Surendra Bhatta

Experience

• 

  IUCN

  Aug 1993 - May 1995

  Junior Consultant

  Worked as a consultant for EIA studies of the Upper Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric project and the Alternative Analysis of Solid Waste Dumping Sites.• Designed and conducted research to assess the impact in the local market and market economy caused by the construction and operation of the Upper Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric plant. Produced independent report on impact on local market. The 25 MW plant was the first hydroelectric plant developed by the private sector in Nepal.• Conducted physical environmental and cost-benefit analysis (establishment and operational, including impact on socioeconomic conditions) of solid waste dumping sites. Also assisted consultant in socio¬economic impact assessment and of alternative dumping sites as part of EIA study. • Collected and compiled data on capabilities of Nepalese GOs & NGOs to conduct and /or monitor EIA studies Show less

• 

  Agro Enterprice Center (FNCCI/Nepal)

  Jun 1995 - Mar 1997

  Agro Marketing Program Manager

  AEC is a USAID and FNCCI joint program for the promotion of agribusiness in Nepal. Responsibilities included identifying possible ventures and partners (domestic and international) for market-oriented development of agro-commodities.• Conducted market assessments, assessments of marketing, and assessments of other support needs of entrepreneurs and/or farmers. Responsible for formulation and implementation of technical, managerial, and material supports to enhance business based on agricultural commodities.• Planned, designed, and implemented support activities (marketing) and prepared market profile, marketing plans, and programs for clients.• Prepared Request for Proposal (RFP) and Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultants for carrying out feasibility studies, business plans, and contract research, as well as their monitoring and review.• Coordinated/supervised AEC’s regional liaison office (RLO) program activities in Far Western Development Region. Worked closely with Nepalese business communities at FNCCI. Encouraged and supported creation of five Private Ltd. companies in one-and-a-half years.• Organized, coordinated, and led business trip of Nepalese entrepreneurs/farmers to Indian cities (markets).• Organized and participated in various exhibitions/workshops in both Nepal and India. Show less

• 

  UNDP

  Mar 1997 - Jul 1999

  Particpatory District Dev. Program (UNDP /Nepal) - Managed programs for economic development and participatory planning in 20 districts in Nepal. Responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and backstopping the economic development activity of PDDP, the largest UNDP decentral¬iza¬tion and governance program in Nepal.• Designed, implemented, and monitored community-based economic development programs to support rural enterprises, mostly agriculture and forest-based enterprises in 20 districts with direct supervision of 20 professionals.• Conceptualized and implemented new public-private partnership program for local industrial and commercial development through the establishment of revolving trust fund, the “Public-Private Part¬nership Facility” (PPF). The program emphasized economic development through promotion of good local governance, sustain¬able utilization of local resources, and private sector partnership.• Authored Strategy Series #2/98, “Public-Private Partnership — Conceptual and Operational Framework for UNDP/Nepal.• Formulated guidelines and trained project staffs for preparation of “Enterprise Development Plans” and their implementation. Monitored and backstopped the growth of supported enterprises and markets. Show less Sustainable Community Development Programme, (Capacity 21) (SCDP/UNDP) Nepal - Based on the Capacity 21 principles of the United Nations, this program focused on sustainable development of communities. Responsibilities included formulating program strategies and institutional arrangements at the field level and monitoring and evaluating works of partner NGOs.• Formulated sustainable community development demonstrative model with the integration of environmental management, economic growth (agro enterprise, small and medium enterprises) , and social development provisions. Worked extensively with CBOs.• Conceptualized the institutional and operational modality of a revolving trust fund, the “Sustainable Development Facility” (SDF) for growth of local enterprises. Established SDF in three districts through contractual agreement among the program, participating NGO, and local authorities/governments.• Responsible for evaluation of program strategies and activities to reflect community needs, in Midwestern region of Nepal. Also supervised implementation of program in one of the program districts. Show less

  • Enterprise Development Advisor

    Jan 1998 - Jul 1999

  • Sustainable Development Officer

    Mar 1997 - Dec 1997
• 

  International Development at AECOM

  Jun 2000 - Dec 2009

  Sustainable Development Advisor

  •Managed and provided technical backstopping of AECOM’s field projects in water, environment and regional development a US$ 75 million portfolio.•Overall responsible for smooth operation of AECOM/EWRD division’s projects in Asia, such as Alternative Development Project North (ADP/N) , Environment Cooperation Asia (ECO-Asia) that dealt with water and sanitation and DIESEL- regional programs based in Thailand, and LINAW - decentralized sanitation, in Philippines. He also contributed in designing ADP/N evaluation study and coauthored “Analysis of ADP/N Economic Benefits” and ADP/N final project completion report.• Lead and completed The World Bank funded study (as team leader) ―Preparing for climate change: Adaptation Strategies for Urban Water Supply Utilities,” in 2009.• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for ADP/N, a US$60 million USAID program on alternative livelihood and rural infrastructure in Afghanistan from 2005-2009• Project Manager for Eco-Asia, a $30 million regional program in water supply and sanitation for Southeast Asia funded by USAID from 2005-2008.•Project Manager and M&E Specialist for DIESEL, a US$1 million USAID/GDA program on air pollution in Bangkok from 2004-2006.•Project Manager for LINAW II, a US$1 million program on decentralized sanitation in Philippines from 2006-2007. • M&E Specialist for KEVA / NCTEA, a US$2 million USAID/GDA program in Kathmandu Nepal on sustenance on electric vehicle industry and employment generation from 2002 -2007• Technical Analyst supporting USAID/W Climate Change Team with research, analysis, monitoring through Environment Information Clearinghouse (EIC) project in Washington DC from 2000-2004• Team Member of task force funded by USAID for preparation of "Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programming Guide" from 2000-2001• Team leader and Technical Writer for various proposals prepared for USAID, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, from 2000-2008 Show less

• 

  PADCO | AECOM

  Jun 2000 - Dec 2007

  Sustainable Development Advisor

  See description under AECOMPADCO Inc was Aquired by AECOM in 2005 and operated as PADCO| AECOM until 2007International development program design and management; performance monitorong & evaluation; water supply and sanitation ; climate change; socio-economic analysis; regional development; clean air; small and medium enterprise development; agri-business development

• 

  USAID

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Team Leader Agribusiness / Alternative Development Advisor (USAID/Kabul)

  • Provided overall supervision, oversight and guidance to agribusiness activities of US $700M agriculture program portfolio consisting several contract and cooperative agreements.• Supervised working of 4 FSNs, 4 A/COTRs and five implementing partners.• Lead the discussions on value-chains, represented USAID in various intra-agency forums on agriculture and community development working groups. So effective were the tools developed for coordination I was informally referred as the “value chain guy” in the mission.• Lead the Afghan First Initiative to facilitate local procurement by USG/NATO contingents in Afghanistan that involved ground level coordination among various USAID offices, DOD, US Military contractors, implementing partners, private sector and Government of Afghanistan.• As alternate A/COTR, supervised implementation of US $131 Million Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) project (contract) and US $30Million Commercial Horticulture and Agriculture Marketing Program (CHAMP a cooperative agreement)• Successfully coordinated organization ( as “Control Person” ) of Kabul International Ag-fair with implementing partner, largest Ag-fair yet in Afghanistan with 175 booths, 40 international buyers, and was attended by 35,000 people – in a very complex and insecure socio-political environment.• Successfully lead the design of several agriculture development programs such as Value chain activity for south, Agriculture credit (ACE) activity on Wheat, Water etc.• Lead group of Afghan trader to Delhi to facilitate the trade and business linkages/relationships. Show less

• 

  Self-employed

  Jan 2010 - now

  International Development Expert / Consultant (Economic Growth, Food Security, market system)

  International Development Expert - Strategy/Program Design, implementation oversight, troubleshooting, M&E, client relationship- (Economic Growth, Food Security, Value Chains, agribusiness, Market Systems, partnerships, Community Development) in Asia and Africa. Experience working with implementers, private sector and Donors.• Strategy/ project design and oversight – fully cognizant of international norms / guidelines on project planning, implementation and oversight; Trained as USAID COR, supervised projects as A/COR - ASAP (50 mill, Afghanistan, 2010), FED (75 mill, Liberia, 2012/13) CHAMP (30 mill, Afghanistan, ) SHOPS (5 mill, Liberia, 2012/13); mentored and guided many A/CORs in project planning and supervision in Afghanistan, Liberia, Mozambique (2015), Myanmar (2017) and Tajikistan (2019) DRC (2023-24) .• Project start-up, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL)– Helped start-up of multiple projects with logistics, and initial deliverable like work plan, PMP and staffing (KEVA, Nepal, 2004; ADP, Afghanistan, 2005, Eco Asia, Bangkok 2006, DIESEL, Bangkok, 2007). Designed evaluation SOW of many programs, lead annual FTF portfolio review process on behalf of USAID. Co-led evaluation teams including FTF portfolio assessment of Nepal, Zimbabwe and evaluation of activity in Liberia.• Economic growth, livelihood, agribusiness, partnerships, market system and food security - since 2010, as Senior Advisor, supported Nine USAID missions (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, Tajikistan, Zimbabwe, Liberia DRC Congo and Mozambique) - provided overall leadership / oversight to portfolios comprising food security, economic growth, agribusiness, markets, livelihood, trade, water and resilience with budget ranging US$10 - 200 mill per year. In latest assignment in DRC, he led development of country level food security strategy (20 mill a year) and flagship projects including realignment of existing activities and coordination with humanitarian aid activities. Show less

• 

  ICF International

  Apr 2011 - May 2011

  Expert Consultant

  As Expert Consultant, provided advice and guidance to ICF’s international programs on Climate Change Adaptation and related areas of agribusiness and livelihood. Lead technical writer reviewer for sections of proposals. Provided guidance and solutions to ICF on USAID funded project management issues and challenges.

• 

  USAID

  Jul 2011 - Oct 2013

  Advisory support, Program Design, Implementation supervision, performance monitoring of programs in Agriculture productivity, Agribusiness, livelihood, Value Chain strengthening.Developed new concepts for its feed the future portfolio; Oversee implementation of complex yet the single largest FtF project ($75 mill) as COR in Liberia. Lead economic growth office as Acting Chief of Office over summer of 2012 - managed six separate activities for 3 months as respective A/COR; Co chaired Agriculture donors working group in Liberia and conducted /lead the meeting and facilitated necessary coordination. Advise on program monitoring and evaluations.Supported mission with its interagency FTF portfolio review with identification of key issues and discussions.Received " Cash Performance Award" for "in recognition of ....leadership in Economic Growth Office as Acting Office Chief over the summer of 2012. Additionally he led the Donor's Working Group" Show less Coordinated design and development of USAID /Bangladesh's FTF program - Supported USAID mission with : --- Overall advisory support in programs related to Value chain, agri-business, project ocordination, M&E, Indicators, project design, USAID procurements guidelines for USAID/Bangladesh's 200+ million FtF portfolio.--- Review of USAIDs Multi-Year Feed the Future (FtF) strategy for Bangladesh--- Development of mechanism to improve coordination among implementing partners across projects.--- Conceptualization FtF activities (200+million) for Bangladesh.--- Development performace indicator and M&E approach to FtF for Mission--- Contributed to drafting of multiple FtF Activity descriptions and as per USAID guidelines.--- Contributed to development and operationlization of FtF scale up plan--- Developed breifing material and presentations on USAID's FtF plans and programs both for national govt as well as high level US deligations.Awarded a Meritorious Honor Award - USAID/Bangladesh, May 2012-“For outstanding leadership, management and organization of the Feed the FUture scale-up and new procurements, enabling USAID/Bangladesh to serve as a role model for implementing President Obama's Feed the Future Initiative" Show less

  • Senior Agriculture/ Agribusiness Advisor (USAID/Liberia)

    Apr 2012 - Oct 2013

  • Feed the Future Design Consultant / Coordinator (USAID/Bangladesh)

    Jul 2011 - Mar 2012
• 

  Development and Training Services

  Nov 2013 - Feb 2014

  Lead Consultant (USAID/Zimbambwe Agriculture Portfolio Evaluation)

  Provided technical leadership to the 4 member team on Evaluation of Agriculture Portfolio of USAID/Zimbabwe mission. Provided over all technical direction on evaluation planning, Key interviews, literature reviews, data analysis and report drafting and recommendation. Evaluation included four existing programs and several completed projects with budget of approximately US$ 90 million. This evaluation focused on appropriateness of program design, their impact and alignment with Feed the Future initiative and provided recommendation for future activity programming. Show less

• 

  USAID

  Mar 2014 - Sept 2015

  Feed the Future Coordinator (USAID/Mozambique / FSSC)

  Responsible for overall coordination of USAID/Mozambique's Feed the Future (FtF) related activities. Provided overall management oversight of USAID/ Mozambique's Agriculture and food security program portfolio with annual budget of over US$ 22 million. Monitored and realigned existing programs, designed multiple new projects and coordinated with USAID/W and other USG agencies in food security related activities. Portfolio included programs that promoted Agriculture research, Value chain strengthening, enabling policy and private sector partnerships in agriculture. Organized and managed Agriculture Donors Working group (AgRED) as Chairperson on behalf of USAID. Liaised with Ministry of Agriculture to further and facilitate CAADP and New Alliance activities in Mozambique. As coordinator supervised working of Seven staff (3 US and 4 local) in Agriculture Environment and Business office of USIAD/Mozambique. Show less

• 

  USAID / FSSC /Social Impact

  Nov 2015 - Feb 2016

  Sr. Agribusiness specialist / Dpt. Team Leader (Agriculture /Feed the Future Assessment - Nepal)

  Part of team conducting "Assessment of Agriculture Sector in feed the future Zone of Influence in Nepal". This study has been commissioned by USAID/Nepal to assess the effect of existing USAID/Nepal’s FtF interventions, its alignment with GON priorities, identify gap in its programs and approach and provide recommendation for future activities. --- Responsible for planning the study. consultation with existing programs, GON, donors and site visits and focus group interviews, analysis of USAID's strategy and GON strategies. Show less

• 

  USAID Food Security Service Centre

  Apr 2016 - Jan 2017

  Food Security and Agriculture Advisor

  Provided overall coordination and oversight of agriculture and food security portfolio of USAID/Myanmar including budget planning, obligation of funds and activity monitoring. Specifically, reviewed strategy, workplans, approach and activities of $14 million a year program portfolio; guiding mission staff and implementing partners’ in activity design, implementation and reporting; mentoring of FSN staff; developed briefing papers for various audiences and high-level visits; and managed FTF monitoring, reporting and coordination with USAID/BFS. Show less

• 

  Social Impact

  Feb 2017 - Aug 2017

  Short Term consultancies

  • Team member of a post project impact evaluation team (as agriculture economist) for Smallholder Oil Palm Support (SHOP - II) - project funded by USAID in Liberia. • Peer Review of four separate papers written for Liberia Development Conference organized by USAID; 1) Perspective on Jobs, Livelihood, Entrepreneurship and the Informal sector in Liberia; 2) Role of Youth in Community Development & Political Leadership; 3) How Liberia can diversify its economy for inclusive growth; and 4) Tackling Liberia’s youth employability and workforce development complexities. Show less

• 

  USAID

  Jul 2018 - Jan 2019

  Economic Growth Team Lead

  Overall responsible of effective coordination and implementation of Economic growth activities that include Feed the Future / food security activities, energy transmission and other general economic development activities in Tajikistan. This include leading a team of Five staff (A/COR) of economic growth office in USAID’s Tajikistan Country Office; Providing technical/managerial leadership and implementation oversight to Six separate activities, a portfolio of over US$ 10 million dollar a year; Represented USAID in donor coordination meetings and also in different national and international forum. Show less

• 

  Social Solutions International, Inc.

  Feb 2021 - Mar 2023

  Technical Advisor

  Responsible for providing subject matter expert advice in specific sectors and technical areas within the USAID funded Pacific American Fund’s (PAF) scope and specifically addressing the objectives, expected outcomes, and activities of prospective and successful grantees; serve on Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) to evaluate applications received under PAF’s Grants Solicitation, evaluate Concept Papers and Full Applications. And, to provide targeted technical assistance and capacity building support to selected successful grantees on an ongoing and ad hoc basis. Scope of PAF’s technical areas include environment; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); climate change adaptation; private sector competitiveness and market based enterprise and economic growth; basic education; disaster resilience; COVID-19 and access to health services. Evaluated 140 such concept papers focusing on natural resources management , market based economic growth, WASH, Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation. Show less

• 

  USAID

  Nov 2022 - Jan 2025

  Senior Technical Advisor Trade and Economic Growth / FtF Team Leader

  Hired as Institutional Support contractor through RISSA mechanism, responsible for providing overall leadership to Agriculture and food security portfolio of USAID/DRC, - coordination with programs and partners; development of FtF strategy, performance monitoring and oversight; new activity design; budget management and communication and reporting with USAID/Washington. Spearheaded the Feed the Future (FTF) programing for the USIAD/DRC, successfully developed first ever FTF country plan for DRC, designed FTF flagship activity ($40 mill) with market system approach for food security and Six complementary projects in policy, seed system, climate smart technologies and private sector partnerships. Developed and led unique consultative field study to assess investment gaps and programing opportunities and ultimately identifying the FTF zone of influence. Contributed in planning of first ever Agriculture investment forum in DRC.Provided overall oversight and mentorship for the economic growth portfolio (US$ 20 M/year) of the USAID/DRC. This included guidance to staff on management and compliance of Contracts and Grants, event planning, coordination, review of plans, progress reports, and field monitoring; onboarding of Five new staff; moderated round table discussion on Food security; Led and oversaw obligation of funds ($20 million), activity modification, and managed VIP visits as site officer.Conceptualized activities to manage a large pipeline (16 million) including creation of two activities with Grant Under Contract (GUC ) that led the co-development of Fourteen local partnership (in cocoa, coffee, rice, casava, seed), to promote famers access to market and the local value addition.Provided ad-hoc trouble shootings, taskers, and managed interagency and external relationships. Award - Received “Certification of Appreciation” award for being an “exceptional officer” by USAID/DRC - 2023. Show less