1. What do you do?
I manage a team of project managers on Japanese aid programmes in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America, including non project grant aid for the environment and climate change. I ensure that grants are spent effectively by holding international tenders to find cost-effective goods and services for grant recipients. I work with the Japanese and recipient governments to ensure goods are delivered and services such as installation, commissioning and training are carried out.
2. What is the best part of your job?
I love the tangible part of my job so that when I visit countries I can see how Japanese aid is making a real difference to people's lives. In the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake in January 2010, for example, we purchased fertiliser at a good market rate so that farmers could get the best rice yields possible. I also really enjoy using my foreign language skills as I work largely with French, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
3. What have been your career highlights at Crown Agents?
I spent a month in Angola looking at how we could help the Government improve its monitoring of oil and gas exports from its offshore rigs, which saw me zipping around the Atlantic in a helicopter looking at valve seals and customs procedures. Presenting my findings to the Angolan national customs director was quite daunting but this project is now well underway so it's great to see the fruits of my input at an early stage. I also have the opportunity to see how Crown Agents can continue to help developing countries in innovative ways. Almost every day puts me in contact with a new person from a different part of the world facing a unique challenge. This is probably the most exciting part of my job and the most demanding too.
4. How would you describe your team working environment?
Our team frequently gets together to run through projects - what's progressing, what's not and why not. I try to be very approachable and encourage staff to take ownership of their work, whilst at the same time readily sharing concerns and seeking help or advice from others. The larger department we work in has a great atmosphere. Half of us are from other countries so there's always a good mix of languages spoken. We also work very closely with the Japanese office and other international offices which adds a global perspective to our team. I think we're famous for the quality of the sweets and biscuits we bring back from our travels to share with colleagues!