ALEX PAVLOVIC
Washington
Summary
Senior international development leader with over 20 years of experience and proven record managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, and leading large technical assistance teams and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. High technical capacity in areas of competitiveness, private sector and SME development, trade policy, and market systems strengthening. Recognized for delivering systemic results policy reforms, and advancing green transition and digitalization within economic development programs.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Party – Big Small Business Project
ACDI/VOCA
06.2022 - 05.2025
- Direct a $21M USAID-funded programme advancing SME competitiveness in agriculture, machinery, and equipment sectors.
- Designed and co-negotiated a $450M finance credit guarantee facility with the U.S. DFC, Ministry of Finance, and local banks.
- Facilitated national-level policy dialogues with ministries and chambers to align Serbia’s competitiveness agenda with EU acquis.
- Integrated digital tools and green transition principles into SME support interventions. Launched innovative alternative finance mechanisms via Web 3 options for investments in agriculture and green energy.
- Coordinated closely with EBRD, World Bank, and EU IPARD programs to leverage synergies.
- Lead a multi-disciplinary team of 20 staff and subcontractors; ensure donor compliance and adaptive management.
Chief of Party – Competitive Systems Strengthening Project (CSS)
Cardno Emerging Markets
06.2017 - 05.2022
- Directed a $15M USAID initiative enhancing Serbia’s agro-food sector competitiveness and export readiness.
- Launched a $90M credit guarantee mechanism with the Ministry of Agriculture and U.S. DFC, improving SME access to finance.
- Oversaw reforms aligning trade practices with EU standards, promoting innovation and sustainable business models.
- Partnered with business associations, academia, and regional networks to strengthen enabling environment.
Chief of Party – PROFIT+ Project
ACDI/VOCA
12.2014 - 05.2017
- Managed a $24M USAID Feed the Future programme to transform agricultural market systems and SME competitiveness.
- Facilitated public-private partnerships and commodity exchange integration, generating $125M in trade and $50M in private investment.
- Mainstreamed climate-smart and inclusive business practices across the country.
Technical Director – Global Trade and Investment
ACDI/VOCA
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided global leadership on trade facilitation, competitiveness, and impact investing strategies.
- Co-founded AV Ventures, an impact investment arm managing $20M+ for agribusiness and SME financing.
- Designed blended finance and PPP models in collaboration with DFIs and development banks.
Senior Private Sector Development Advisor – AGP-AMDe Project
ACDI/VOCA
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Supported enabling environment reforms and integration with COMESA/WTO frameworks.
- Established PPP models with Nestlé, DuPont, and Olam to promote competitiveness and climate resilience.
- Introduced warehouse receipt systems through the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange.
- Analyzed market trends and stakeholder needs to inform project strategies and improve service delivery.
Country Representative – India
ACDI/VOCA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Oversaw a $10M portfolio (USAID, Gates, Walmart) improving agri-value chains and SME linkages with modern retail markets.
- Partnered with PepsiCo and Bharti Walmart to pilot inclusive sourcing and digital traceability systems.
Education
Impact Investing Program -
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
01.2016
Training - Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P)
Springfield Institute
01.2009
M.A. - Central & Eastern European Studies
LaSalle University
01.2005
B.A. - History
Shippensburg University
01.2003
LANGUAGES
English – Full professional proficiency
Serbian – Native (regional CEFTA relevance)
Timeline
Chief of Party – Big Small Business Project
ACDI/VOCA
06.2022 - 05.2025
Chief of Party – Competitive Systems Strengthening Project (CSS)
Cardno Emerging Markets
06.2017 - 05.2022
Chief of Party – PROFIT+ Project
ACDI/VOCA
12.2014 - 05.2017
Technical Director – Global Trade and Investment
ACDI/VOCA
01.2013 - 01.2014
Senior Private Sector Development Advisor – AGP-AMDe Project
ACDI/VOCA
01.2012 - 01.2013
Country Representative – India
ACDI/VOCA
01.2009 - 01.2011
Training - Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P)
Springfield Institute
M.A. - Central & Eastern European Studies
LaSalle University
Impact Investing Program -
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
B.A. - History
Shippensburg University