Pedro H. Tavares Exec. MBA MSc SCPM PMP ITIL PFM

Digital Development Leader - Empowering Governments to Thrive in the Digital Age - Pioneer in Whole-of-Government & Whole-of-Society Strategies // Strategy / Digital Public Infrastructure & Digital Identity / Digital Government / Digital Economy / Cross-Sector Innovation (Health, Education, Social, Fintech) / Connectivity / Data Governance & Policy / Cybersecurity / Digital Inclusion / Digital Skills and Literacy / Program and Portfolio Management Full CV here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8AABB9DD75E/pedro-h-tavares-digital-development-leader-cv/full-view.html Digital development leader with over 25 years of experience (16+ years in the Asia-Pacific region) across executive, program management, and advisory roles in international development, government, and the private sector. Pioneer of whole-of-government and whole-of-society digital transformation approaches, having led the design of national digital strategies that integrate digital government, digital economy, and digital inclusion for multiple countries. Proven track record driving the rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — from e-government platforms and broadband connectivity to cybersecurity frameworks and digital identity systems — to accelerate socio-economic development. Experienced in managing large-scale, multi-donor programs and forging public-private partnerships, coordinating multiple partner programs with stakeholders such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations agencies, Australia (DFAT), European Union, and USAID. A results-oriented leader who has built and led diverse teams to deliver complex digital initiatives in challenging environments. A passionate advocate for technology-driven development, with experience across sectors (government, banking, justice, education, health, telecom), dedicated to leveraging innovation (AI, data analytics, cloud) inclusively and securely. Excellent communicator and educator, frequently speaking at international forums and coaching government executives, with a commitment to building local digital capacity and sustainability. Expertise Digital Strategy, Digital Public Infrastructure & Digital Identity, Digital Government, Digital Economy, Cross-Sector Innovation (Health, Education, Social, Justice, Fintech), Connectivity,Global Access, Data Governance & Policy, Cybersecurity, Digital Inclusion, Digital Skills and Literacy, Program and Portfolio Management Management and Leadership Skills Leadership and Influence, Strategy, Portfolio, Program and Project Management; Business Cases, Presentation and Public Speaking, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Financial Management and ROI forecasting, Organisational Development, Human Resources Management, Change Management, Business Processes Design, Complex problem-solving, Systems Thinking, Resilience. Digital Transformation Strategy & Policy Strategic leader in national ICT/digital agendas – authored multi-year digital development strategies (e.g. for Timor-Leste, Samoa, Kiribati, Nauru, FSM, Solomon Islands) that chart inclusive e-government, digital economy, and innovation roadmaps, and experienced in developing policy frameworks for data governance, cybersecurity, digital ID, and emerging technologies (AI, fintech). National Digital Strategy Design: Spearheaded national digital transformation strategies for six countries across Asia and the Pacific. This includes authoring Timor-Leste’s landmark “Timor Digital 2032” Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Digital and ICT Development, as well as guiding the development of digital economy/ICT masterplans for Samoa, Kiribati, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Solomon Islands. Each strategy provided a holistic roadmap (encompassing digital government, digital economy, digital ID, infrastructure, and skills) and established implementation programs now being rolled out with multi-stakeholder support. Timor Digital 2032 – National Digital and ICT Development Strategic Plan (Timor-Leste). Lead Author, published 2023. A ten-year strategic roadmap for digital government and economy in Timor-Leste, developed in consultation with all ministries and endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Office. Timor Digital 2032 Samoa’s Digital Pathway – Digital Transformation Strategy. The National Digital Transformation Strategy drafted for Samoa—Samoa’s Digital Pathway—outlines a comprehensive approach focusing on connectivity for all Samoans, economic growth through digitalisation in key sectors, and government modernisation. It proposes 14 strategic outcomes and 17 initiatives aimed at fostering a digital economy, enhancing digital literacy, driving job creation, and boosting GDP growth, ensuring a digital era for all Samoans. Samoa’s Digital Pathway Kiribati Digital Vision – Digital Transformation Strategy. The National Digital Economy Strategy prepared for Kiribati—Kiribati’s Digital Vision—outlines a strategic roadmap for integrating digital technologies across Wealth, Peace and Security, Infrastructure, and Governance pillars. It aims to create a digitally empowered society and economy, promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life. The strategy outlines initiatives, cross-sector benefits, and performance metrics for a sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. Kiribati Digital Vision Nauru National Digital Transformation Strategy. The National Digital Transformation Strategy, drafted for Nauru, highlights digital advancements for improved policy participation, economic growth, and environmental protection. It prioritises inclusivity, connectivity, and innovation, aiming for comprehensive digital access and skill development, streamlined government services, and economic support for businesses. Beyond digitisation, it explores renewable energy optimisation, environmental management, digital health, and cybersecurity. Nauru National Digital Transformation Strategy Digital Charter – FSM’s National Digital Development Strategy. The National Digital Development Strategy, devised for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), lays out the Digital Charter, aimed at weaving digitalisation into the FSM’s fabric for a sustainable and inclusive future. Focused on creating a digital society, economy, and transparent government, it outlines seven strategic outcomes for digital inclusion, economic enhancement, and digitisation. This holistic strategy ensures no one is left behind, inviting a digitally empowered FSM. Digital Charter – FSM Solomon Islands Government Five-Year ICT Strategic Plan. The Five-Year ICT Strategic Plan drafted for the Solomon Islands Government outlines a transformative roadmap to enhance national digital infrastructure and modernise public service delivery. Focused on leveraging the upcoming submarine cable for improved connectivity and cybersecurity, this strategy aims to digitise government services and enhance governance through technology. Solomon Islands Five-Year ICT Strategic Plan Whole-of-Government & Whole-of-Society Approach Pioneer in developing integrated national digital transformation strategies across ministries and stakeholders. Fosters collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and donors to ensure broad buy-in and alignment with national development goals. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) & E‑Government Extensive experience building foundational DPI components – digital government platforms and one-stop service centres, national government portals and mobile apps, broadband connectivity projects (submarine cable systems, rural connectivity), national Identity systems, and cloud/data centre infrastructure. Strength in aligning technology architecture with user-centric public service delivery improvements. Digital Government Services: Digitised government services delivery in challenging environments. Notably, in Solomon Islands, led the team that built the first Government Services Portal and Mobile App, publishing dozens of forms and services online for easy public access. This initiative, coupled with the creation of physical one-stop service hubs in remote provinces, dramatically improved citizens’ ability to obtain information and services. It has been recognised by regional partners as a model for bringing e-government to remote communities. https://solomons.gov.sb/ Broadband Connectivity & Last-Mile Access Drove connectivity projects to bridge the digital divide. Played a key role in implementing the Coral Sea Cable System in Solomon Islands – ensuring government readiness to utilise the new high-speed submarine cable and extending its benefits to rural areas. Also developed plans and secured funding for last-mile connectivity solutions, including community Wi‑Fi hubs and VSAT links, to connect outer islands and villages. Solomon Islands Digital One-Stop-Shop Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure Resilience Deep expertise in strengthening government IT security and resilience. Developed and led cybersecurity programs and action plans (e.g. a 4‑year, AUD 40M national cybersecurity & infrastructure resilience plan in the Solomon Islands), established a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and network monitoring capabilities and implemented cybersecurity audits, policies, and legislation to safeguard critical systems. SIG ICT Services Action-Plan to Improve Government’s ICT Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Resilience and Service Delivery Cybersecurity and Critical ICT Infrastructure: Coordinated a comprehensive cybersecurity upgrade for the Solomon Islands Government, transforming its ability to protect critical information infrastructure. This included drafting and helping to enact the country’s first cybersecurity legislation and policies, establishing a fully functional Security Operations Centre (SOC) that now monitors government networks 24/7, and implementing modern cybersecurity solutions (firewalls, SIEM, intrusion detection) across ministries. As a result, cybersecurity awareness increased markedly, and government networks have sustained zero major breaches since program rollout, despite rising global cyber threats. Solomon Islands Government Cybersecurity Action Plan: Delivered resilient ICT infrastructure projects to support digital government. Oversaw the project for two new government data centres (primary data centre and disaster recovery site) in Solomon Islands, a USD 3 million project providing secure, climate-controlled facilities for all central e-government systems. The project included migrating legacy servers into virtualised environments and setting up redundancy systems, greatly reducing downtime. Additionally, implemented nationwide network upgrades and backup power solutions that have improved government services' uptime. Cross-Sector Digital Innovation Track record of delivering digital solutions across public governance, health, education, banking, telecommunications, agriculture, and justice sectors. Introduced digital health and e‑education initiatives (e.g. e‑learning platforms, digital literacy programs), modernised financial systems (digital payment platforms, mobile money, GovTech solutions for public finance), led justice sector IT reforms (case management systems, e‑filing, data integration) improving access to services for citizens and led the Development Bank of Singapore Project Management practice that led the bank to become consistently since then the World’s Best Digital Bank. Digital Finance Systems & Inclusion: Modernised public finance platforms to improve service delivery and inclusion. In Solomon Islands, assisted the Ministry of Finance in deploying a new Financial Management Information System (Microsoft Dynamics 365) and worked with ADB to introduce a new Revenue Management System – together these replaced outdated systems, resulting in faster financial reporting, more transparent revenue collection, and better public expenditure tracking. In Papua New Guinea, led the innovative integration of 20,000 village court officials onto an electronic payroll, many of whom opened bank accounts for the first time to receive payments. This not only streamlined government disbursements but also advanced financial inclusion by bringing banking into remote communities. Justice Sector Digital Transformation: Pioneered e‑Justice initiatives in multiple countries. In Timor‑Leste and Solomon Islands, I guided the Ministries/Departments of Justice in digitising their archives and case management. In Papua New Guinea, introduced digital tools for the village courts and land mediation to coordinate better, helping citizens in rural areas access justice services. These projects improved record‑keeping accuracy and reduced case processing times, demonstrating how technology can strengthen the rule of law in developing contexts. Private Sector Digital Innovation (Banking): Brought best practices from the private sector to the development sphere by contributing to high‑profile digital innovations. For example, in the banking industry, I helped DBS Bank (Singapore) innovate its project delivery process during a critical transformation period. This effort supported DBS in earning consecutive “World’s Best Digital Bank” awards. The experience underscored the importance of agile methodologies and customer-centric design, knowledge that has been applied in advising on government digital initiatives. Program Management & Leadership Certified Project/Program Manager (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP, SCPM) with extensive experience managing portfolios of large-scale projects and grants. Skilled in setting up PMOs and governance structures – for example, established ICT project management practices in government agencies to improve execution and accountability. Led teams of 250+ staff and multi-disciplinary experts, including remote and culturally diverse teams. Strong financial management abilities (ROI forecasting, budgeting), ensuring programs deliver on time, on budget, and achieve targets. Capacity Building & Digital Skills Development Committed to developing local talent and institutional capacity. Designed and delivered numerous training programs for government CIOs/IT Directors on IT governance, project management, service management, and innovation. Expanded and restructured government IT departments (e.g. grew Solomon Islands’ ICT services team from 40 to 95 staff) and established training labs to upskill public servants in ICT. Additionally, I am an academic contributor, having lectured in university courses and spearheaded the creation of new Computer Science and Information Systems degree programs. Demonstrated exceptional leadership in building teams and knowledge. In Solomon Islands, reorganised the government’s IT department and hired/trained 55 new local IT staff, many of whom are now in leadership positions within government ICT. This substantial increase in capacity enabled the government to internalise projects that were previously outsourced. Moreover, across roles, designed and delivered 20+ training workshops and coaching sessions for government executives on topics from cybersecurity to data-driven policymaking. Also served as a university lecturer and program founder in Timor-Leste, directly contributing to the graduation of hundreds of new ICT professionals in a young nation. Public‑Private Partnerships & Donor Coordination Extensive experience engaging development partners and the private sector. Successfully coordinated multi‑donor initiatives in digital development, aligning investments from bilateral and multilateral donors. Drove public-private partnerships (PPPs) in telecom and digital finance – e.g., collaborating with telecom operators on national broadband infrastructure (submarine cable projects) and with banks/tech firms to promote fintech and e-commerce solutions. Multi‑Donor and Multi‑Agency Coordination Successfully led programs requiring complex coordination, such as the multi‑partner digital government program in Solomon Islands that synchronised inputs from DFAT, UNDP, ADB, World Bank, and national agencies. Achieved a unified approach and avoided duplication by establishing joint steering committees and transparent governance. This collaborative model ensured efficient use of resources and has been replicated in other sectors (e.g., health information systems) as a best practice for donor coordination in the country. Languages & Cross-Culture Exposure Languages: Native-level English and Portuguese. Fluent in Tetum (Timor-Leste) and Pacific Pidgin languages (Solomon Islands/Papua New Guinea). Fluent in Spanish. Knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Thai. Global Footprint: My professional and academic journeys have spanned 26 countries in Asia, Pacific, Europe, and North America: Australia, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Mongolia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Philippines, Portugal, Samoa, Republic of Marshal Islands, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Long-term assignments in Singapore, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.