Introduction
Knowledge and understanding of local cultural and political context is essential in our work. This is why over 70 per cent of our advisors are nationals of the countries where we work. They bring together innovation and experience from different international settings coupled with in-depth knowledge and understanding of local context.
SNV advisors work closely with national, regional and local governments, non-profit and public organisations as well as the private sector. They help organisations to identify new opportunities and markets, and share valuable knowledge and experience. We do not offer training as a standard product. Instead, our advisors pass on their deep and varied, yet complementary knowledge and experience from different sectors through continual mentoring.
The majority of SNV advisors are based far from capital cities, in provincial towns and in rural areas, where the challenges of poverty are often greatest.
Profiles of a few of our advisors
Antonio Mirasse is a water, sanitation and hygiene advisor in Beira, Mozambique. As part of SNV’s partnership with the government and UNICEF, he is coaching local organisations to raise awareness in communities about good sanitation practice. This is enabling rural communities to live in a healthy environment, free of open defecation. Before joining SNV in 2008, Antonio worked for various government institutions in Mozambique, mainly in projects funded by key international agencies. He holds degrees in business administration and environmental sciences. Antonio: “We have facilitated a water and sanitation stakeholders’ platform in three provinces - the government here values SNV as a real connector of people’s capacities.”
Fidèle Yobo Gouem is a livestock and pastoralism advisor in north-west Cameroon. During her nine years with SNV she has moved from being a communications officer to an advisor. Her work has included strengthening women’s economic capacities and analysing the micro-finance market. Since 2007, her social sciences background has enabled her to settle in the livestock sector, where she works to improve local people’s access to, and management of, pastoral resources.
Gemma Jones is a business development officer, based in Hanoi, Vietnam. She works alongside advisors to develop project concepts and identify funding opportunities, and promotes positive engagement with donors. Before joining SNV, Gemma was a professional fundraiser in the development sector in the UK. Gemma: “At SNV we recognise that funding alone will not ensure an end to global poverty. Funding without local capacity will not lead to sustainable development.”
Julio Garrett is a national business facilitator for the Inclusive Business Alliance, run by SNV and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Based in La Paz, Bolivia, he develops initiatives that engage the private sector in economic and social inclusion. Before joining SNV, Julio headed a number of leading export agri-business companies in Bolivia. Julio has studied in Spain, Ecuador and the USA, and holds degrees in economics, and strategy and business management.
Karime Pávez is an income and employment advisor in Lima, Peru.
Over the past two years, Karime has conducted a breakthrough ethnographic study of ’s low income population. It has given SNV a crucial insight into the sector’s market potential, how people organise themselves and how companies can contribute to improving the living conditions of those at the base of the pyramid. Before joining SNV, Karime worked with Datapopular, a research institute that focuses on the low-income market. Karime is Brazilian-Chilean and holds a Masters in marketing and communications. Karime: “Thinking creatively enables us to find innovative solutions to improve the living conditions of low income communities.”
Mahlet Yohannes is a senior milk value chain advisor in Ethiopia. Her role focuses on enabling private sector actors like farmers and milk processors to become knowledgeable, efficient and competitive in their sectors. Mahlet has an MA in International Business and Management. She has worked for pharmaceutical and energy companies, as well as Marie Stopes International. Mahlet: “The private sector appreciates SNV because we enable them to lobby government but also facilitate the establishment of direct business links, increasing their access to markets.”
Pierre Mulumba has been a forestry advisor in the Democratic Republic of Congo since April 2009. He specialises in governance in forestry, and has been working to ensure wider access to, and better understanding of, forestry laws in Bas-Congo province. Before working for SNV, Pierre provided technical assistance for forest management, and advocacy and lobbying support to DR Congo’s environmental civil society movement. Pierre: “For me, SNV’s advisory approach remains key to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development; it empowers local people, for the long term.”