Rudolf Schwarz

I studied in Tübingen and Giessen, both in Germany, Biology for a Master Degree and Biology, Geography and Education Science for a Teaching Degree (Secondary Schools). Thereinafter I obtained a grant from GTZ and the University of Giessen, as a scientific assistant in an Agrarian Research Station in Ecuador, achieving a PhD in Agriculture (Dr. agr.).

Currently I can look back on a work experience in international development cooperation of more than 20 years in different countries and projects mainly in Latin America, attending the theme of sustainable rural development, and especially covering the issues of sustainable agrarian production, integrated watershed management (including management of natural resources and irrigation systems), disaster risk reduction and strengthening of local partners. In addition to these more technical issues, working in different projects and by further training and practice I also acquired coordination and communication skills. Furthermore I developed sensitivity for a gender related approach also in difficult cultural contexts and considering intercultural aspects and respect to local customs.

Sustainable and self-determined development must be based on community participation and commitment; in that regard I acquired valuable experience in Piura, Peru where we advised inhabitants of two watersheds in designing and implementing local development plans and in Waspam, Nicaragua were we introduced this approach, assisting indigenous small holder families in the participatory design and implementation of Community Development Plans. As International Co-Director of this project, which was co-financed by EuropeAid and implemented by Welthungerhilfe - German Agro Action (WHH), Ibis (Denmark) and a local partner, I gained useful experience how to coordinate a multi-actor project.

An important component of my last assignments (GTZ, WHH) was strengthening local partner institutions as municipalities, regional governments, NGO´s and producer´s associations both in technical issues and management capacities.

A key factor for project achievement is the commitment of national project staff. In this regard I know about staff management, including selection of (national) staff members and consultants, monitoring of their activities, evaluation of their general performance and identification of needs for further training measures and capacity building.

Working for GTZ I acquired a sound experience in project cycle management and facilitation skills. During my assignments for GTZ and WHH I also were in charge of project administration, which encompassed, among others, procurement of goods, supervision and control of financial expenditures, following donor financial policies and preparing the respective reports. I implemented the corresponding guidelines also under difficult conditions at satisfaction of my employers and the respective donors.

I have no problems living in the field and under poor conditions as I worked in Peru, Nicaragua and Tajikistan in such circumstances.