Professional Experience:
Seasoned and visionary development sector professional with over 24 years of diverse experience in managing and scaling transformative programs across livelihoods, climate-resilient agriculture, economic inclusion, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Proven expertise of strategic foresight, technical expertise, grassroots connection, and leadership across geographies with proven impact. With an unwavering commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, I have led multi-million-dollar programs impacting over 500,000 individuals, while successfully building strategic partnerships with governments, civil society, INGOs, donors, and academic institutions. Current role at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been marked by consistent innovation, results-oriented execution, and a holistic approach to resilience building.
Core Competencies and Leadership Strengths:
Strategic Program Management: Led the design and execution of large-scale integrated programs with budgets exceeding $20M, aligning them with organizational goals, donor expectations, and community needs.
Livelihoods and Climate-Resilient Agriculture: With deep sectoral expertise, I have conceptualized and implemented inclusive livelihood programs across tribal, rural, and disaster-affected communities. Interventions covered climate resilient agriculture, off-farm and non-farm sectors, financial inclusion, skilling and land restoration.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response: Recognized leader in humanitarian response and DRR. Spearheaded multi-state disaster responses during cyclones, floods, and COVID-19. Worked as technical leader in market based humanitarian programing including cash based response in south Asian countries.
Institutional Capacity Building and MEAL: I have built institutional capacities at scale, training CSOs, government bodies, and community groups. My expertise in MEAL has been instrumental in embedding evidence-driven decision-making.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Influence: A skilled negotiator and relationship-builder, I have forged high-impact partnerships with Government, NABARD, ICAR and CGIAR institutes.
Business Development and Resource Mobilization: As a strategic thinker with an eye for growth, I have supported to secure new program funding through successful donor engagement. My experience includes working with major donors such as BMGF, USAID, NABARD, and The O’Neil Foundation.
Career Highlights:
Program Lead (India) – Agriculture & Livelihood, CRS (2018–Present)
State Program Coordinator – Livelihood and DRR, CRS (2008–2018)
Program Officer – Livelihood and DRR, CRS (2002–2008)
Team Leader – Cyclone Recovery, Caritas India/CRS (1999–2002)