International Agricultural Research Advisor
Current● Independently developed Google Gmail add-on to directly save emails and attachments to user selected Google Drive folders. ● Led team on procurement best practices and new approval procedures for research programs as part of Agency reorganization. Guidance will be integrated into Operating Procedures manual for the newly matrixed Bureau.● Assumed management of a program not meeting its goals and USAID deliverables. I advised the new director to clarify the workplan, set specific… Show more ● Independently developed Google Gmail add-on to directly save emails and attachments to user selected Google Drive folders. ● Led team on procurement best practices and new approval procedures for research programs as part of Agency reorganization. Guidance will be integrated into Operating Procedures manual for the newly matrixed Bureau.● Assumed management of a program not meeting its goals and USAID deliverables. I advised the new director to clarify the workplan, set specific goals, and detail which sub-partner will perform each activity, how, and where. I also advised to drop a problematic sub-partner and connected the director to other programs to promote cross-learning and coordination. The program is now on track to meet its goals and deliverables with a clear workplan and annual targets, an updated learning plan to monitor progress and adjust programming in out years, and a communications plan to engage other USAID programs and staff to implement findings and results.● Led program design and procurement for three multi-year international research programs engaging U.S. and African scientists to increase agricultural yields, improve product quality, reduce costs and develop institutional capacity. Managed programs in every stage and end-to-end. (Total spend of $6.5 million per year.)● Mentored senior subject matter expert research advisors in creation of research programs through one-on-one advising, commenting on proposals, and presenting lessons learned.● Directed design of session modules for training course covering agency policies, innovations and standard practices in agriculture, food security, and resilience targeted to mid-level and junior staff. The course was delivered to 120 development professionals. Show less