Rakesh Katal (He / Him)

Seasoned international development and humanitarian leader with over three decades of dynamic experience driving transformative change in diverse contexts worldwide working in senior management positions including as Chief of Party, Country Director, Deputy Country Director, and Program Director- Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihoods. Extensive experience of leading large and complex multi sectoral programs responses in diverse contexts. Have worked with various humanitarian and development organizations including Blumont Inc, Save the Children, CARE, Concern Worldwide, GAIN, WFP (on secondment), World Vision and Relief International in several countries - India, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Zambia, Bangladesh, Syria and Iraq. Currently leading Welthungerhilfe in India from January 2024. Led Relief International Bangladesh as Country Director and provided humanitarian services including Food Security, WASH, and health as well as entrepreneurial skills training for host community and Rohingya refugee camps funded by USAID & UNHCR. Prior to this led USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) funded $23.5million annual Food Security & Water Project in Iraq/Syria as Chief of Party. From October 2015 to April 2021, led USAID/BHA funded 7–year, 650+ staff, 5 Field offices, 7+ international and national partners, $85 million Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) focused on Food Security, WASH, health, livelihoods, gender and governance in Bangladesh as Chief of Party. Significant experience in building and leveraging strong relationships with national governments and local partners. Have an extensive experience in designing and leading integrated food security and water programs. Have managed partnerships with local NGOs, CSOs. Cross-cultural experience and proven skills in motivating teams and working in challenging contexts.