Growth Project in Vietnam. His background includes projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food safety, SPS compliance, livestock health and production, research, outreach, education, community-driven development, training and agri-food value chains through public-private partnerships. Brian has technical and management experience in China, SE Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean region.
DR. STEPHEN MOSS
Healthcare Infrastructure & Service Delivery
With a background in investment banking, law and psychology, Stephen has a unique level of expertise and experience across multiple sectors, including healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. Stephen has originated, structured and facilitated the raising of private and public sector capital for a number of large healthcare projects in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Executive Chairman of Alinea Capital, Stephen also specializes in impact Investment and multiple bottom-line investing; professional mediation; change management; and mergers & acquisitions. He is also currently serving as Chair of the Amnesty International Council in Australia.
PHOEBE HARDEFELT
Service Delivery in Complex Settings
Working in international development for more than a decade, Phoebe has extensive experience in diverse development contexts, including middle-income countries, fragile and conflict-affected contexts, and small island developing states. She has worked with government, the United Nations, NGOs and social enterprise tackling complex development challenges and driving effective policy and programming. Previously, Phoebe worked for DFAT focusing on the Australian aid program where she developed M&E policy and frameworks, undertook evaluations and was the quality advisor for DFAT’s country programs in Pakistan and Afghanistan. She was also a climate finance negotiator on Australia’s delegation to the climate negotiations, and managed Australia’s extractives development assistance portfolio.
MORAG HUMBLE
Health Systems Strengthening, Quality & Access
For more than 25 years, Morag has designed, implemented and managed projects focusing on health systems strengthening; maternal, neonatal and child health; sexual and reproductive health and rights; and HIV/AIDS. She has extensive experience with capacity development and creation of training programs; policy development and advocacy; gender mainstreaming and gender transformative approaches; program and project evaluation; and supporting donor coordination mechanisms. Morag has delivered training in results-based management and gender-based analysis to government and civil society partners in both donor and developing countries. Her background also includes significant work in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
RYAN TURLEY
Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights
With more than a decade of experience in international development, Ryan has worked with local and regional NGOs in multiple areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, capacity development, poverty reduction, sustainable growth and climate change adaptation. Currently, he is Project Manager on institutional strengthening projects in Mali and Burkina Faso. Previously, Ryan lived and worked in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. He also contributes to proposal development, with an emphasis on proposals for francophone regions.
DR. BERNADETTE WHITELUM
Localization
Bernadette’s commitment to building thriving communities and responsive governments spans more than 25 years. She works with governments, NGOs and private sector clients to support them to think and act strategically, set goals and establish pathways for their achievement. Bernadette’s background includes working within the Australian community development sector, NGOs, Australian Government aid program and United Nations Development Program. Notable roles include Counsellor for the Aceh Reconstruction Program in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; Head of the Poverty Reduction Unit for UNDP overseeing the Papua Development Program and HIV/AIDs portfolio; and Program Director for the Australian Civilian Corps Deployment Support Services. Bernadette is Director and CEO, as well as founder, of Alinea Whitelum.
JASON BROWN
Humanitarian & Coordination Logistics
With more than two decades of experience in international development, Jason specializes in disaster risk management, disaster risk reduction, disaster response, risk governance, community development and participatory monitoring and evaluation. Currently, he is Partnership Director of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) through the Alinea Whitelum-managed AHP Support Unit. He works with DFAT and Australian NGOs to support Australia’s civil society response to natural disasters and protracted crises and conflict. Jason has implemented and managed an array of disaster management and development programs across the archipelago, including as Training & Outreach Manager of the Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction. His background includes working with the Australian Government, INGOs and for managing contractors on bilateral development programs.
WIT SIEMIENIUK
Humanitarian & Disaster Preparedness
With a background in environmental assessment, sustainability, social safeguards and climate change, Wit has more than 35 years of experience in international project delivery, 30 of which were with a large multinational engineering company. Currently, Wit is Project Director for the UK Disaster Recovery Rapid Response Plan for Overseas Territories Project, which provides technical expertise to six overseas territories post-hurricane in the Caribbean. Recently, he has been engaged in a Mongolia extractive sector project; Ethiopia agriculture project; Ukraine economic development and reform; and World Bank-financed Kabul solid waste management plan. Other ongoing initiatives include preparing environmental management plans and serving as the environment specialist for GAC-funded projects in Ghana, Egypt and Ukraine.
LEONE TUPUA
Localization & Community-based Disaster Risk Management
With an in-depth understanding of Pacific Island cultures, people and institutions, Leone has more than 12 years of experience designing and delivering projects in community development planning and disaster risk management. Based in Fiji, he is a Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation expert with a background as MEL Coordinator for Pacific and PNG in the Australian Volunteers Program; Manager of the Fiji Civil Society Engagement Program for DFAT; M&E Officer for Australia’s Fiji Community Development Program; and Programs Director for ADRA Fiji. Leone also has significant experience in health, including WASH and sexual and reproductive health and rights; economic empowerment, including women’s micro-enterprise development; and youth empowerment.
SIMON WILSON
Community-based Disaster Risk Management
Simon has more than a decade of strategic policy and programme development experience. In the Pacific islands region, he was the founding Manager of the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) Project Coordination Unit in Samoa, where he was instrumental in supporting its capability as an accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund and managing the development of a portfolio of new resilience building, climate finance capacity, and environmental conservation projects. Simon specializes in climate change adaptation, environmental resource management, M&E framework design and institutional capacity building. His background also includes extensive work with the Australian Government.
BOB FRANCIS
Disaster Management
Alinea International’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Bob founded the company – previously Agriteam Canada – in 1986. He built the company on a foundation of agriculture consulting, which diversified over more than 35 years to provide services across a wide range of sectors, including climate change, humanitarian resilience and response. Most recently, Bob has been engaged in the UK Disaster Recovery Rapid Response Plan for Overseas Territories Project, which supports Caribbean communities recovering from natural disasters. With graduate level qualifications in agriculture and animal science, Bob also specializes in food and agriculture systems. In addition to running the day-to-day operation of Alinea, Bob owns and operates a cattle ranch in Priddis, Alberta, Canada.
FELICITY PASCOE
Social Impact Assessment
With an emphasis on women’s empowerment in her work, Felicity has nearly two decades of experience in the fields of social inclusion, community development, civil society strengthening and governance. Currently based in Jakarta, her recent areas of focus include strengthening systems for adaptive management; developing and reviewing strategies to take pilots to scale; and refining how monitoring and performance systems can support replication and sustainability within complex and fluid environments. Previously, Felicity worked on multiple DFAT-funded programs, as well as for the World Bank, UNDP, Australian National University, Australian Council for International Development and NGOs.
SCOTT ROANTREE
Blended Finance, Capital Structuring & Raising
With a background in management consulting, international development and impact evaluation, Scott has a history of structuring and implementing large programs that deliver credible social and environmental impact. He has first-hand experience in mergers and acquisitions and a track record of taking businesses to scale post-acquisition. Degree qualified in economics and impact evaluation, Scott’s experience includes positions as a partner, executive and senior manager across government and the private sector. Scott is CEO of Alinea Capital.
DR. STEPHEN MOSS
Impact Investing & Deal Origination
With a background in investment banking, law and psychology, Stephen has a unique level of expertise and experience working with professional services firms, mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets; particularly those operating in international development, legal services, engineering, environmental and management consulting arenas. He specializes in impact Investment and multiple bottom-line investing; professional mediation; change management; and mergers & acquisitions. Stephen’s background includes key roles in governance and management reviews; providing advice on mergers, acquisitions and combinations as well as capital raising, both debt and equity; and advising and mediating on strategy, structure, acquisitions, capital and asset sales. Stephen is Executive Chairman of Alinea Capital and Chair of the Amnesty International Council in Australia.
WOUT VAN DOUR
Infrastructure & Bankable Feasibility Studies
With more than 15 years of experience working across the infrastructure sector, Wout specializes in complex project finance solutions in the infrastructure and renewable energy realm. He has held a variety of positions across the sector, including as sponsor, developer and financial consultant. Head of European Affairs for Alinea Capital, Wout oversees transactions, asset development and client relationships in the European region. His background also includes several financial management and corporate advisory roles with EY Transaction Advisory Services, BAM international and Dutch Contractor Strukton. Wout has experience on projects across Europe, Africa and South East Asia.
WIT SIEMIENIUK
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
With more than 30 years of experience as a bio urban specialist on projects across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, Wit works with Alinea Capital as a Senior Environmental and Social Impact Specialist. His focus areas include environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, stakeholder engagement, poverty alleviation, public education, public health and good governance to enhance competitiveness and municipal project bankability. With graduate-level qualifications in natural resource management, Wit’s background includes working as a consultant to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Program, Japanese Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund and Global Affairs Canada.
LUTFUL BAKI
Accounting & Financial Management
With nearly two decades of experience in the finance function of major projects in developing countries, Lutful is Country Manager for Bangladesh for Alinea Capital. His background includes positions as finance director and CFO in major international development assistance organizations. With graduate-level qualifications in accounting, Lutful is a Fellow Chartered Accountant in Bangladesh and a CPA in Australia. Lutful is CFO of Alinea Capital.
TAWNIA SANFORD AMMAR
Public Sector Reform & Systemic Change
Tawnia’s experience leading public sector and legal reform projects spans more than two decades. Currently, she manages the Support to Ukraine’s Reforms for Governance Program (SURGe), which succeeds the Expert Deployment for Economic Growth Project (EDGE) – funded by GAC supporting the Government of Ukraine to manage their priority reforms. In early 2010, Tawnia launched Alinea’s work in Ukraine with the GAC-funded Juvenile Justice Project, which supported Ukraine in establishing a system of probation for youth. Previously, Tawnia headed the Governance Unit at Universities Canada, responsible for governance technical assistance projects and was posted in Latvia and India on rule of law projects.
SHANTEL JORDISON
Public Policy & Regulatory Frameworks
With experience coordinating capacity building and educational programs in more than 15 countries, Shantel specializes in capacity development programming in the energy sector. With graduate-level qualifications in public policy and formally trained in GBA+ and e-Learning methods, she is Project Director of the Building Extractive Sector Governance in Colombia Project (Comunica). Previously, Shantel held positions as Senior Policy Analyst at the Government of Alberta and led the Extractive Resource Governance Program at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. She is currently researching governance-related determinants of foreign direct investment and how civil society interacts with public institutions. Shantel is also Academic Chair of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.
GAYLE TURNER
Governance Capacity Building
For more than 30 years, Gayle has led governance sector programming for Alinea worldwide. Recently, she has been focused on governance reform work in Ukraine, including developing and directing a project in Ukraine directly following the Maidan Revolution. Gayle is the team leader for the succeeding project, which continues to support reforms of national government departments in Kiev. She also worked on a juvenile justice reform project in Ukraine. With significant experience in education as well, Gayle has been engaged in technical education projects in Vietnam and Ethiopia; education sector reform in Jordan; women’s empowerment in Indonesia; and basic human needs in Tibet. With experience in more than 30 countries, Gayle is Vice-President of Alinea International (Canada).
DR. BERNADETTE WHITELUM
Policy Analysis, Policy Design & Systemic Change
Bernadette’s commitment to building thriving communities and responsive governments spans more than 25 years. She specializes in supporting organizations and programs to apply adaptive management principles and practices to their work and utilize evidence to inform policy and practice directions. Bernadette’s background includes working within the Australian community development sector, NGOs, Australian Government aid program and United Nations Development Program. Notable roles include Counsellor for the Aceh Reconstruction Program in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; Head of the Poverty Reduction Unit for UNDP overseeing the Papua Development Program and HIV/AIDs portfolio; and Program Director for the Australian Civilian Corps Deployment Support Services. Bernadette is Director and CEO, as well as founder, of Alinea Whitelum.
LEAINE ROBINSON
Civil Society Engagement
Based in Fiji and with more than 15 years of experience in international development, Leaine specializes in the civil society sector. Her background includes program manager roles in civil society engagement and inclusive growth with DFAT, including Senior Program Manager with oversight of DFAT’s bilateral program portfolio focused on gender equality and social inclusion. This role involved managing key programs including DFAT’s Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Fiji country program, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Fund. Leaine’s career started in Fiji working with Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific managing governance, gender and sexual reproductive health programs across multiple Pacific Island countries. In 2019, Leaine launched a partnership called CoLAB Consulting in Fiji.
SUZANE LOUCHARD
Decentralization & Public Sector Reform
With a background in public administration, organizational development and management coaching, Suzane has extensive experience managing projects in West Africa. She leads Alinea’s program development for the region and is Project Director for Projet d’appui aux réformes institutionnelles et techniques pour l’équité and Défi éducation des filles au Mali. Suzane started her career in West Africa as capacity building and OD advisor, and later joined the Canadian public service where she worked for more than a decade managing policy development and executive services. Her background also includes senior positions with Doctors of the World, SUCO and Concern Worldwide in Haiti, and WUSC in Canada.
DR. JULIE DELFORCE
Labour Mobility
An agriculture economist by background, Julie has more than two decades of experience working with the Australian Government development cooperation program. She has extensive experience in the fields of trade, market systems development, women’s economic empowerment and transboundary risks such as emerging infectious diseases. Previously, Julie was Senior Sector Specialist, Agricultural Development and Food Security, with DFAT. Her background includes significant experience in South East Asia and the Pacific working as Economic Adviser to the South Pacific Forum; Director of AusAID’s Pacific regional economics, growth and governance portfolio; and Senior Analyst with the International Economy Branch of Australia’s Office of National Assessments.
MAHAMADOU ABDOU
Internally Displaced People
With more than a decade of experience in international development, Mahamadou specializes in project management, M&E, environment and sustainable development. Currently, he plans, implements and ensures the daily management of girls’ education projects in Burkina Faso and Mali, which focus on the education needs of internally displaced people. Responsible for M&E for these projects, Mahamadou develops M&E strategies and action plans. Mahamadou also identifies and develops new projects in refugee education, women’s empowerment and institutional capacity building. His background includes working in several countries across West and Central Africa.
SCOTT ROANTREE
Public Infrastructure
With a background in management consulting, international development and impact evaluation, Scott has a history of structuring and implementing large programs that deliver credible social and environmental impact. Scott’s infrastructure experience includes holding the position of senior manager in an ASX listed top 200 engineering company; leading Australia’s largest government-funded infrastructure program to build schools in Indonesia; and structuring, de-risking and advising on the capital raise for large hospital developments in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Degree qualified in economics and impact evaluation, Scott’s experience includes positions as a partner, executive and senior manager across government and the private sector. Scott is CEO of Alinea Capital.
VEENA VERMA
Refugee Rights
As a human rights lawyer, Veena has more than 25 years of experience in areas related to refugees, migrant workers, labour, law reform, gender and racial equality, and human rights-based approaches. Previously, she worked as an administrative judge for the Refugee Appeal Division at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Currently, Veena is Project Director of the National Languages Equality Advancement Project in Sri Lanka and Deputy Director of the Promoting Reform Objectives through Technical Expertise and Capacity Transfer Program in Ukraine. She also served as Commission Counsel for a national public inquiry investigating the “extraordinary rendition” of a Canadian citizen to Syria post 9/11.
JAIME WEBBE
Resilient Cities & Urban Biodiversity
Jaime brings more than two decades of experience delivering innovative solutions in sustainability around the world. In senior roles with the United Nations and World Bank, among others, Jaime has a proven track record of successfully transitioning concepts, approaches and technologies from scientific facts to international best practices. Jaime’s experience ranges from urban resilience and biodiversity conservation to nature-based climate solutions, mobilizing climate finance and engaging Africa’s education sector in the Sustainable Development Goals. Jaime complements her technical know-how with an ability to convene strategic stakeholders to find smart solutions in meeting the world’s changing challenges.
WOUT VAN DOUR
Infrastructure Finance
With more than 15 years of experience working across the infrastructure sector, Wout specializes in complex project finance solutions in the infrastructure and renewable energy realm. He has held a variety of positions across the sector, including as sponsor, developer and financial consultant. Head of European Affairs for Alinea Capital, Wout oversees transactions, asset development and client relationships in the European region. His background also includes several financial management and corporate advisory roles with EY Transaction Advisory Services, BAM international and Dutch Contractor Strukton. Wout has experience on projects across Europe, Africa and South East Asia.
PENNY DAVIS
Impact Evaluation, Qualitative & Quantitative Methodologies
Specializing in M&E methodology and practice, Penny has more than 15 years of experience across South East Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. With graduate-level qualifications in evaluation, she is proficient across a wide range of research methodologies, including RCTs, case studies, comparative analysis, action research, cost-benefit analysis, significant change, and more, often drawing upon mixed method approaches to design and lead evaluations for donors, impact investors and private foundations. Previously, Penny worked as Associate Director for a global advisory, data analytics and research organization and in the Office of Development Effectiveness with the Australian Government.
GUY INNES
Monitoring & Evaluation System Development, Results Based Management
A development economist, monitor and evaluator, Guy has more than 25 years of experience overseeing and supporting successful, complex, multi-million dollar projects across six continents. He specializes in designing, developing and implementing utility- and equity-focused, mixed methods summative and formative evaluations, and building robust and practical internal MEL systems. With multi-sectoral experience, Guy has recently been engaged in monitoring the UK Good Governance Fund; GAC’s Comunica Project: and GAC’s Capacity Development Support Facility. He is a long-standing member of the Canadian Evaluation Society and the Outcome Mapping Learning Community.
LUKE PASSFIELD
Social Research
With more than two decades of experience in social research, policy analysis and design, and program review and evaluation, Luke applies his expertise across the international development sector, including in health, human services, education, disaster management, Indigenous community development, law and justice, and environmental protection. He leads numerous evaluations and research pieces across Australia and the region, including for the Australian Government development cooperation program. Previously, Luke was senior principal with Coffey Tetra Tech’s Asia Pacific Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Practice. His background includes advising DFAT, Australian Federal Police, Department of Home Affairs and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the design and delivery of development programs.
DR. BERNADETTE WHITELUM
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning
Bernadette’s commitment to building thriving communities and responsive governments spans more than 25 years. She specializes in supporting organizations and programs to apply adaptive management principles and practices to their work and utilize evidence to inform policy and practice directions. Bernadette’s background includes working within the Australian community development sector, NGOs, Australian Government aid program and United Nations Development Program. Notable roles include Counsellor for the Aceh Reconstruction Program in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; Head of the Poverty Reduction Unit for UNDP overseeing the Papua Development Program and HIV/AIDs portfolio; and Program Director for the Australian Civilian Corps Deployment Support Services. Bernadette is Director and CEO, as well as founder, of Alinea Whitelum.
CATHERINE HAKIM
Health Systems Monitoring & Evaluation
Originally trained as a nurse, Catherine has more than 30 years of experience managing global health programs. Currently, she is serving as Senior Health Sector Monitor for the Nigeria Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights projects, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Previously, Catherine carried out country health sector scoping; and designed and provided technical and advisory services for human resources for health and sexual, reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health programming in Tanzania. Her background includes assignments in Canada, Nigeria, Tanzania, Pakistan, Brazil, El Salvador, Colombia, Jamaica, Sudan and South Sudan, providing services across the project cycle.
GEORGIA NAUGHTON-WATT
Qualitative Methodologies
With nearly a decade supporting and leading the delivery of international development programs, Georgia works with qualitative data to support programs and produce and report on meaningful outcomes. With graduate-level qualifications in development and technical focus on equity in education and women’s and girls’ empowerment, her background includes working with international NGOs, grassroots and community-based organizations, as well as private sector organizations in the Pacific, East Africa, and Australia. Georgia’s skillset also spans designing educational programs and content that create impact and and facilitating workshops with diverse audiences.
SUZIE LEBLANC
Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship
With more than 25 years in the field, Suzie has extensive experience leading projects in education, emerging economies, agribusiness, and natural resources management and conservation. Most recently, she has been engaged in the Strengthening Education for Mining in Ethiopia Project to improve the qualifications of Ethiopia’s workforce, with a focus on women. Her background includes work in the field of emerging economies where she managed USAID agribusiness, investment and trade projects in North Africa and the Caribbean, and evolved across fragile, low resource and post-conflict geographies. Suzie started her career in the ocean sector of Africa and Indian Ocean with CIDA and UNDP.
ROBIN DARCY
Innovative Finance & Inclusive Growth
An agricultural economist and rural development specialist, Robin has more than 20 years of experience designing, managing and monitoring international development projects. He has extensive experience working in conflict and post-conflict environments and has implemented agricultural and rural development projects across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Currently, Robin is the external monitor for three GAC programs covering cooperatives in Vietnam, women’s economic empowerment in Jordan and health innovation globally. He works closely with the business development team in project design and proposal preparation across a range of sectors, including agriculture and livelihoods, social protection, governance and climate change.
GUY INNES
Small Medium Enterprise Development
A development economist, monitor and evaluator, Guy has more than 25 years of experience overseeing and supporting successful, complex, multi-million dollar projects across six continents. He has a clear understanding of SME capacities and challenges as they relate to trade and international business partnerships, trade and trade policy, and trade facilitation. Drawing on his background, knowledge and experience related to SME development/assessments and economic trade theory, Guy led the 2014 PalTrade B2B Mission, which netted several highly successful business linkages between Palestine and Canada that continue today. He is a long-standing member of the Canadian Evaluation Society and the Outcome Mapping Learning Community.
DR. BERNADETTE WHITELUM
Inclusive Trade & Trade-Related Development
Bernadette’s commitment to building thriving communities and responsive governments spans more than 25 years. She works with governments, NGOs and private sector clients to support them to think and act strategically, set goals and establish pathways for their achievement. Bernadette’s background includes working within the Australian community development sector, Australian Government aid program and United Nations Development Program. Notable roles include Counsellor for the Aceh Reconstruction Program in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; Head of the Poverty Reduction Unit for UNDP overseeing the Papua Development Program and HIV/AIDs portfolio; and Program Director for the Australian Civilian Corps Deployment Support Services. Bernadette is Director and CEO, as well as founder, of Alinea Whitelum.
DR. JULIE DELFORCE
Women’s Economic Empowerment, Market Systems Development & Trade Policy
An agriculture economist by background, Julie has more than two decades of experience working with the Australian Government development cooperation program. She specializes in the fields of women’s economic empowerment, market systems development and trade policy, as well as transboundary risks such as emerging infectious diseases. Previously, Julie was Senior Sector Specialist, Agricultural Development and Food Security, with DFAT. Her background includes significant experience in South East Asia and the Pacific working as Economic Adviser to the South Pacific Forum; Director of AusAID’s Pacific regional economics, growth and governance portfolio; and Senior Analyst with the International Economy Branch of Australia’s Office of National Assessments.
CHARLES DUFF
Regional Economic Development
An agricultural economist and rural livelihoods specialist by background, Charles has more than 30 years of experience implementing international development services for private and public sector clients worldwide, including GAC, FCDO, DFID, USAID, DFAT and the European Commission. Responsible for ongoing programmes in counter-terrorism and cyber security, he directs Alinea’s support to the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund and is also Project Director for the UK Good Governance Fund. Previously, Charles managed delivery of a joint initiative between the Prime Ministers of UK and Iraq, leading stabilization support across four governorates of Southern Iraq. Charles is Vice President of Alinea International (Canada) and Managing Director of Alinea International (UK and Australia).
