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 >
conflict & security stabilization >
inclusive governance >
migration & urbanization >
prosperity & growth >
impact, investing & infrastructure >
monitoring, evaluation, research & learning >
our technical leaders by category of expertise
our technical leaders by category of expertise
biodiversity & climate change >
gender equality, human
rights & social inclusion >
education >
health >
conflict & security stabilization >
inclusive governance >
migration & urbanization >
prosperity & growth >
impact, investing & infrastructure >
monitoring, evaluation, research & learning >
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BIODIVERSITY & CLIMATE ACTION
BEAUDOIN, YANNICK
Climate Change and Nature-Positive Solutions
Yannick brings decades of experience working with governments, local communities, industry, academia and other actors in more than 80 countries to his work at Alinea. As an economist and geologist, he designs innovation processes and approaches that increase human well-being while preserving and enhancing nature. He applies design thinking and economic systems transformation principles to advance Nature-positive outcomes. Previously a Director with the David Suzuki Foundation, his background also includes a decade supporting sustainable development through the United Nations Environment Programme and a decade in the mining sector with Falconbridge Ltd (now Glencore) and the Geological Survey in Canada. He also currently serves, by ministerial appointment, on the Canadian Environmental Domestic Advisory Group of the Comprehensive Canada-EU Trade Agreement.
HILL, CATHERINE
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.
JORDISON, SHANTEL
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.
WEBBE, JAIME
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.
conflict, security & stabilization
CONSOLATA KEMPER, MARISA
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.
DEGIACOMO, PAUL
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.
FOREST, DAVID
Public & Security Sector Reform
David brings more than 18 years of experience managing international development projects to his role with Alinea. He serves as Project Manager on the global Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) Project. Previously, David held positions with Cuso International, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) and the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. During his tenure at Cuso, he managed a global, multi-year, multi-million-dollar volunteer cooperation program in 17 countries. As Head of Programs for Africa, David subsequently led the development and implementation of Cuso’s programming in Benin, Cameroun, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania. He holds graduate-level qualifications in international development and is bilingual (French and English). David is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and PROSCI Change Management Practitioner.
NORTHEY, CHRISTINA
Women & Girls in Conflict-Affected & Fragile Contexts
Christina is a humanitarian specialist with more than 25 years in the sector, including 15 years of field experience in senior management roles for NGOs in Africa, Afghanistan, Turkey and Vietnam. Her specialty focus is on programs for women and girls in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, as well as the localisation of aid programs. Christina’s background includes research, design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of programs in fragile and developing contexts. She initiated and led the nationalisation of senior NGO management teams in Afghanistan and Turkey and undertook mentoring assignments with leaders from national and community-based organisations in Afghanistan, Turkey, Syria and Bougainville.
MONASTYRSKI, TOM
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.
VERMA, VEENA
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.
education
FLOYD, ELLYN
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.
INNES, SACHA
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.
LOUCHARD, SUZANE
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.
ROBERT-LEMIRE, CLAUDIE
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.
TURNER, GAYLE
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).
YULE, ALIX
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.
food & agriculture systems
BEDARD, DR. BRIAN
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.
DELFORCE, DR. JULIE
Agricultural Development & Food Security
Dr. Julie Delforce is a development professional and economist with 40 years of experience, including more than 20 years with the Australian Government. She has extensive experience providing technical leadership across Australia’s overseas aid program as DFAT’s Senior Sector Specialist, Agricultural Development and Food Security. Her expertise extends to trade, market systems development, women’s economic empowerment and labour mobility. Julie’s background includes serving as Economic Adviser to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Director of AusAID’s Pacific regional and Asia transboundary programs, and Senior Analyst with the International Economy Branch of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence. Her writing experience includes authorship of reports for Australia’s senior ministers, working papers, journal articles, policy papers and briefs.
FAWCETT, BRIAN
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.
FRANCIS, BOB
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.
INNES, SACHA
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.
RASMUSSEN, DEBRA
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.
gender equality, human rights and social inclusion
DENOMY, Jennifer
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
Jennifer has more than 15 years of experience designing and delivering programs focusing on gender equality and social inclusion in 20 countries. She specializes in youth and women’s empowerment, sustainable and inclusive market systems, and capacity building. Jennifer’s background includes developing a range of gender-mainstreaming tools, learning products, and training manuals promoting women’s empowerment, women and youth entrepreneurship, and community-based conflict resolution. Previously, she managed Greater Rural Opportunities for Women (GROW) in Northern Ghana, an agricultural value chain project that reached more than 23,000 women. Jennifer also led gender and market assessments in Kenya, Northern Pakistan, and in refugee camps in Ethiopia. She served as a board member on the Canadian Association for International Development Professionals (CAIDP) for three years.
HUMBLE, MORAG
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.
URBANO, MIA
Gender Equality & Social Development
With more than 15 years of experience in international development, Mia specialises in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and social development. Previously, she was based in Hanoi serving in senior advisory roles for DFAT, including as Gender Equality and Social Development Adviser to the embassies in Vietnam and Myanmar, as well as Australia’s first Regional Social Development Adviser to mainland South East Asia and the ASEAN Mission. Mia has extensive experience providing advice to donors and partners on women’s economic empowerment, gender equitable leadership and ending violence against women and children. A GESI specialist on more than 20 design and evaluation missions, her work spans human resource development, humanitarian assistance, education, economic growth and trade, livelihoods, labour migration, human trafficking, peace programming and infrastructure.
VERMA, VEENA
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, social inclusion, gender and racial equality. Currently, Veena is Project Director of the National Languages Equality Advancement Project in Sri Lanka. She also serves as the Women, Peace and Security Expert for the Police Stabilization Project and 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.
health
BEDARD, DR. BRIAN
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.
HUMBLE, MORAG
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.
SALEWSKI, TANYA
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.
TURLEY, RYAN
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.
humanitarian and disaster preparedness
BROWN, JASON
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.
FRANCIS, BOB
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.
LAVEY, JO-HANNAH
Humanitarian
Jo-Hannah has more than 20 years of experience in management, operational and policy roles in Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and U.S. She led drafting of Australia’s foremost humanitarian policies; advised the Australian Government’s Mission to the UN on humanitarian issues during its time on the UN Security Council; managed multi-million-dollar partnerships; and contributed to global policy development with the United Nations. She also served as an Executive at Humanitarian Advisory Group. Her operational background with UN OCHA, UN World Food Programme and NGOs includes designing, establishing and managing country-level response teams and programs delivering cash for work, conflict sensitivity, community engagement and feedback mechanisms, as well as implementing multi-donor grant funds. Jo-Hannah also worked at DFAT’s innovationXchange and is a member of the RedR Australia expert pool.
SIEMIENIUK, WIT
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.
WHITELUM, DR.BERNADETTE
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 CEO, Alinea International (Asia-Pacific) and founder of the Whitelum Group, which joined the Alinea family in 2020.
impact investing and infrastructure
SIEMIENIUK, WIT
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.
inclusive governance
JORDISON, SHANTEL
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.
LOUCHARD, SUZANE
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.
SANFORD AMMAR, TAWNIA
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.
TUPUA, LEONE
Capacity Development & Civil Society
Leone is a MEL, capacity development and program management specialist with more than 15 years of experience working with civil society, private sector, bilateral and multilateral programs in the Indo-Pacific. As a Pacific Islander, they bring first-hand experience and deep understanding of designing and delivering development programs and MEL systems across multiple countries in resource constrained settings. Leone’s experience includes advising and supporting the Australian Volunteers Program, DFAT-funded Fiji Civil Society Engagement Program and Fiji Community Development Program. As ADRA Fiji’s Programs Director, they designed and delivered projects in disaster risk management, WASH, sexual and reproductive health and rights, community development, economic empowerment and youth empowerment.
YEOMANS, CHRISTOPHER
Municipal Strengthening & Capacity Development
A leader in the international development sector for more than 25 years, Chris has experience at the helm of several long-term overseas postings. He specializes in capacity development with a background as a RBM, GBA+, Triple Nexus facilitator with the Centre for Intercultural Learning. Chris serves as Project Director on the global Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) Project. Previously, he was Project Director of CISAL for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – a six-year municipal strengthening capacity development project in the Americas. Chris is trilingual – English, French and Spanish – and leads teams from a participatory and inclusive perspective to inspire and maximize development results accountable to project beneficiaries and stakeholders alike. Additionally, he has more than 1,000 hours of adult learning facilitation experience in the development and conflict transformation field.
migration & urbanization
GARBA ABDOU, MAHAMADOU
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.
DELFORCE, DR. JULIE
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.
VERMA, VEENA
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.
WEBBE, JAIME
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.
monitoring, evaluation, research and learning
CHAKRABORTY, SHOVAN
Director, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Shovan brings more than 15 years of MEL experience to his role at Alinea International, specifically in projects contributing to sustainable development goals across 40+ countries. His background includes a range of MEL roles with global organizations, including Itad, Oxfam, Catalyste+, and Swisscontact. Shovan led the development and operationalization of practical KPIs, results tracking systems, and tools to enable informed actions and strategies in multimillion-dollar projects funded by GAC, FCDO, SIDA, EKN, Danida, SDC, and UNDP. His project experience spans multiple sectors, including climate governance, gender equality, market systems, value chains, and public sector strengthening. Shovan applies his multidisciplinary skills to enhance value for money in sustainable development initiatives, combined with an academic background in business, environmental management, public policy and design thinking.
DAVIS, PENNY
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.
HAKIM, CATHERINE
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.
TUPUA, LEONE
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Leone is a MEL, capacity development and program management specialist with more than 15 years of experience working with civil society, private sector, bilateral and multilateral programs in the Indo-Pacific. As a Pacific Islander, they bring first-hand experience and deep understanding of designing and delivering development programs and MEL systems across multiple countries in resource constrained settings. Leone’s experience includes advising and supporting the Australian Volunteers Program, DFAT-funded Fiji Civil Society Engagement Program and Fiji Community Development Program. As ADRA Fiji’s Programs Director, they designed and delivered projects in disaster risk management, WASH, sexual and reproductive health and rights, community development, economic empowerment and youth empowerment.
WHITELUM, DR. BERNADETTE
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 CEO, Alinea International (Asia-Pacific) and founder of the Whitelum Group, which joined the Alinea family in 2020.
prosperity & growth
DARCY, ROBIN
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.
DELFORCE, DR. JULIE
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.
DUFF, CHARLES
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).
GOUY, JONATHAN
Public Financial Management
An economist and public sector economic policy adviser in Australia, the Pacific and South‑East Asia, Jonathan provides economic analysis and advice to governments, international organisations, the private sector and NGOs. Jonathan was DFAT’s Pacific Lead Economist and led their Development Economics Unit for more than five years, and was DFAT’s Economic Counsellor in Timor-Leste. He was later Senior Economic Adviser at the Australian Treasury, responsible for delivering Australia’s USD400M bilateral sovereign loan to Papua New Guinea and liaised with DFAT on Pacific COVID-19 economic and fiscal crisis response packages. He has worked as an economic policy official at six Australian Commonwealth agencies (including Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Treasury and Prime Minister and Cabinet), as an economic technical adviser embedded in Pacific governments and as a consultant. Jonathan brings strong analytical capabilities for macro- and micro-focused economic analysis of product markets, labour markets, the financial sector, business regulation, public expenditure and tax settings, trade & foreign investment in low, middle income country settings. He holds postgraduate qualifications in financial economics.
INNES, GUY
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.
WHITELUM, DR. BERNADETTE
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 CEO, Alinea International (Asia-Pacific) and founder of the Whitelum Group, which joined the Alinea family in 2020.
