AGUSTINA PALENCIA
Washington
Summary
Dedicated International Development professional and advocate with nearly ten years of proven expertise in driving positive change through research, policy analysis, and project management within the human rights sphere. Proficient across a broad spectrum of subjects, including development finance institutions (DFIs), accountability mechanisms, gender equality, and environmental and social (E&S) standards. Renowned for adept problem-solving, clear communication, and analytical prowess. Committed to fostering sustainable development that upholds and advances human rights principles at every stage.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Research and Policy Analyst
World Bank Group
Washington
03.2023 - Current
- Successfully contributed to the identification, collection, organization, and management of data within CAO, encompassing data entry, quality assurance, revision, and monitoring processes.
- Diligently conducted research and policy analysis on social and environmental issues (E&S) related to CAO's complaints, and translated insights into actionable recommendations, leveraging institutional knowledge for enhancing the E&S performance of IFC/MIGA.
- Coordinated and oversaw inputs for CAO's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, including stakeholder survey data collection, M&E report production, and Management Action Tracking Record coordination
- Interacted and liaised with IFC/MIGA management and Board of Directors to provide advice and guidance on improvements for their E&S policy, guidelines, and frameworks
- Reviewed policy and operational documents prior to the institution's consideration and provided feedback and guidance to ensure proper inclusion of E&S-related and human rights considerations
- Successfully lead and supported office-wide initiatives through participation in numerous cross-function working groups
- Provided inputs to CAO reports to CODE in a timely and accurate manner.
Program Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation)
ParlAmericas
Córdoba
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Developed and implemented performance evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives related to capacity building of parliaments in the areas of gender, climate change, and open government
- Conducted data collection, analysis, and interpretation to identify trends and patterns in program monitoring and evaluation data to inform decision-making and program improvement
Consultant
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
Córdoba
08.2019 - 03.2023
- Offered instrumental advocacy support to the Global Governance team, contributing to the successful formulation and execution of advocacy strategies targeting Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and grievance mechanisms, showcasing strategic thinking and collaboration skills
- Played a key role in assisting the Global Governance team in researching and developing various pieces of literature concerning business and human rights, as well as environmental and social policy standards, highlighting dedication to producing high-quality research outputs
- Supported the Global Governance team in preparing and reviewing comments for diverse Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards policy review processes at the Inter-American Development Bank, demonstrating attention to detail and expertise in policy analysis within the international development sphere
Senior Program Associate
Bank Information Center
Washington
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Collaborated with organizations in the Global South to monitor projects funded by the World Bank (WB) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), showcasing commitment to inclusive partnership and effective project oversight
- Leveraged project monitoring findings to drive advocacy efforts with multilateral development finance institutions (DFIs), influencing policy and operational decisions to enhance project outcomes and community impact
- Provided crucial support for high-level advocacy initiatives at the IDB, contributing to strategic efforts aimed at advancing sustainable development goals and promoting equitable access to resources
- Vigilantly monitored and analyzed the implementation of safeguards, guidance notes, and frameworks related to social and environmental protections in WB and IDB projects across diverse sectors, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards
- Conducted comprehensive research and analysis on international development finance, emphasizing the pivotal role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in fostering sustainable development and addressing global challenges
- Compiled and analyzed data on the social and environmental impacts of WB and IDB projects, delivering actionable recommendations for continuous institutional improvement and heightened accountability
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders, fostering collaboration and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout project lifecycles
Gender and social inclusion consultant
IREX
Córdoba
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Developed learning content to train, coach, and mentor Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) staff on best practices and tools
- Conducted GESI risk assessments with program teams to ensure adherence to IREX's Do No (More) Harm principles
- Successfully conducted a GESI analysis for a USAID-funded project in El Salvador
- Provided guidance and support to project teams in integrating gender and social inclusion principles into all aspects of project design and implementation
Research Analyst
Just Results
Washington
06.2020 - 12.2021
- Conducted research, data collection, and analysis on e-government initiatives, public sector reform, state modernization, labor markets, and value chains using Excel, SPPSS, and STATA
- Coordinated and participated in the preparation of successful grant proposals (including for organizations like World Bank Group, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID, USDA, etc.)
- Served as project manager for the YouthPower project funded by USAID
- Led a mid-term evaluation for a USDA-funded project in 5 countries, including conducting interviews and focus groups, preparing data collection tools, analyzing data, and writing sections for the final evaluation report
Consultant
National Democratic Institute
Washington
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Developed a toolkit for gender impact assessments at the local government level to achieve greater gender and social inclusion
- Conducted gender analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for women's political participation and representation in local democratic processes
- Conducted research on best practices for gender equality and inclusion at local governments and provided recommendations for improvement
Pro-bono Consultant - Gender Monitoring
Global Camps Africa
Washington
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Successfully developed the monitoring and evaluation framework for Global Camps Africa's project in South Africa, focused on decreasing girls' and adolescents' risk of HIV infection
- Accurately established data collection tools and indicators to analyze the project's performance and measure its impact from a gender perspective
- Collaborated with program staff to ensure that the gender monitoring and evaluation framework aligned with the organization's overall goals and objectives
- Conducted trainings and workshops for staff members on gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation techniques
Intern
National Endowment for Democracy
Washington
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Led the curation of a dynamic newsletter focusing on COVID-19 and misinformation, showcasing strong organizational skills and a commitment to disseminating accurate information during a critical global health crisis
- Facilitated the seamless organization of virtual events and webinars centered around democracy and human rights
- Contributed valuable research insights on emerging democracies and human rights issues
Consultant
OXFAM
Washington
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Authored a comprehensive report examining IFC's financial intermediaries lending portfolio and NGOs' advocacy strategies. Particularly, concerning CAO's functioning and its policy application when addressing complaints from financial intermediaries' projects
Program Manager - Democracy and Institutions
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
Córdoba
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Directed the seamless development and execution of diverse projects focused on enhancing access to information, civic accountability, anti-corruption, and open government initiatives
- Pioneered advocacy campaigns instrumental in driving positive changes in local and national governmental policies and legislation concerning access to information, transparency, and open government practices
- Spearheaded the creation of strategic partnerships and coalitions among varied civil society organizations, fostering collaborative efforts to champion anti-corruption and transparency policies within local and national government frameworks
Senior Projects Coordinator - Global Governance
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
Córdoba
07.2015 - 08.2019
- Spearheaded collaborative efforts with project manager and team members to formulate comprehensive project plans, focusing on development finance institutions (DFIs), accountability mechanisms, and Chinese investments, as well as business and human rights agendas
- Orchestrated the creation of multiple publications on DFIs, grievance mechanisms, and business and human rights, demonstrating adept leadership and coordination skills
- Diligently monitored DFIs projects across Argentina and Latin America, providing crucial support to project-affected communities in developing and executing effective advocacy strategies
- Successfully coordinated the drafting and submission of comments to several DFIs policy review processes
Intern
Center for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO)
Amsterdam
02.2018 - 04.2018
- Successfully led a comprehensive research endeavor on DFIs accountability mechanisms across various international financial institutions utilizing meticulous methodologies to compile and analyze data and lessons learned from each accountability mechanism
Education
MA - International Development Studies
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.05-2021
Superior Diploma - Public Policy Management And Evaluation
Facultad Latinoamericana De Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO)
Córdoba03-2018
Post-graduate Diploma - Human Rights
Universidad Catolica De Cordoba
Córdoba12-2017
Diploma - Political Science And Government
Universidad Catolica De Cordoba
Córdoba12-2016
BA - International Affairs
Universidad Siglo 21
Córdoba05-2016
Skills
- Research (quantitative and qualitative)
- Policy analysis and evaluation
- Data collection
- Project management
- Report/Briefs writing
- Communication
- Ability to work under pressure
- Time management
- Analytical thinking
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office
- Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, R, and STATA
- Advanced Knowledge of MDBs E&S frameworks and IAMs policies
Relevant Courses and Certifications
- Social Impact Assessment, 2022, Inter-American Development Bank
- Environmental and Social Performance Standard 9: Gender Equality, 2022,
Inter-American Development Bank
Publications
- Strengthening Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in IFC-Financed Projects, 2024, Compliance Advisor Ombudsman - Advisory Function
- Responsible Exit: Insights from CAO cases, 2023, Compliance Advisor Ombudsman - Advisory Function
- The Remedy Gap: Lessons from CAO Compliance and Beyond, 2023, Compliance Advisor Ombudsman - Advisory Function
- Jobs for All: Employment Social Enterprise and Economic Mobility in the United States., 2021, Just Results
- Latin America's role in the Chinese 'Belt and Road' strategy, 2019, Fundeps - Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies
- Comparative analysis on the environmental, social and access to information policy frameworks of traditional, emerging and Chinese financial institutions with presence in Latin America., 2018, Fundeps - Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies
- Developing Effective Grievance Mechanisms in the Banking Sector, 2018, Contribution to Bank Track's paper
- A path towards sustainable development: Human Rights Policies in ASEAN, 2014, Brumario Journal
Accomplishments
- 2019 Fulbright Scholar
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Research and Policy Analyst
World Bank Group
03.2023 - Current
Program Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation)
ParlAmericas
11.2022 - 03.2023
Gender and social inclusion consultant
IREX
06.2022 - 09.2022
Senior Program Associate
Bank Information Center
11.2021 - 11.2022
Consultant
National Democratic Institute
07.2021 - 10.2021
Pro-bono Consultant - Gender Monitoring
Global Camps Africa
08.2020 - 05.2021
Research Analyst
Just Results
06.2020 - 12.2021
Intern
National Endowment for Democracy
06.2020 - 08.2020
Consultant
OXFAM
10.2019 - 12.2019
Consultant
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
08.2019 - 03.2023
Intern
Center for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO)
02.2018 - 04.2018
Program Manager - Democracy and Institutions
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
07.2016 - 08.2019
Senior Projects Coordinator - Global Governance
Fundeps (Fundacion para el desarrollo de politicas sustentables)
07.2015 - 08.2019
MA - International Development Studies
George Washington University
Superior Diploma - Public Policy Management And Evaluation
Facultad Latinoamericana De Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO)
Post-graduate Diploma - Human Rights
Universidad Catolica De Cordoba
Diploma - Political Science And Government
Universidad Catolica De Cordoba
BA - International Affairs
Universidad Siglo 21
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