The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data is made up of a Secretariat, governed by a Board of Directors, both of which receive guidance from a Technical Advisory Group.

Our Secretariat is a global team spread across Bogotá, Conakry, Lagos, Nairobi, Brussels, London, Austin, New York, and Washington D.C.

Claire Melamed

Claire Melamed

Chief Executive Officer

Claire (pronunciation) leads the Global Partnership's Secretariat. She was previously Managing Director of the Overseas Development Institute, and in 2014, she worked in the office of the UN Secretary General, writing the report of the Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution, “A World That Counts.” She is an Affiliated Researcher at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge and serves on a number of Boards and advisory groups for institutions including the UK Office of National Statistics Data Science Campus, Full Fact, and Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance Index. She is based in London.

Jenna (pronunciation) previously was Director of Sustainable Development Policy at the United Nations Foundation. She has over 12 years of experience at the UN and working on UN policy issues related to sustainable development and peacebuilding, with a focus on analyzing the political dynamics around the 2030 Agenda, development data, and the UN’s peacebuilding architecture. Jenna worked for the UN Development Programme and for Building Markets in Kosovo. She holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. She is based in New York City.

Davis (pronunciation) works across sectors through national data roadmap processes to define strategies that support their priorities for investments and innovations in data. Davis previously worked as the Global Partnership's Regional Director for Africa. Prior to this, Davis worked for CIVICUS World Alliance as Senior Advisor of Data, Accountability, and Sustainable Development, and for Development Initiatives as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships, and Data Use. He is based in Nairobi.

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Jennifer Oldfield

Senior Director of External Relations

Jennifer (pronunciation) previously worked for the UN, in UNDP’s Human Development Report Office and for the United Nations Global Pulse initiative. In 2014, she helped the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on a Data Revolution for Sustainable Development deliver A World That Counts. Jennifer spent 10 years working for the UK Government as a speechwriter, digital engagement specialist, and in the UK Prime Minister’s Office as Prime Minister Cameron’s website editorial and social media lead. She is based in New York City.

Colleen Wile

Senior Director of Operations

Colleen (pronunciation) manages the Global Partnership’s budgeting, compliance, and procurement processes. She has previously worked at the Institute of International Education and American Councils for International Education. She holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame and an MA from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. She is based in Washington, D.C.

Charu

Charu Vijayakumar

Senior Director of Impact and Learning

Charu (pronunciation) leads on driving a learning culture internally through systems and processes that use evidence to improve impact and externally by contributing to the growing body of knowledge on the value of data for sustainable development. She has previously worked in consulting, civil society, and research contexts and holds a MPA from the London School of Economics. She is based in Washington, D.C.

Karen (pronunciation) works on advancing the Global Partnership's policy work on data equity and inclusion and supports the strengthening of foundational data systems. Karen leads the organization’s work in the administrative data collaborative and our work on citizen-generated data. Karen has spent over 10 years working in international development, and before joining the Global Partnership, led technical analysis at Development Initiatives, Africa office. She completed her MA in Economics, specializing in health economics and public finance, at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. When not working, Karen enjoys cooking, travelling and spending time with family. She is based in Nairobi.

Lesley-Ann Blackburn

Lesley-Ann Blackburn

Learning Manager

Lesley-Ann (pronunciation) works on driving the Global Partnership’s learning services and offers. She has previously worked in Academia, Public Sector and the International Development arena in roles that spanned educational technology, training and education, learner support and learning content design and delivery. Lesley-Ann is among the US Department of State International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) alumni. She is based in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Mike Bolton

Technical Advisor – Inclusive Data Charter

Mike (pronunciation) leads on supporting Inclusive Data Charter Champions to develop and implement their commitments to improving inclusive data within their organizations. Mike is seconded from the UK Office for National Statistics and has previously worked on sourcing data for the UK to report against its SDG commitments. He holds a PhD from the University of East Anglia. He is based in Cardiff.

Karen Chavez

Karen Chavez

Latin America and The Caribbean Program Manager

Karen contributes to programmatic work in the LAC Region. Before joining the Global Partnership, she co-chaired the IAEG-SDGs, and worked as an advisor for the Colombian Statistical Office by leading the SDG team, the production process of statistical briefs, and the publication of data innovations as experimental statistics. Karen has also worked for academia, private sector and the Colombian Congress, in tasks related to public policy. She holds a M.S. in Economics, a B.A. in Economics, and a B.A. in Finance and International Trade. She is based in Bogota.

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Tichafara Chisaka

Program Manager – Inclusive Data Charter

Ticha (pronunciation) leads on engaging current Inclusive Data Charter champions, as well as strengthening monitoring, knowledge sharing, and learning from the initiative. Tichafara has worked for Plan International, the Overseas Development Institute, and BBC Media Action, amongst others. She has over 14 years of experience designing, planning, managing, and implementing complex global projects and programs in various sectors. Tichafara holds a Masters in International Relations with International Law from the University of Kent and a post-graduate certificate in Social Research from Birkbeck, University of London. She is based in London.

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Fatuma Faarah

Campaign Officer, Data Values Project

Fatuma (pronunciation) has several years of experience in communications, digital marketing, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. She has worked with several public and international development institutions, including the University of Toronto, Digital Opportunity Trust, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Development Programme, and World University Services of Canada. Fatuma graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelors of Environmental Studies and International Development and has a Masters of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies from the Toronto Metropolitan University. She is based in Ontario, Canada.

Patrick Figgins

Patrick Figgins

Operations Associate

Patrick (pronunciation) works as part of the Operations team supporting the Global Partnership by assisting with financial processes and providing logistical support to the Secretariat. As the Operations Associate, he is integral to ensuring that internal and external events are successful by helping to arrange travel and logistics. He recently graduated from the University of Sussex with a bachelor's in International Development and French. He is based in Brighton, UK.

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James Henderson

Agriculture Data Manager

James works on increasing political support for agriculture data with the Rome-based UN Agencies and diplomatic community by fostering collaboration among like-minded countries and partners to push for changes that will enable them to strengthen their data and statistics efforts. James has over ten years of experience in international agricultural policy research, engagement, and advocacy. He holds a BSc. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, an MSc. in Environmental Governance from the University of Freiburg (Germany) and is completing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn (Germany). He is based in Bonn.

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Alan Hollis

Operations Officer

Alan (pronunciation) focuses on supporting the CEO, Board, and Technical Advisory Group, as well as working on event logistics. As part of the administrative support team, he also works on internal business processes. His background is in nonprofit administration and he has an undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster and a master’s from the University of Akron. He is based in Washington, D.C.

Lizzy Hvide

Senior Communications Manager

Lizzy is a communications and digital strategist with extensive experience from the not-for-profit and private sectors. Her focus is on making the communication across our channels inclusive, accessible and engaging to our audiences. Previously she worked at the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, social innovation organisation Nesta, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Lizzy is based in Oslo, Norway.

Headshot Kellie Johnson

Kellie Johnson

Operations Manager

Kellie supports the Global Partnership as part of the Operations Team. She previously served as a member of the Business Services & Contracts team at the United Nations Foundation (UNF). Before joining UNF, she worked at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts as a member of their Operations Team. She has a BS in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University, as well as a Masters of International Business from the University of South Carolina and an MS in International Management from Bocconi University. She is based in Washington, D.C.

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Linet Kwamboka

Senior Program Manager, Data for Now

Linet (pronunciation) is responsible for supporting countries to access and use the data they need to tackle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-COVID response. Prior to this, she was the CEO at DataScience, Mozilla Foundation Fellow, consultant, and served as the Project Manager for the Kenya Open Data Initiative and the Open Government Partnership. She has been recognized as one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government and a top three finalist in the Bloomberg Award of Global Open Data Champions.

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Janet McLaren

Policy Manager

Janet (pronunciation) works within the Policy team to translate the Global Partnership's vision for accountable data governance into real-world impacts. Janet joined the Global Partnership in 2021 to help shape our external-facing policy work into compelling stories, messaging, and campaigns in ways that were accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Janet has worked as a journalist, editor, and program manager in a range of contexts and is co-author of the forthcoming book, Global Development: Poverty, Inequality and the Politics of Data, along with Dr. Catherine Weaver at the University of Texas. Janet holds degrees in Journalism and Global Policy Studies. She is based in Austin, Texas.

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Fabrizio Moscatelli

Consultant

Fabrizio is a consultant at the Global Partnership. He works on building relationships and assessing interests with UN Agencies and diplomatic community counterparts; increasing support from member states and agriculture sector stakeholders on the urgent need for investment in agricultural statistics; and empowering change makers within UN Agencies to advance changes that will strengthen data and statistics within the organizations. Previously, he worked as a political and development advisor for USAID at the U.S. Mission to UN Agencies in Rome, and as an economist for FAO and IFAD. He holds a Master in Economics and International Policies. He is based in Rome.

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Muthoni Mugo

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Program Officer

Muthoni (pronunciation) is responsible for monitoring progress, showcasing impact, and documenting and sharing learnings from the Global Partnership's activities and programs. Muthoni has more than 10 years of experience across Eastern and the Horn of Africa, where she has conducted research, results-based monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communications. She holds a BSc in Human Biology and an MA in Development Communication. She is based in Nairobi.

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Annita Mwagiru

Project Management Officer

Annita (pronunciation) works on the Capacity Development Program on increasing data skills and data demand for data among public and social impact sectors, building a community of data professionals. Prior to this, Annita worked for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network-Youth Initiative and for local CSOs in Nairobi, Kenya. She holds a Master of Science in Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development from the University of Bath. She is based on Nairobi.

Julia (pronunciation) works on partner network and engagement across over 700 member organizations. She maintains all up to date information on the Global Partnership’s network and helps with engagement. She recently graduated from Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy & International Relations with a BS in Diplomacy and Economics. She is based in New York City.

 

Victor (pronunciation) leads on country-level political and technical engagements that aim to catalyze progress and strengthen data ecosystems towards addressing key data issues for sustainable development at both the national and subnational level. He also provides expertise and support on other technical aspects of the Global Partnership’s strategy and work plan. Victor was formerly a Markets Engagement Manager for West Africa at GSMA. He is based in Lagos.

Joshua Omena, Campaign and Content Manager

Joshua Omena

Campaign and Content Manager

Josh oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic communication campaigns for the Global Partnership. He has 7 years of experience in advertising, content development, communication strategy, and creative direction. Josh has managed teams and projects, shaped brand identities with storytelling, and integrated technology and creativity to execute successful campaigns. He formerly worked for AfriLabs and Y&R Lagos and is based in Abuja, Nigeria.

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Lucy Pearson

Senior Strategy and Development Manager

Lucy (pronunciation) has over 10 years of experience working in the international development sector. Previously she was Head of Strategy and Development at the Global Network for Disaster Reduction, worked in think tanks researching the future of humanitarian action, and intergovernmental agencies mainstreaming resilience into development policies and plans. She has a Masters in Disasters, Adaptation and Development. She is based in London. 

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Francois Phopho Kamano

Francophone Program Manager

Francois (pronunciation) develops and leads the overall strategy and workplan for country-level engagement and partnership brokering in Francophone West Africa. Before joining the Global Partnership, Francois was the Sub Regional Project Officer for BirdLife International in West Africa. He is currently based in Conakry.

Estelle Robinson

Estelle Robinson

Engagement Manager

Estelle (pronunciation) leads the direction and development of the partnership network engagement, having previously managed the partner engagement for organisations such as UNOPS' Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage. She has over 15 years of experience working on partnerships, campaigns and advocacy within women’s rights, health and gender-based violence; environmental education; climate change; sanitation and hygiene, and affordable housing and housing finance. Bilingual in English and French, she holds a Masters in Gender and Development from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. She is based in Rugby, UK.

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Fredy Rodriguez

Senior Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Manager

Fredy (pronunciation) leads technical and political engagements in the region to close SDGs data gaps for evidence-based decision-making. Before joining the Global Partnership, Fredy was a Program Officer on Data for Sustainable Development at Cepei, a consultant on open data for the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, and a Coordinator of Statistical Regulation at the Colombian Statistics Office (DANE). He holds a MBA from the University Externado de Colombia and a BA in Business from Cardiff Met. University. He is based in Bogota.

Lydia (she/her) (pronunciation) previously worked for the Wellcome Trust and International Rescue Committee in a range of communications and advocacy roles. She has led campaigns on many global health and humanitarian relief issues, such as for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments, investment in antibiotic development and the impacts of climate change and health, as well as advocating for more support for Afghanistan from the UK Government and changes to UK policy on asylum and refugee resettlement. Originally from the UK, she is based in British Columbia, Canada.

Laura Tamayo

Laura Tamayo

Digital Communications Associate

Laura (pronunciation) started her career as a technology journalist and then specialized in creating digital content about Cloud/Data for demanding audiences and different platforms. She is passionate about turning complex topics into stories that connect with people. She studies Strategic Marketing Communications and supports The Global Partnership's digital communications strategy. She is based in Ontario, Canada.