Carlos Vizcaino
Project Director | International Development & Humanitarian Programs
Barranquilla,Atlántico
Summary
What happens when a designer applies a design mindset to systems that serve people? That's been my career for the past 14 years, using design thinking, strategic planning, and social innovation to tackle some of Latin America's most complex humanitarian and development challenges. I'm an Industrial Designer by training with a Master's in Social Development Practice from University College London (Chevening Scholar). That combination shapes how I approach every project: with rigor, creativity, and a deep commitment to solutions that actually work for the people they're meant to serve. Across Colombia and Guatemala, I've directed programs and portfolios exceeding USD 3M, led multidisciplinary teams of 80+ professionals, and built alliances between governments, NGOs, international donors, and the private sector.A few milestones along the way: - Coordinated emergency food aid reaching 70,000+ vulnerable families during COVID-19 - Managed a comprehensive economic inclusion program benefiting 1,000+ migrant and returnee families- Directed community programs for a wildlife conservation NGO protecting an iconic Caribbean species, working alongside rural communities in Colombia's tropical dry forest - Founded and led a youth-driven NGO that mobilized 200+ volunteers and impacted 4,000+ people over 5+ years - Designed a 4-year national humanitarian strategy as Country Director in GuatemalaI'm open to senior roles as Project Director, Country Director, Program Manager, or Senior Consultant in international development, humanitarian response, or social impact.Let's connect if you're building something that matters.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Team Builder | Talent Consultant
Gold Media Tech
04.2026 - Current
- I help organizations find and connect with the right people to build high performing teams.
- With 14+ years leading multidisciplinary teams across Latin America, I bring a fit-first approach to talent consulting combining strong relationship-building skills, cross-cultural communication, and a deep regional network to support US based organizations in identifying and engaging top talent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- As a Chevening Scholar (UCL London) and Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, I bring a global perspective and an extensive professional network across the Americas and beyond.
- Currently providing talent acquisition and team-building consulting services for US based organizations sourcing talent in the LAC region.
- Open to connect with professionals across sectors. Let's talk.
Independent Consultant
Profesional independiente
01.2024 - Current
- Providing strategic advisory and project management services across social development, community resilience, and environmental sustainability initiatives in Colombia and the region.
- Managed the design and implementation of 4 community gardens in Atlántico, benefiting 200+ families - strengthening food security, social cohesion, and sustainable environmental practices through participatory co-design.
- Serving as project manager, advisor, and report reviewer for multiple social impact initiatives across inclusion, human well-being, and eco-environmental programs.
Global Shaper Barranquilla´s Hub Alumni
Global Shapers Community
Barranquilla
06.2016 - Current
Country Director for Guatemala
International NGO
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Led national humanitarian operations across 3 regional offices in Guatemala, overseeing programs in Community Resilience, Education, Health, WASH, and Protection with full budget, compliance, and strategic accountability.
- Designed and launched a 4 year country strategy, scaling the organization from a local mission to a nationally recognized humanitarian operation.
- Directed 3 flagship offices serving migrants, returnees, and individuals under humanitarian parole, in coordination with US-based institutions and international donors.
- Negotiated strategic partnerships with Guatemala's National Migration Institute (pilot returnee reintegration program), Plan Trifinio (cross-border migration observatory), and SwissContact (livelihood integration for migrants).
- Supervised and mentored multidisciplinary teams, strengthening operational standards, accountability mechanisms, and alignment with global HQ strategy.
- Humanitarian Response & Resilience Building
Social Development Management Advisor
Alcaldía Distrital de Barranquilla
Барранкилья
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Senior advisor to the Social Development Management Office of Barranquilla (Colombia's 4th largest city), overseeing a social investment portfolio exceeding USD 3M and coordinating multidisciplinary teams of 80+ professionals.
- Co-founded the city's first Social Development Management Office, institutionalizing inclusive development policies at the municipal level.
- Coordinated a COVID-19 emergency food aid program reaching 70,000+ vulnerable families, ensuring timely delivery across complex multi-stakeholder coordination.
- Created the 'Social Development Agreement', a Public-Private-civil society alliance engaging corporations, NGOs, business associations, and international cooperation partners for collective urban impact.
- Managed Pa'Lante (Emerson Collective & Conrad N. Hilton Foundation): a comprehensive economic inclusion program benefiting 1,000+ migrant and returnee families through employment and entrepreneurship pathways.
- Managed GENERACTOR (EU-funded): community gardens and sustainable communities as local resilience building systems.
- Led citywide initiatives on migrant integration, disability inclusion, adolescent pregnancy reduction, and youth civic participation.
Private Secretary Advisor - Private Secretary Office
Alcaldía Distrital de Barranquilla
Барранкилья
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Served as strategic advisor to the Private Secretary, coordinating high priority social initiatives, managing cross-institutional relationships, and tracking macro-social projects across the Mayor's Office, Secretariats, and external stakeholders.
- Contributed to the creation of the city's first Social Development Management Office, supporting institutional modernization and the design of inclusive development policies.
- Facilitated coordination between government offices, national entities, businesses, foundations, and CSR partners to advance strategic social initiatives.
- Led the First Food Security Fair 'Everyone at the Table' a multi-stakeholder event promoting food security and community access to nutritious food.
- Supported accountability and compliance processes in response to oversight bodies, ensuring timely and accurate institutional reporting.
Chief Operating Officer
Wow day pass
03.2021 - 09.2021
Coordinator of Volunteers
One Young World
Gran Londres
09.2019 - 10.2019
- Coordinated a volunteer team supporting the full participation of 32 young Colombians sponsored by the Presidency of Colombia.
- Managed logistics, delegation oversight, and on-site coordination throughout the Summit in London.
CEO & Founder
Fundación Líderes de Comunidad / Community Leaders Foundation
Barranquilla
01.2013 - 08.2018
- Founded and led a youth driven social organization delivering community based resilience and inclusion programs in Barranquilla, Colombia.
- Built the organization from the ground up, designing its governance model, intervention methodology, and program portfolio.
- Mobilized 200+ volunteers and impacted 4,000+ people over 5+ years through peer-exchange programs and social innovation methodologies.
- Developed volunteer, ally, and sponsor networks to sustain institutional operations and community impact.
Consultant - Local Coordinator (Barranquilla) Young Ambassadors Program
Partners of the Americas
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Coordinated the Young Ambassadors Program in Barranquilla, managing budget, local agendas, and cultural integration activities promoting leadership, peacebuilding, and social inclusion.
Head of Community Programs
Fundación Proyecto Tití
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Led the design and management of community development and economic inclusion programs across 8 rural communities in Atlántico and Bolívar, Colombia, working in conservation areas of Colombia's tropical dry forest.
- Directed community programs protecting an iconic Caribbean primate species, integrating conservation goals with livelihood opportunities for rural families.
- Scaled a circular economy program coordinating 30 collector conservationists, achieving the collection and recycling of 16,655 kg of plastic bottles.
- Designed and implemented social innovation projects: Ecomochilas (natural fiber product design), Eco-stoves, Biodigesters, Conservation Agreements, and Youth Empowerment Initiatives. (http://goo.gl/aVU52H ).
Research partner DISCA LAB - Experimental Design Laboratory for Social Innovation in the Caribbean
Universidad del Norte
Barranquilla
12.2014 - 05.2015
- Conducted applied research at Universidad del Norte's social innovation design lab, exploring the intersection of sustainable design, social business, and urban resilience for low income communities.
- Designed and developed the research proposal for TEECOS, a feasibility study for a social business model promoting green roof installation in low income urban households in high solar radiation cities.
- Assembled and led the research team, overseeing full project implementation from concept to documented results.
- Produced progress reports and research documentation, contributing to the lab's knowledge base on sustainable design and social innovation in the Caribbean region.
Social Business Consultant
Yunus Negocios Sociales Colombia
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Co-designed and launched 2 social enterprises for women in extreme poverty in Pueblo Viejo, Magdalena, impacting 50+ families.
- Conducted baseline studies, user research, market analysis, and product design strategy.
- Delivered training workshops, budget management, and donor reporting throughout the full project cycle.
Production Coordinator
Bololó Lab
03.2013 - 08.2013
- In the Production Coordination role, I worked on defining culturally significant products, coordinating production processes, and ensuring quality control.
- I collaborated closely with artisans from the region to meet quality expectations and delivery deadlines.
Logistics Associate
Smurfit Kappa Carton de Colombia
08.2012 - 12.2012
- As Logistics Associate, I was responsible for leading a project aimed at enhancing the Warehouse Storage and Manual Work Zone.
- This involved proposing a plant layout design for the area, selecting appropriate tools, establishing work dynamics, and optimizing storage furniture, among other studies conducted to identify improvement opportunities.
Sample and prototype maker
Smurfit Kappa Group
12.2011 - 07.2012
- As an intern in this position, I was tasked with drafting plans and was responsible for the planning, development, delivery, and shipment of samples requested by clients.
- Additionally, I participated in the design and development processes of new products.
Vicepresident
CKI DHARMA
07.2010 - 12.2011
- CKI DHARMA is a coalition of young social entrepreneurs working for the social welfare of communities impacted by inequality and neglect.
- We support with values education, activities in low-income communities, and created spaces for development and growth.
Education
Msc - Social Development Practice, Development
The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL
01.2019
Industrial Designer - Industrial and Product Design
Universidad del Norte
01.2012
Social Innovation Manager Program (SIMC) - undefined
latinomics
09.2017
Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Policy
- Public-private partnership
Languages
Español
Inglés
Awards
- Uninorte Leader, 2011-01-01
- 1st Place calculator design, 2011-01-01
- RED 2021 Ambassador, 2021-01-01
- Values of my land, 2014-01-01
Timeline
Strategic Team Builder | Talent Consultant
Gold Media Tech
04.2026 - Current
Country Director for Guatemala
International NGO
08.2024 - 06.2025
Independent Consultant
Profesional independiente
01.2024 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Wow day pass
03.2021 - 09.2021
Social Development Management Advisor
Alcaldía Distrital de Barranquilla
01.2021 - 01.2024
Private Secretary Advisor - Private Secretary Office
Alcaldía Distrital de Barranquilla
01.2020 - 12.2020
Coordinator of Volunteers
One Young World
09.2019 - 10.2019
Consultant - Local Coordinator (Barranquilla) Young Ambassadors Program
Partners of the Americas
03.2017 - 08.2017
Global Shaper Barranquilla´s Hub Alumni
Global Shapers Community
06.2016 - Current
Head of Community Programs
Fundación Proyecto Tití
03.2015 - 03.2017
Research partner DISCA LAB - Experimental Design Laboratory for Social Innovation in the Caribbean
Universidad del Norte
12.2014 - 05.2015
Social Business Consultant
Yunus Negocios Sociales Colombia
08.2013 - 08.2014
Production Coordinator
Bololó Lab
03.2013 - 08.2013
CEO & Founder
Fundación Líderes de Comunidad / Community Leaders Foundation
01.2013 - 08.2018
Logistics Associate
Smurfit Kappa Carton de Colombia
08.2012 - 12.2012
Sample and prototype maker
Smurfit Kappa Group
12.2011 - 07.2012
Vicepresident
CKI DHARMA
07.2010 - 12.2011
Msc - Social Development Practice, Development
The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL
Industrial Designer - Industrial and Product Design
Universidad del Norte
Social Innovation Manager Program (SIMC) - undefined
latinomics