About
Development Consultant
Samoa IBC
benj_harding@hotmail.com
Summary
Development professional with over sixteen years of experience living and working in the Pacific region, namely Samoa. A national-level consultant specializing in project management, rural livelihoods development, community outreach, policy and statistical analysis and digital innovation in various thematic areas related to international development such as agriculture, environment and industry. Over eight years managing public affairs, political, economic, and military portfolios for U.S. Embassy Apia. Experienced managing numerous grants, programs, media campaigns, development projects, budgets, volunteer placements, and humanitarian missions involving various federal agencies, host nation governments, and civil society organizations. Experienced office leader in a cross-cultural setting. Excellent at multi-tasking and delivering quality work in a timely manner.
Publications
Title: SIDS Solutions Forum Report 2022 Publisher: FAO Date published: Tue, 16/05/2023 - 12:00 Link: http://www.fao.org/3/cc5502en/cc5502en.pdf
Title: Guide to Private Sector Development Programmes (Samoa) Publisher: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour of Samoa Date published: Mon, 01/05/2023 - 12:00 Link: https://www.mcil.gov.ws/?page_id=2885
Title: Guide to Private Sector Development Programmes (Samoa) Publisher: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour of Samoa Date published: Mon, 01/05/2023 - 12:00 Link: https://www.mcil.gov.ws/?page_id=2885
Qualifications
Language: English Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Language: Samoan Reading: Average Speaking: Excellent Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Degree: Master of Development Studies Period: 2019-2020 Status: Completed Education institution: National University of Samoa Country: Samoa
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Economics Period: 200-2004 Status: Completed Education institution: James Madison University Country: United States
Language: Samoan Reading: Average Speaking: Excellent Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Degree: Master of Development Studies Period: 2019-2020 Status: Completed Education institution: National University of Samoa Country: Samoa
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Economics Period: 200-2004 Status: Completed Education institution: James Madison University Country: United States
Work Experience
Project name: Food, Fuel, Fertilizer, Feed & Finance (5F) Crisis Response Project Client: Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Project period: Thu, 01/09/2022 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/04/2023 - 12:00 Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst Location: Apia Deliverables -Entirely responsible for the Samoa portfolio under this project -Provided back-up support to all other countries -Spearheaded meetings with the Samoan government -Lead data collector for 5F Indicators -Ensured quality control of data input and chart/graphic quality -Co-lead drafter of both of FAO Sub-regional Coordinator's presentations on 5F at the Asia-Pacific Symposium and SIDS Solutions Forum -Lead author of the SIDS Solutions Forum Report -Content contributor to both official FAO 5F Bulletins -Developed Concept Note for the Samoan Government on increased domestic poultry production -Successfully executed all procurements in a timely manner, delivering positive short term assistance to MAF in the form of electronic devices, barbed wire, seeds and planting material -Drafted press release and coordinated with MAF for press event surround this support -Co-lead creator of the 5F Light Early Warning System