I have a PhD plus 10 years’ experience as a practitioner, researcher and thought leader on adaptive and politically smart approaches to technical assistance and advocacy, with a thematic focus on organizational strengthening, learning, and anti-corruption.
I have designed and advised successful reform programs, developing technical proposals, frameworks and approaches that bring together PEA, PDIA, MEL, and strategy to navigate complex reform spaces. In recent years, this has included supporting anti-money laundering reformers in Panama, helping Transparency International refine its strategy and results-based approaches, and exploring the intersection of corruption and democracy in Bulgaria.
Over the years, I have worked with all types of partners: bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, think tanks, government agencies, municipal stakeholders, and local CSOs and INGOs. Part of my work has included designing and facilitating numerous workshops and learning spaces, providing a constructive challenge function to foster adaptation and change.
With a PhD in Government from Cornell University, I have conducted comparative research on the politics of development and authored academic as well as policy-oriented publications. I synthesized findings and lessons from my experiences in the book Why We Lie About Aid: Development and the Messy Politics of Change (Zed Books, 2018).
Some of the organizations I have worked with: DFID/FCDO, MFAT, World Bank, University of Manchester, ODI, ASI, Palladium, DT Global, Cardno, International Budget Partnership, British Council, Transparency International, International Republican Institute.
Countries I have worked in: Bulgaria, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Panama, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Spain, Uganda, UK, US.