Sonya Sampson

Sonya is a social scientist and climate change specialist with her over 16 years of international development experience in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region, and was nominated for Australian of the Year for her community development work. Sonya has a strong focus on the transition to low carbon and sustainable societies in the context of developing economies. Sonya’s experience includes climate change, sustainable development, public policy, strategic planning, capacity building and institutional strengthening. Sonya’s skills include theories of change, strategic evaluations, consultations, stakeholder engagement, program management, leadership, social safeguards and multi-agency collaboration, as well as a strong information systems and data analysis capability. Sonya has worked across various sectors, including transport (roads, ports, airports), energy, water and sanitation and social infrastructure (e.g. schools, hospitals, public buildings), as well as the forestry, oceans, education and justice. Sonya excels working as part of a team in cross cultural environments and has a track record of delivering in challenging environments. Sonya has worked extensively with communities, local and national governments, and international organisations.