Alma Cota

With a career spanning over 30 years, including nine years based overseas, I bring a wealth of expertise in leading and contributing to diverse USAID-funded construction and project management initiatives. My extensive experience encompasses the full project lifecycle: planning, budgeting, design specification, cost estimation, scheduling, award and contract compliance, quality control and assurance, health and safety, environmental management, technical assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting. A significant portion of my career has been dedicated to renewable energy systems, where I have excelled in designing and implementing stand-alone solar systems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing renewable energy distributed generation and mini-grids. My expertise includes leveraging geospatial data for project prioritization and over six years in the development of rural electric cooperatives. I have also evaluated and commissioned 143 solar water pumping systems across Mexico, Afghanistan, and the U.S., and conducted assessments and construction oversight for efficient solar water systems in Ethiopia. I have served in long-term and short-term capacities in over 15 countries, including Afghanistan, Belize, Guatemala, Liberia, Uganda, Panama, Mexico, Ethiopia, India, Jordan, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Yemen. In addition to technical work, I have extensive construction management experience in rural energy and water infrastructure projects for schools, clinics, and public buildings, as well as road infrastructure. My clean energy sector work focuses on increasing energy access, ensuring sustainability, and delivering tangible impacts on communities. A recognized university professor, trainer, curricula developer, published author, and project manager, I have led capacity-building initiatives for government officials, academia, engineers, women’s groups, and technicians in countries like Liberia, Afghanistan, and Mexico. I have enhanced institutional capacities by promoting transparent, standardized technical, organizational, and procurement procedures. Notably, I played a key role in strengthening the Liberian Rural and Renewable Energy Agency, helping it evolve into a center of excellence to lead national electrification efforts.