WORK PHILOSOPHY

As an independent international consultant I aim to contribute something positive to the strengthening of good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption and integrity systems in an organisation, sector or country. This includes for me the do-no-harm principle, the commitment to fundamental human rights, facts and the promotion of freedom and individual rights.

You must always must be able to answer the “so, what?” question. With that I mean that every project must be relevant in the local context, work on concrete issues that are important and relevant. Corruption and integrity, good governance and rule of law are complex, giant themes and you have to be realistic and practical about what you can do to solve problems, but you can start somewhere and contribute step-by-step to the greater goals that can be achieved on the long term.

ROLES AND SKILLS

The nature of my contributions varies a lot. Sometimes it is about sharing of knowledge and experiences as a technical expert or researcher, about the provision of leadership as team leader, facilitator and trainer skills as part of a project, training or research. It is a process where you contribute with your knowledge and skills and learn from the local experts, their knowledge and skills to create a team that cooperates and makes the best uses of all. It requires continuous learning, but I also benefit from past experiences as a manager of teams or departments in, for example, the international secretariat of Transparency International.

It is however not limited to technical skills. Sometimes the role of an international consultant can be to create momentum for change, to raise sensitive issues that would not easily be accepted coming from national experts or to bring in an international comparative perspective.  It is  about synergies, relevance and promotion of learning with concrete results that people and organisations benefit from. My contributions must always deliver value for money and produce a positive result that helps to solve a problem or issue. On the right you see an overview of my main roles and skills, reflecting the proportions of each in my projects.

PRO BONO

Most of my activities are paid by donors, but I also engage in pro bono work. Currently my pro bono activities include to chair the Tjobolo Foundation that supports initiatives in Southern Africa to enhance education and assistance to orphanages and as a member of the RSF Hub that assist the German Federal Foreign Office in the area of discussions on Rule of Law themes that may inform their policies. I am open to more pro bono work that can make a positive contribution to the Rule of Law and the promotion of integrity.