United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Programme Management Officer

Geneva, Switzerland  

January 2021 to January 2025

Job description

Responsible for overseeing implementation and monitoring of the Global BioTrade Facilitation Programme (BioTrade programme). (6-year $4.2 million project, 6 beneficiary countries). As part of the Trade and Environment branch, contribute to policy development, report drafting, and outreach supporting intergovernmental bodies and multilateral environmental agreements including biodiversity, oceans, circular economy, plastics, and climate change.

Achievements:

• Co-organized a national workshop on Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) with 100+ participants in collaboration with local organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Dec 2023. Facilitated discussions, moderated sessions, and produced post-workshop report with recommendations. Increased awareness of VSS in sustainable supply chains and international trade, while strengthening public-private partnerships for sustainability standards integration.

• Assumed full responsibility for the BioTrade programme during a 6-month maternity cover as project head in 2022. Coordinated activities with 10 consultants and contractors, aligning their work with project deliverables and organizational strategies. Facilitated team consensus through regular check-ins and weekly meetings, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to goals.

• Led the development of a digital biodiversity conservation Self-Assessment Tool under the ITC SustainabilityMap platform. This tool evaluates businesses' compliance with biodiversity guidelines by aligning over 1500 indicators across themes like environment, human rights, and gender. It generates diagnostic reports identifying areas for improvement in sustainability and biodiversity practices.

• Played an active role in advocating for the inclusion of sustainable trade and BioTrade guidelines in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global Biodiveristy Framework (GBF) negotiations, including co-organized two official side events during the negotiation process with partners. As a result, the adopted GBF included direct references to the BioTrade guideline and sustainable trade. Three indicators proposed were included as complementary indicators in the Monitoring Framework.

Consultant

Freelance

Geneva Switzerland                                     

March 2020 to December 2020

Job description

Commissioned by Expertise France of the Post2020 Biodiversity Framework-EU Support project  to develop a comprehensive policy brief on the sustainable trade of biodiversity-based goods and services as inputs for the CBD’s GBF negotiation process. Conducted extensive research on global biodiversity trade trends, policies, and best practices, as well as in-depth analysis of the complex interrelationships between international trade, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Achievements:

• Authored and published the policy brief in December 2020, advocating for the integration of biodiversity-based trade in the CBD's new GBF. The brief advocated for the strategic integration of biodiversity-based trade principles into the CBD's new GBF and was submitted as a formal input for GBF negotiations, directly contributing to shaping international biodiversity policy.

• The policy brief was recognized by Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment, resulting in an invitation to deliver a capacity-building webinar. Presented the brief to 15 members of the Costa Rican CBD negotiation team in March 2021 to discuss about successful implementation models, and policy options to promote sustainable BBGS trade. This facilitated knowledge transfer and capacity building for policymakers, contributing to informed decision-making processes in international biodiversity negotiations.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Consultant for BioTrade Programme

Geneva Switzerland                                          April 2018 to February 2020

Job description

Supported the activities of the Global BioTrade Facilitation Programme including organized meetings and events, communication, coordinate knowledge sharing mechanisms, and preparation of studies and reports. The programme aims to coordinate and facilitate efforts to ensure among key partners and stakeholders to seize and capitalize on trade opportunities by linking biodiversity and sustainable development.

Achievements:

·       Developed and implemented knowledge management platforms, enhancing communication and information exchange among 100+ partner members in the BioTrade network. This initiative facilitated real-time collaboration and knowledge sharing on biodiversity-based trade practices, fostering a more connected and informed global community.

·       Spearheaded the development of communication channels for the BioTrade Initiative, establishing the team's first social media presence across multiple platforms. Grew organic following to over 3,000 across platforms through data-driven analysis and strategic content creation. Developed digital communication strategies resulting in 120% growth in newsletter subscribers, significantly increasing project visibility and stakeholder engagement.

·       Co-organized and facilitated a regional capacity building workshop in Lao PDR on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and BioTrade in the Mekong Region. Managed logistics. structured the meeting format, and drafted comprehensive reports for 13 key stakeholders from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Lao PDR. The workshop focused on the Nagoya Protocol's implications for R&D and commercial activities, resulting in a joint action plan for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in the region.

·       Contributed to the development of policy briefs and reports on the intersection of biodiversity conservation, sustainable trade, and environmental protection, informing decision-making processes at national and international levels.

UNCTAD

Associate Economic Officer for Trade Analysis Division

Geneva Switzerland                                              June 2017 to March 2018

Job description

Coordinated activities under supervisor for UN Development Account project "Fostering Green Exports through Voluntary Sustainability Standards in Developing Countries", which fosters exports of sustainable products through use of voluntary sustainability standards

Achievements:

·       Co-organized the 6th Lao Organic Agriculture Forum (LOAF 6) on "Expanding Organic Exports Through Sustainability Standards" in Vientiane, Lao PDR, 2017. Engaged 130+ diverse stakeholders, including producers, manufacturers, traders, exporters, government agencies, and development partners. Facilitated crucial dialogues on expanding market opportunities for Lao organic products through VSS, emphasizing biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

·       Led discussions on addressing challenges in organic production, certification costs, and strategies for future LOAF meetings. Identified the need for stronger stakeholder coordination, proposed the formation of the Lao Organic Movement Association (LOMA), and highlighted the importance of raising quality standards for international market access while preserving local biodiversity.

·       Organized a national workshop on sustainability labels in Vanuatu (Sep 2017) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry. Facilitated discussions among 30 stakeholders on how sustainability labels can promote environmental stewardship, and responsible consumer choices.

·       Developed comprehensive communication materials including brochures, web content, social media announcements, and press releases to raise awareness about the project's key impacts on sustainable trade and biodiversity.

UNCTAD/World Bank

Consultant for Trade Analysis Division

Geneva Switzerland                                                  Nov 2015 to April 2016

Job description:

Participated in a multiagency collaboration project aimed at creating a global database compilation of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), with the goal of enhancing transparency and simplifying trade regulations. Focused on NTMs within Japanese civil code law and their implications for trade regulations as well as research on Japanese consumer law to identify trends and trade regulations. Contributed technical and administrative assistance to maintain the global database TRAINS

Achievements:

·       Analyzed over 150 Japanese commercial regulations spanning multiple industries, including transportation, manufacturing, ammunition, energy, tax, and chemicals to identify key non-tariff measures (NTMs) within each sector. This work provided a thorough overview of the regulatory landscape, supporting informed decision-making processes for stakeholders navigating Japanese commercial law.

·       Entered, translated, and coded data for over 100 NTMs into the global database. Additionally, provided support in identifying, translating, and coding more than 300 NTM-related products with 6-digit HS codes, contributing to the enhancement of data accuracy and accessibility within the system. 

JP Morgan Securities LLC

Personal Executive Assistant for Equity Capital Markets

San Francisco USA                                                 June 2014 to Aug 2014

Job description:

Supported the Global Head Manager of the Equity Capital Markets Division on a 24-7 basis, including managing travel arrangements, coordinating meetings, managing expenses, overseeing schedules, and liaising with clients. Coordinated with administration team to manage the division's budget and funding, including preparing finance reports, expense reports, and budget reports.

Achievements:

·       Conceptualized and organized training courses on finance management systems for Equity assistants across 3 teams to enhance compliance and work productivity.

·       Developed procedure manuals tailored for incoming employees and new assistants. Achieved 20% reduction in unnecessary administrative tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and smoother onboarding process

·       Implemented modifications to the expense report system, resulting in the elimination of unnecessary expenses by up to 15% and reduction in error entries by up to 10%. This enhanced cost-effectiveness and accuracy within the expense reporting process

Life and Hope Association

Educational Staff Member

Siem Reap Cambodia                                              Sep 2013 to April 2014

Job description:

Trained business skills to women at the sewing school for seamstresses at the social enterprise project in partnership with Hyatt. Engaged with other local NGOs, donors, and companies on collaborating on sustainable business and social entrepreneurship projects. Strategized business and financial plans for administration in the Foreign Language School (FLS). Assisted and coordinated the distribution of food, school supplies, and first aid in isolated flooded communes.

Achievements:

·       Developed comprehensive English teaching curriculum and instructional manual for the FLS resulting in enhanced language acquisition and proficiency among 100+ students in the program.

·       Optimized administrative operations of the FLS by introducing a streamlined record management system, boosting 20% in revenue from tuition and a 30% surge in student enrollment.

Credit Suisse Securities (Japan) Ltd

Operation Specialist for Equity Middle Office Division

Tokyo Japan                                                            Aug 2010 to Aug 2013

Job description

Managed operational teams in Asia and liaised with front office traders to deliver stocks under strict time restrictions. Monitored timely delivery of 10,000+ daily stock transactions and managed the inventory of lending/short-selling transactions for clients. Identified and researched root causes in transaction discrepancy issues through collaboration across teams.

Achievements:

·       Consistently achieved a 90% on-time stock delivery rate over three consecutive years, with zero market delivery failures.

·       Successfully decreased delivery error failures by a minimum of 20% through the development of innovative tools and implementation of enhanced processes

·       Streamlined stock transaction procedures and practices, maintaining top 5 client feedback rankings in Asia for three consecutive years

·       Formulated a strategic disaster business contingency plan in response to the 2011 Japan earthquake, preventing any disruption in business operations and achieved 2nd place revenue rankings in Asia.

Credit Suisse Securities (Japan) Ltd

Administrative Officer for Equity Division

Tokyo Japan

Job description:                                                         Aug 2007 to Aug 2010

Audited financial statements, managed budgets, and expenses for the entire equity team. Submitted monthly financial reports for the division. Provided travel support, managed expenses, planned conferences, and maintained the client database for the entire equity team. Maintained portfolio management and contacts for over 150 clients across three continents. Coordinated company conference events, including liaising with clients, managing facilities, organizing logistics, and drafting speeches.

Achievements:

·       Improved the division's knowledge-sharing process by creating comprehensive corporate manuals covering various administrative tasks such as onboarding, financial management, logistics, and compliance. Provided guidance and training to assistants across the division to ensure effective implementation and understanding of these processes.

·       Created online-based administrative support tools tailored for new employees, facilitating their transition and onboarding process with efficiency and convenience.

·       Optimized cost management system and reduced division cost spending by at least 15%.

EDUCATION

M.A. Standardization, Social Regulation, and Sustainable Development

University of Geneva (Graduated with honors - cum laude)             Feb 2017

·       Multi-disciplinary program with focus in ISO standards, labor policy, economics, development, business management.

·       Dissertation: “Sustainability Standards: How to Better Incorporate Sustainability in Organizations”  

B.A. International Relations & B.A. Japanese

University of California, Davis             Dec 2006

DIGITAL SKILLS

Computer: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint (all highly proficient)

Design: photography (Adobe Lightroom), video editing, web design and programming (HTML, Java, CSS), DaVinci Resolve

Professional: JSTOR, Concur, Bloomberg, Salesforce, Notion

Communication: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Doc, Slack, Teams, Google Analytics, SEO, Mailchimp, Wordpress, SquareSpace

LANGUAGES

English: Native (mother tongue) Japanese: Native (mother tongue)

French: Advanced (C1) Spanish: Advanced (B2) Chinese (Taiwan Mandarin):Low