Gerald Lindo

Experience

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  University of Georgia

  Jan 2008 - Jul 2010

  Graduate Researcher

  I went to graduate school to study bioenergy. I specialised in the thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels and value-added chemicals. It was an interdisciplinary program that included chemical process engineering, systems modeling, the logistics of feed-stock and fuel production, and the analytical chemistry behind conversion processes.

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  Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Gov't of Jamaica

  Jun 2011 - Sept 2013

  Senior Energy Engineer

  In my first role after graduate school - a formative role for me - I served as a technical advisor in Jamaica's central government. The experience expanded my technical knowledge and organisational skills immensely through training courses, international knowledge exchanges, and working with experienced professionals across several agencies. I learned that the keys to the energy transition weren't only technological, but also grounded in the way governments operate and the actions of the private sector. Show less

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  Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Gov't of Jamaica

  Oct 2013 - Jul 2016

  Senior Technical Officer, Mitigation

  Jamaica created a new ministerial portfolio for climate change, and I was on the starting team. The best thing about this role was the unique opportunity to help build a division of the civil service from the ground up. I was national coordinator for GHG mitigation activities across all sectors, and an advisor on low-emission development. I served as a UN negotiator in the run up to the Paris Accord, and wrote Jamaica's first NDC in 2015.

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  Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board

  Mar 2016 - Jan 2018

  CDM Executive Board Alternate Member for SIDS

  My performance as a UNFCCC negotiator led the small island states to nominate me to serve on the board of a Kyoto protocol mechanism. It was super humbling - I've never worked with a sharper, more politically deft, more international group. For two years, I worked on reform of rules and procedures for certification of emissions reductions. The best part: the conversations over a meal and a good German beer with the senior colleagues. It was a superb education in the technical and political aspects of international climate action. Show less

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  USAID

  Jul 2016 - Aug 2019

  Project Management Specialist (Energy)

  Rough seas make skillful sailors. I started as a program manager for regional energy activities, and a climate / environmental risk manager. Before 6 months had passed, there was a consequential election and big policy changes in the USG. The climate and energy portfolio was axed, and the organization restructured. I worked on implementing the new direction and trying to find the best solutions at the intersection of US and Caribbean interests. Seeing another government from the inside was very instructive (especially at such a dynamic time), and I made some connections that changed my life. Show less

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  Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

  Sept 2019 - Sept 2022

  Sustainable Energy Expert

  CARICOM established a new technical agency to help with Caribbean energy transitions, and I was recruited to help build the regional sustainable energy programme. My role was cross-cutting - integrated resource planning, project preparation, advisory services to clients, resource mobilization, business development, strategy development, and whatever else (when you're establishing a new organization, flexibility is essential). My biggest achievements were (1) implementing an energy efficiency programme at a regional hospital that saved ~30% on energy costs; and (2) winning a contract to implement USAID's Regional Energy Sector Reform program - at the time (2022), the biggest contract CCREEE had ever been awarded. Show less

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  RTI International

  Oct 2022 - now

  Deputy Chief of Party

  As Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID Energy Sector Reform project, I support Caribbean countries in bolstering the performance of their energy systems. I coordinate a fully remote team working in Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (so far). I also lead our work with regional organizations such as the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, the Caribbean Community Secretariat, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the CARICOM Development Fund. Show less