Leigh H. Jones
Alexandria,USA
Summary
Experienced project management and program design professional with 17+ years of expertise in budget formulation, procurement, implementation, and management. Extensive experience in diverse multicultural environments including Egypt, Peru, Colombia, Afghanistan, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Proven track record of leading teams and negotiating partnerships across private, public, and non-governmental sectors.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Programs and Strategy
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
01.2010 - Current
- Manage and supervise a multi-sector USG portfolio with an annual budget of $160M and a total life of project budget of over $960M.
- Provide strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of a development and humanitarian assistance portfolio of 93 projects.
- Work across various U.S. Government agencies, Congressional and Senate committees, foreign ministers, local partners/politicians, international organizations to coordinate disease monitoring, disaster relief, Civilian/Military operations, & anti-international crime activities
- Supervise a diverse office of 30+ American and foreign local staff, including establishing and tracking professional career objectives, developing training plans, and conducting performance reviews.
- Responsible for an office of regional operations, delivering programmatic support to
three field offices and covering 12 countries - Implement the U.S. Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration in Central America, an interagency response to migration led by the National Security Council.
- Manage and lead budgetary planning/forecasting, quarterly financial reviews, project monitoring and evaluation, and auditing support of project portfolio.
- Lead multi-country cooperation, and donor engagement efforts with domestic and international donors and private sector.
Pharmaceutical Consultant
PFIZER PHARMACEUTIAL COMPANY
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Produced and analyzed short and long-term business plans managing sales for over 500 client healthcare practitioners
- Provided product-related pharmaceutical information to physicians and healthcare administrators.
- Delivered high-quality customer service by maintaining strong relationships with clients and industry stakeholders
- Evaluated client needs and tailored consulting approach to optimize sales performance and therapeutic outcomes
Senior Specialist
MERCK & CO. PHARMACEUTICALS
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Networked with physicians, pharmacy managers, hospital benefit managers, and other healthcare professionals to strategically position medical products and drive market share growth
- Regionally ranked 1st in sales for two of three portfolio products
- Mentored junior representatives, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance through knowledge sharing
TESOL English Language Instructor
TEFL INTERNATIONAL
07.2008 - 01.2009
- Completed TESOL certification and prepared and executed curriculum and lesson plan for elementary to mid-level English learners, while undergoing rigorous cultural immersion Arabic language study.
- Advised school administration on curriculum development initiatives focused on enhancing the effectiveness of English language instruction across grade levels.
- Conducted weekly group lectures and small-group instruction to teach and reinforce concepts.
Urban Planner
Project Clients: City of Tallahassee; Leon County
08.2004 - 12.2006
- Designed municipal plans for the City of Tallahassee to attract and grow small businesses.
- Prepared economic census and business analysis necessary for city council decision making.
- Enhanced sustainability of recreational areas by integrating green infrastructure and environmental considerations into planning decisions.
- Advocated for smart growth principles with city council and consulted with stakeholders to assess industry trends and economic potential.
- Created deliverable documents to clients with business development recommendations and program launch strategies.
Program Coordinator
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS CORPS (FAVACA)
01.2006 - 08.2006
- Performed needs assessment for development partnerships and technical assistance and project evaluation.
- Researched and pursued partnership with foreign non-governmental organizations interested in capacity building with the state government of Florida.
Education
Master of Science - Urban & Regional Planning: International Developing Areas
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLMasters International Affairs Program, International Relations, Comparative Government And Politics
Florida State University
London, United KingdomBachelor of Arts - Psychology and Sociology
Emory University
Skills
- Senior Program Management Leadership
- 17 Years in Strategic Planning
- International Development Expertise
- Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Engagement
- Coordination with Foreign Ministries, International Donors Organizations, and US Government Agencies
- Team Building, Motivation, and Goal Setting
- Contract Procurement
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Strategic Communications and Outreach
- Management in Multicultural Settings
LANGUAGES
English (native); Spanish (3/3), 2025; French (2+/3) 2023
Timeline
Director of Programs and Strategy
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
01.2010 - Current
Pharmaceutical Consultant
PFIZER PHARMACEUTIAL COMPANY
01.2009 - 01.2010
TESOL English Language Instructor
TEFL INTERNATIONAL
07.2008 - 01.2009
Senior Specialist
MERCK & CO. PHARMACEUTICALS
08.2006 - 07.2008
Program Coordinator
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS CORPS (FAVACA)
01.2006 - 08.2006
Urban Planner
Project Clients: City of Tallahassee; Leon County
08.2004 - 12.2006
Master of Science - Urban & Regional Planning: International Developing Areas
Florida State University
Masters International Affairs Program, International Relations, Comparative Government And Politics
Florida State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Sociology
Emory University
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