Erik Bentzen

25+ years of experience in strategic leadership of basic education programs including supervisory and technical experience working on large donor-funded education projects including consortia management. Significant experience in successfully working as a Chief of Party/Director/ Team Leader on large, US$ 30 -100+ million, complex donor funded education projects with funding from USAID, DFID, DFAT, EU, DANIDA, NZAID, Aga Khan Foundation as well as major corporate donors Demonstrated experience in technical fields such as early grade reading, education policy, curriculum development, teacher professional development, school-based management and community engagement and mobilization. Skillful in project design, strategic planning and implementation and institutional capacity development as well as policy dialogue In-depth experience working in developing countries in complex environments including fragile and conflict affected states in South East Asia and East Africa. Proven diplomatic and politically savvy engagement and outcomes with host country government institutions and senior-level officials. Demonstrated ability to work across different cultures, and manage diverse cross-sectoral teams to deliver project outcomes in accordance with plans. Excellent representational, negotiation, and verbal and written communication skills including report writing.