Evaluated and monitored investments in rural finance and agricultural development for an international financial institution of the United Nations, working throughout its US$ 2.7 billion portfolio in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East in coordination with government officials, financial service providers, non-profit organizations, international organizations. Planned, staffed, and interpreted market assessments to identify potential gaps for IFAD investment, identify and evaluate potential partner financial service providers, technical service providers, and consultants, define and interpret financial indicators for performance monitoring of investments, and coordinate financial sector strategy and interventions with other donors and international financial institutions.

Appointed in 2001 as Programme Officer in the Private Sector Development Unit, promoted in 2002 to Head of Unit and Assistant Resident Representative, and in 2003 awarded UNDP Country Office Champion. Provided policy and technical advice to the UNDP Resident Representative and the Government of Kenya for the development of national strategies, plans and programmes for private sector development. Led the conceptualization, design, implementation, and monitoring of private sector activities, particularly programmes related to the promotion of small and micro enterprises, productive assets, trade, public-private sectors partnerships, education and microfinance. Successfully led the formulation and development of the UNDP Country Programme 2004-2008.Managed MicroStart, a multi-year programme to support the growth of microfinance institutions, and the Employment and Sustainable Livelihood Programme, an innovative programme to promote private sector development and employment generation.

Participated in the establishment of a Business Innovation Center to promote, stimulate and develop innovation in SMEs at all stages of their development. Evaluated projects on small and medium enterprise development, market access, and technology. Assessed innovation gaps in SMEs, including the SWOT analyses, recommendations, and action plans, and provided support to SMEs to increase their innovation profile (e.g. marketing, financing). Effectively managed relations with European Union Institutions, the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, and the Permanent Representations of the Italian Regions.

Supported Italian Local Authorities in developing strategies to access EU Funding and establish EU Business Units. Conducted research and engaged in advisory services on European Union Programmes and managed international partnerships for cross-country initiatives. Designed, managed and delivered training courses on European Union policies and programmes to support SMEs development.

Participated in economic development programming. Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluation of programmes. Prepared feasibility studies. Participated in economic impact assessments. Conducted marketing researches. Participated in the assessment of the trans-european nerwork I e IX in Lithuania (PHARE).