Daniela Cruz
Quito
Summary
Environment and climate change specialist with over 15 years of experience in program management, policy advisory, and international cooperation. Expertise in sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, climate finance, governance, equity and inclusion. Proven track record in mobilizing resources for environmental programming, securing strategic partnerships, providing strategic direction in high-level negotiations, and leading multi-stakeholder initiatives with governments, donors, NGOs, academia and indigenous organizations. Strong background in project design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and capacity-building and knowledge management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Management Specialist, Environment &Energy
United States Agency for International Development
10.2023 - Current
- Develop and manage USAID/Ecuador’s environmental portfolio overseeing bilateral and regional projects.
- Provide technical leadership in climate change, climate finance, biodiversity conservation, sustainable landscapes, economic growth, equity, inclusion and Indigenous Peoples.
- Lead program design, evaluations, sector-specific analysis and strategic planning, ensuring alignment with national and international priorities.
- Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, private sector, and indigenous organizations.
- Coordinate with other Mission programs as well as across USAID/Ecuador, the South America Regional Office, and USAID/Washington.
- Secure additional funding for environmental defenders, with a focus on women and youth.
Climate Change & Climate Finance Advisor
German Development Agency (GIZ)
10.2017 - 10.2023
- Led strategic initiatives on climate finance mobilization, resilience, and sustainable urban development within the Sustainable Intermediate Cities Program.
- Oversaw project design, implementation, monitoring, and closeout.
- Advised national and local governments on integrating climate change into territorial planning.
- Designed and launched a Climate Finance Mobilization Platform, securing investments for adaptation and mitigation.
- Established Ecuador’s first Public Policy Lab for Disaster Risk Management.
- Strengthened collaboration between Ecuador’s government counterparts and strategic stakeholders from the public sector, civil society, community-based organizations, academia, and the private sector.
- Designed and managed capacity-building strategies, knowledge management initiatives, and experience exchange programs.
Expert Consultant
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IU
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Led IUCN’s "Solutions for Amazon Protected Areas" initiative, overseeing research, analysis, and content development for the IUCN Panorama Platform.
- Provided technical advisory services on knowledge management, focusing on best practices for protected area management in the Amazon.
- Developed and refined technical content for the "Inspirational Stories" section of the IUCN Panorama Platform, highlighting innovative conservation solutions and lessons learned.
Mid-term Evaluation Expert
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Conducted a mid-term evaluation for the project "Development of the Landscape Approach Management in the National System of Protected Areas of Ecuador to Improve the Conservation of Endangered Wildlife at Risk of Global Extinction".
- Designed and implement a comprehensive evaluation methodology, and conducted data analysis and performance assessments.
- Engaged with key stakeholders, including government officials, project management teams, local communities, and donor representatives, to validate findings and ensure an inclusive and participatory evaluation process.
- Presented evaluation findings and strategic recommendations to UNDP leadership, Ministry of Environment representatives, and other key partners to support informed decision-making and program adjustments.
Specialist in Education for Agrobiodiversity
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
03.2017 - 07.2017
- · Developed the "Didactic Guide for the Production, Management, and Conservation of Agrobiodiversity," aligning educational content with FAO standards and international best practices.
- Conducted strategic, pedagogical, and technological analyses of the Ministry of Agriculture's Online Teaching-Learning System to evaluate its effectiveness in delivering agrobiodiversity education.
- Prepared comprehensive technical proposals with actionable recommendations for system enhancements, integrating modern e-learning methodologies and digital pedagogical trends.
- Facilitated capacity-building workshops and training sessions for educators and system administrators.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and acted as a liaison between FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, ensuring seamless communication and effective programme management.
Program Manager – Socio-Environmental Initiatives
Center for Education and Professional Promotion
01.2011 - 03.2017
- Designed, planed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated socio-environmental programs and projects, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and compliance with donor requirements.
- Managed Ecuador’s National School for Conservation Officers (Aula Verde), training 800+ government officials in protected areas.
- Led monitoring and evaluation processes for institutional socio-environmental programs to track progress and optimize performance.
- Developed strategic partnerships with NGO, international agencies, and academia to institutionalize conservation training.
- Led curriculum development for technical education programs in biodiversity and protected area management with an inclusive and gender approach.
- Provided technical and political advice and capacity-building support focused on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, and climate change adaptation.
- Maintained strong relationships with institutional counterparts (e.g., Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Education, SENESCYT, GIZ, VVOB, WWF, Conservation International, USFQ, UNDP) to promote strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
Educational Science Content and Editor
Santillana Publishing
12.2010 - 12.2015
- Led the creation and editing of educational materials—including books and methodological guides in Natural Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry—for basic education and high school.
- Oversaw the complete publication process, ensuring content quality, accuracy, and adherence to academic standards throughout drafting, reviewing, and final production.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts, educators, and stakeholders to integrate best practices, innovative teaching methods, and current scientific advancements.
Expert Curriculum Specialist
Ministry of Education, Ecuador
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Redesign and readjusted the Natural Sciences and Biology curricula for Basic Education and Baccalaureate (BGU) for the Ministry of Education.
- Developed comprehensive evaluation frameworks and provided evidence-based recommendations to enhance curriculum effectiveness and relevance.
- Collaborated with key stakeholders—including government officials, academic experts, and educators—to ensure curriculum alignment with national education standards and policy objectives.
- Prepared detailed reports and presentations for ministry leadership, incorporating data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to inform ongoing improvements.
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Jatun Sacha Foundation
05.2007 - 07.2008
- Managed the International Volunteer Program across Ecuador’s major ecosystems (Amazon, Galapagos, Andean highlands) to promote biodiversity conservation.
- Developed community-based conservation initiatives and environmental education programs.
- Designed and delivered training programs for indigenous community leaders to build ethno-ecological capacities that integrate conservation practices with quality-of-life improvements and gender equity.
- Monitored and evaluated program performance.
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations and international agencies to enhance program reach and impact.
Education
International Diploma - Human Rights, Sustainable Development
Henry Dunant International Institute
Chile06-2012
Master of Science - Environmental Sciences – Sustainable Development
Utrecht University
The Netherlands 01-2011
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE)
Quito, Ecuador10-2006
Skills
- Project & program adaptive management
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning, adaptive management
- Climate finance mobilization and policy, climate risk assessment, environmental and social safeguards
- Biodiversity and conservation, protected area management, indigenous land rights, inclusion and gender approach
- Multilateral cooperation, stakeholder engagement, partnerships and negotiation with government, donors, private sector, civil society organizations, IPLCs, academia
- Personal and social skills: Adaptability and flexibility, self-motivation, result oriented, autonomy, proactivity, leadership, responsibility and team working skills
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
French
Upper intermediate
B2
Certifications and trainings
- USAID Assistance & Contracting (USAID/ Federal Aquisition Institute)
- Certified Contracting Officer´s Representative (USAID/ Federal Aquisition Institute)
- Combating trafficking in person (USAID / Federal Aquisition Institute)
- Climate Risk Management & Environmental Compliance (USAID)
- Program Cycle (USAID / Federal Aquisition Institute)
- Political Role of Advisors & Dialogue Facilitation (GIZ)
- Information security and data protection (GIZ)
- Comprehensive integrity behavior training program (GIZ)
- Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience (Henry Dunant Institute)
- Gender approach (UN Women)
- Climate Change approach (UN Women)
- · Project management standards focused on results (IDB)
- · Challenges for sustainability (Graz University)
REFERENCES
- Ben Schapiro, Environment and Energy Officer, USAID/Ecuador: bschapiro@usaid.gov / schapiroben@gmail.com
- Maria Victoria Chiriboga, Resilient Cities Program Coordinator. GIZ, Ecuador: maria.chiriboga@giz.de
- Galo Nina, Cooperation Aggregate. European Union in Ecuador: galo.NINA@eeas.europa.eu
Timeline
Project Management Specialist, Environment &Energy
United States Agency for International Development
10.2023 - Current
Climate Change & Climate Finance Advisor
German Development Agency (GIZ)
10.2017 - 10.2023
Expert Consultant
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IU
04.2017 - 10.2017
Mid-term Evaluation Expert
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
04.2017 - 10.2017
Specialist in Education for Agrobiodiversity
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
03.2017 - 07.2017
Expert Curriculum Specialist
Ministry of Education, Ecuador
08.2014 - 01.2015
Program Manager – Socio-Environmental Initiatives
Center for Education and Professional Promotion
01.2011 - 03.2017
Educational Science Content and Editor
Santillana Publishing
12.2010 - 12.2015
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Jatun Sacha Foundation
05.2007 - 07.2008
International Diploma - Human Rights, Sustainable Development
Henry Dunant International Institute
Master of Science - Environmental Sciences – Sustainable Development
Utrecht University
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE)
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