Aleksandra is managing the operations of the Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) Community by facilitating collaboration, learning, knowledge and resource-sharing among its 500+ members. During her time with UNDP, Aleksandra was the project manager of the 2021 Good Growth Conference and developed several management systems and internal communications processes for the FACS team and formerly the Green Commodities Programme. She also designed and coordinated a delegation visit for a group of stakeholders under UNDP Nepal’s Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection System Programme (RoLHR). Prior to joining UNDP, Aleksandra worked for five years in Germany for the leading coalition against corruption - Transparency International (TI) where she coordinated several projects and campaigns. Aleksandra studied both at University of Warsaw and Université catholique de Louvain and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology.
Alice is a Program Support and Coordination Officer for the FACS Team. Her work focuses on the intersection of inner development and food systems transformation in the Conscious Food Systems Alliance. Prior to joining UNDP, she worked in corporate sustainability as a researcher and consultant, supporting companies on strategy design, stakeholder engagement, and communications. She also has experience working with environmental NGOs such as the Yachana Foundation (Ecuador), the Pachamama Alliance (USA), and Ashden (UK). She holds a Masters degree in International Development and Food Systems from the Institute of Development Studies and a BA International Relations from the University of Leeds.
Working at the crossroads between innovation and sustainable food systems. Co-lead of the Systems Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation initiative. Currently based in Panama within the UNDP Regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean. Previously worked in Denmark, Palestine, and Georgia.
Andrew has over 30 years of experience at the forefront of international efforts in agriculture, biodiversity, forest conservation, protected areas and environmental economics. Andrew was charged with establishing GCP in 2009 and has since built up the team and programme. Andrew leads the programme with his global team and continues to develop new strategic initiatives and partnerships for GCP. He is also a regular speaker at international conferences. Prior to joining UNDP, Andrew was a Senior Economic Consultant with Environmental Management Resources, a global consultancy working on a broad range of natural resource management and policy projects funded by international donor agencies and multinationals.
Bianca is our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Analyst. Previously she was part of the Operations and Humanitarian team at Save the Children Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean supporting a project with M&E and country offices with KPI analysis and project management. She also interned on our team in Data Analysis and at the Mission of Panama to the United Nations. Before joining the development sector, she worked in the private sector in quality systems, data analytics and project management in national and multinational companies.
Charles advises on how ‘systems thinking’ approaches can increase the effectiveness of our work on sector transformation in food and agriculture in order to address critical climate, biodiversity and livelihood issues – particularly by strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration for systemic change. He previously led the private sector engagement work for GCP. Prior to UNDP, he spent 15 years working as an entrepreneur and consultant across a range of sustainability challenges, following a decade in the finance sector.
Charlotte is the Practice Advisor to the Conscious Food Systems Alliance. She has been working on food systems and nutrition for over two decades, with NGOs (Action Contre la Faim, Groupe URD), and UN FAO for 12 years, as well as with various organisations as a consultant since 2017 (SUN Secretariat; 4SD/Food Systems Summit Dialogue Support Team). She worked primarily in Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa, before working at the global level. She is also an instructor of Ananda Yoga and meditation; and co-founded the NGO Listening Inspires. She presently lives in Burgundy, France, where she and her husband are creating a retreat centre.
In the past 15 years Courtney Savie Lawrence has worked across Asia, Africa, LATAM, the US and Europe focused on regenerative development and sustainability and systems change innovation. Since 2018 she has worked with the United Nations at the intersection of innovation, tech and climate with UNDP, UNEP and UNICEF's regional and global innovation teams, and now works with the UNDP FACS team. While working among the UN System she has held many volunteer and cross sectoral roles across the ecosystem: coleading the Oxford Climate Tech Initiative, researching systems change and the future of just transitions around climate tech, cofounding the The Circular Design Lab based in Bangkok, Thailand, using systemic design as a process to table the first national clean air policy act to Parliament. She serves on the Governance Committee for the School of International Futures and holds an MBA from Oxford University and a Masters in Sustainable Economic Development from the United Nation's University for Peace and Conflict Studies, in Costa Rica.
Davide leads the Communications team, providing strategic communication advice and oversight at both global and programme level. Prior to joining UNDP, Davide worked for over 10 years in the food, agriculture and health sector at EU level, designing and implementing public affairs and outreach campaigns at pan-European level for both private sector companies and NGOs. After various experiences including the European Commission and European Investment Bank, he worked as Head of Media & Corporate Communications for EUFIC, a leading non-profit inspiring people to live a healthier and more sustainable life.
Greta is a UNDP FACS’ Programme Coordination Associate Officer, focusing on coordination and implementation of several initiatives under the FACS portfolio, including private sector engagement. Greta joined the team in 2021, and prior to that she worked with other international organizations on migration and transnational organised crime, as well as for in the consulting sector on sustainability reporting and auditing. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, with major in International Economics and a Diploma in Global Business Management.
James brings to the FACS Team 20+ years of experience working at the food, nature and climate nexus, learning from and working alongside farmers, local and indigenous communities, governments and civil society in efforts to pursue sustainable and resilient rural development in harmony with nature. Prior to joining the global FACS Team, James worked for many years as Ecosystems and Climate Change Technical Advisor for UNDP in Peru, where he managed the portfolio related to green finance, sustainable landscapes and conservation of ecosystems, and nature-based climate change adaptation and mitigation. He initiated his career with UNDP as a Carbon Finance Officer. Prior to UNDP, he worked for WWF in Peru, was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, and collaborated for extended periods with the World Bank in Nicaragua and the Tropical Resources Institute in Mozambique. He holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Science with a specialization in social ecology and forest governance and a Master's Degree in Business Administration, both from Yale University. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology and education at Brown University, USA.
José Antonio is FACS' Programme and Administrative Associate. With over 30 years of working experience for private, public and international organizations, José joined the UN System in 2009 and has supported the Regional Offices for Latin America and the Caribbean of the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNFPA and since 2016 UNDP in key administrative and program related positions. He has experience in project management, financial reporting, budget monitoring, program development and travel and event organizations. Jose started his journey with the FACS Team in 2021 and is currently handling the Operations and Administrative tasks for the Programme including but not limited to Procurement processes, HR Processes, Travel and Events Organizations and other Logistical functions. In 2023 Jose added a new role to his career within FACS as the GCP SECO Phase III Brazil Country coordinator, as a liaison between the Global team, the Brazil Country Office and the Implementing Partner of the project in Brazil, Conservation International. José has studies in Bank and Finances, Master studies in Negotiations, Treaties and International trade as well as a Project Management Certificate from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Jose is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Lavinia is UNDP FACS’ Programme Management Officer, focusing on coordination and implementation for several initiatives under the FACS portfolio. Lavinia joined the team in 2019 when she initially worked on monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization and private engagement, as well as programme management and administration. Prior to joining UNDP, Lavinia worked with the Italian Embassy in Australia and volunteered for several years in non-profit organizations focused on human rights and local community involvement. She holds a degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
Leif is Senior Commodities Adviser in UNDP’s Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) team. He manages commodity projects in coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle and soy and oversees country interventions in half a dozen countries around the world. Leif advises project teams and UNDP Country Offices on sustainable agricultural production and supply chains, landscape and forest conservation and multi-stakeholder collaborative processes, and he maintains relationships with key donors to secure continued investment in FACS’ portfolio of projects. Leif has worked in the field of sustainable commodity production and trade for almost 20 years. Before joining UNDP, he was heading the Rainforest Alliance’s coffee program and managed the GEF-funded flagship project “Biodiversity Conservation in Coffee” implemented by UNDP.
Lucía is the Communications Consultant for UNDP’s Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) focusing on digital communication and social media. Prior to joining UNDP, Lucía has worked on different international organizations such as the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), The World Bank and the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) with special development in communications, international cooperation, management, procurement, science diplomacy, and capacity building. She holds a Master's Degree in Communication and Marketing Management and two BAs in Architecture/Design and Translation Eng<>Spa.
Luz Elena is the Conscious Food Systems Alliance’s Community Engagement Officer. She supports the implementation of CoFSA activities, resource mobilization, community building, and the engagement of indigenous peoples, local communities and researchers to develop the CoFSA agenda of work on indigenous peoples, traditional wisdom and regenerative cultures. Having specialized in rural and agricultural development projects in Latin America and East Africa, Luz Elena is passionate about leveraging traditional wisdom, spirituality and indigenous practices in agriculture and biodiversity conservation to build truly inclusive and sustainable communities, while protecting the environment. Luz Elena holds a Master's degree in International Development from Sciences Po Paris, and has co-founded Soluciones Creativas Sostenibles in Mexico. Luz Elena believes in nature wisdom, collective intelligence and inner sustainability (lekil kuxlejal).
Maria Clara is our team's Training and Learning Adviser, supporting countries and global projects in the design, facilitation and implementation of multi-stakeholder collaborative processes and interventions. Prior to joining UNDP, she served as a facilitator and coach in various food systems, including cacao, coffee, cashew and sesame. She supported the implementation of capacity-building programs for farmers, governments, and the private sector, utilising UNDP's framework. As the co-founder of "Finca Casa Naranja," she's involved in an innovative project on agricultural regeneration. Beyond her professional commitments, Maria Clara finds joy in her passions, particularly dancing, and maintains a deep connection with nature.
María manages global communications for the UNDP's Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) and the Good Growth Partnership, focusing on digital communications, audiovisual production and design. Prior to joining the UNDP, María worked at the Corporate Fiber and Materials Benchmark, at Textile Exchange, and collaborated with International non-profit organizations focused on sustainable development and human rights. María holds a double degree on International Relations and Journalism, from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, and a Master's degree on Digital Marketing.
Maria Soledad Riestra is the Effective Collaborative Action Lead within our team, supporting countries and global projects in the design, facilitation and implementation of multi-stakeholder collaborative processes and interventions. Using the Effective Collaborative Action methodology as a guiding principle, Sole also works on embedding collaboration and systems change in project design and through capacity building, for food systems transformation. Prior to joining UNDP, Sole worked as an international consultant on sustainability and leadership development, supporting private sector, NGOs and cross-institutional projects across the globe. She was also awarded a PhD in Organisational Change, for her research on individual, inner and outer behaviour change for sustainable development.
Melissa is a Program Specialist in UNDP’s Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) team. As a Program Specialist, she supports the implementation of the third phase of the Green Commodities Program and other commodity projects. Prior to joining UNDP, Melissa worked at the Global Coffee Platform as a Program Manager - Countries. Before this, she spent three years in West Africa working for the Aga Khan Foundation as a Grants and Partnership Associate and Olam International as a Sustainability Analyst. Melissa holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Sciences Po Paris, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Smith College in Massachusetts, USA.
Nicolas leads the Innovation pillar of the FACS team which focuses on promoting and implementing more collaborative, systemic and conscious approaches to food and agriculture system transformation. Nicolas has more than 25 years’ experience working on agriculture, food and sustainability in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. He has worked for the European Commission, FAO, UN-OCHA, University of London and various NGOs. In his last position, Nicolas was the Director of Standards and Assurance for the Better Cotton Initiative, a multi-stakeholder initiative focusing on the promotion of more sustainable production practices in the cotton sector. He has joined the FACS team in 2016 and currently lives in Brussels, Belgium.
Noemi is the Community Manager of the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA). She focuses on relationship-building among several stakeholders in the agri-food sector and in the field of consciousness and inner development. She holds a Degree in International Law and a Master’s Degree in Development Economics. Prior to joining CoFSA, Noemi worked with NGOs, supporting Livelihood and Climate Resilience projects in The Gambia and Solomon Islands. She is a yoga and meditation teacher, and a musician and story-teller. She is enthusiastic about discovering self-healing practices - that can support one's own evolution and growth - and interested in experimenting with new ways of working that enable deep connection with partners.
Pascal has more than 30 years international experience with multinationals and NGOs working on environment, governance and education, 7 of which with the UNDP FACS Team focusing on strategic planning, organizational learning, and knowledge management. He is the mastermind behind the UNDP FACS Community and is engaged in several Food and Agriculture Commodities programmes for UNDP. Before working with UNDP, Pascal was on the senior management team of Transparency International, leading program and regional teams in support of a network of 100+ independent national entities.
Philippe has a multifaceted background in sustainable development and international cooperation. Prior to joining UNDP, his career was marked by roles in both foreign and environmental policy at the Parliament of Canada and various positions in sustainable development governance and multi-stakeholder processes across Europe and the Americas. He holds a B.A. in International Relations & International Law from the Université du Québec à Montréal, along with an M.A. in Applied Economics from the Université Paris 1: Panthéon-Sorbonne and an international joint M.Sc. in Sustainable Territorial Development from the KU Leuven and the Università degli Studi di Padova.
Sandra is responsible for developing, promoting and organising membership services such as South-South exchanges events (jurisdictional dialogues), coaching on personal Agility and the establishment of country-based Communities of Practices for more effective national-level dialogue. She also co-design and organise the FOLUR gender learning programme and she is actively engaged in the FOLUR gender working group. She has been a member of the FACS Community since 2016 when she was leading the Sustainable Fisheries Platform in Costa Rica and was team member of the UNDP's Global Sustainable Supply Chain for Marine Commodities. Sandra has more than 20 years of experience working in Latin America for NGOs, UN and as international consultant on multi-stakeholder effective collaborative action, fishery management, policy work and advocacy, both nationally and internationally, ecoregional and marine protected areas planning. Before joining UNDP, Sandra worked for the World Wildlife Fund on terrestrial and marine conservation projects and also operates her own consultancy company.
Simon has extensive experience of strategy work with international organizations and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives. He has worked with the Alliance for Water Stewardship, Better Cotton Initiative, ISEAL Alliance, Textile Exchange, 4C Association, SAN, Pesticide Action Network UK, the Organic Cotton Accelerator, Cotton Made in Africa and the Social and Labor Convergence Project. A qualified performance coach and business mediator, Simon previously spent 25 years as a broadcaster before becoming Communications Director at Classic FM, the UK’s national classical music radio station. With a first degree in Geography from Cambridge University, he graduated in 2005 with an MSc in Responsibility and Business Practice at the University of Bath.
Thomas Legrand is the Lead Technical Advisor for the UNDP-convened Conscious Food Systems Alliance. Holding a Ph.D. in Economics, Thomas has 20 years of experience working on sustainable land use, climate change, sustainable finance, leadership, and how to cultivate inner capacities for systemic transformation. He is the author of the globally acclaimed book Politics of Being. Wisdom and Science for a New Development Paradigm (2022). He lives near Plum Village, the monastery of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in the South West of France, his country.
Valeria is a Programme Management Consultant for UNDP’s Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) providing support for several initiatives under the FACS team. She joined the team in 2023, and prior to that she did an internship at a Portuguese NGO in project management. Valeria holds a Master’s Degree in Development and International Cooperation from the University of Lisbon and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Evora (Portugal).
Vanessa has extensive experience in the areas of administration, procurement, and management. Prior to working with the UNDP's Green Commodities Programme, Vanessa worked in the private sector for different multinationals, including, for example, Philip Morris International, Citibank and Amadeus IT Group.
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