Mahoussi Simone Assocle
Rome
Summary
Performance-driven professional with expertise in biodiversity conservation, climate change, environmental, climate and social risk assessment, agribusiness and sustainable development. Skilled in project design, and implementation, with a strong background in portfolio monitoring, market feasibility studies, and investment analysis. Adept at integrating nature-positive practices, upholding environmental and social safeguards, and supporting sustainable Non- Forest Timber Product Value Chain. Experienced in knowledge management, and global policy dialogues on ecosystem restoration. With a foundation in nutrition, food processing, green jobs, leverage community health programs and quality control expertise to drive strategic planning. Passionate about leveraging public-private-sector solutions to drive economic growth and sustainability.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Biodiversity-climate Specialist
UNITED NATIONS (UN) - IFAD
02.2022 - Current
- Provided strategic and technical support in implementation of the IFAD Biodiversity Strategy 2022-2025 and expertise on biodiversity, natural resources management, climate change, nutrition and social inclusion aspects during project design and implementation. Ensured integration of biodiversity positive practices, climate smart agriculture and nutrition-sensitive projects.
- Assessed environmental, social and climate risk associated to IFAD-supported projects IFAD’s Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP). Screened, categorized and risks and development of mitigation measurement (ESMP).
- Contributed to project design, supervision implementation, and environment, climate and social risks management of IFAD supported projects specifically in West and Central Africa (Liberia, Cameroon Entrepreneurship project), Benin, Togo, Guinée-Conakry, Chad, Congo, etc) in Latin America and the Caribbean (Haiti) South Asia (India).
- Quality Reviewed project concept note and project design report to support IFAD's operational strategy and policy guidance committee (OSC)
- Developed IFAD GEF-8 Land Degradation focal area PIF for projects in Lebanon and DRC, review the GEF-8 Food System Integrated Programme Project/PIF for Africa countries.
- Improved oIFAD Biodiversity core indicator - ABC Map for better monitoring and reporting
- Crafted a biodiversity-nutrition nexus paper promoting sustainable Non-Forest Timber Product Value Chain to support the CBD post-2020 GBF targets and Coordinated IFAD contribution to the UNCCD GLO report on Rangeland and Pastoralist and Co-authored IFAD Agroforestry stocktaked
- Developed IFAD Biodiversity community of practice coordination. Participated actively in global policy dialogues, projects supervision missions. Oversaw creation of IFAD's Biodiversity knowledge platform, building a comprehensive interactive repository and taxonomy lists to support project development.
Nutrition Officer Assistant
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC) With WFP
01.2021 - 2021
- Managed all aspects of community education and social behaviour change on food security, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene, fostering community health awareness within local communities and refugee settlement. Supported execution of health and nutrition education programmes in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), engaging in nutrition education and behaviour change communication strategies. Oversaw community nutrition projects, contributing to the design and implementation of kitchen garden demonstrations and cooking sessions to promote sustainable food practices.
- Participated in Nutrition Smart Survey by Food for Hungry (FFH), WFP, and IRC, gathering data on health, food security, feeding practices, and sanitation in the PALABEK refugee settlement. Conducted appetite tests using Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and facilitated the management of Inpatient Therapeutic Clients (ITC) as part of a comprehensive nutrition initiative.
- Drove nutrition screenings for diverse refugee demographics, including those from South Sudan and the Republic of the Congo, ensuring timely identification and intervention for nutritional deficiencies.
- Contributed to weekly nutrition reports, providing accurate and actionable data to inform programme strategies and outcomes.
- Engaged in the successful management of home gardening initiatives, leading to increased self-sufficiency and improved sustainable nutrition initiative among community members.
PROJECT MANAGER (AGRIBUSINESS)
BENIN AGROTRANS
01.2020
- Led development and execution of the Benin AgroTrans projects, a pioneering social enterprise involved in sustainable agribusiness solutions focused on fish processing and supply chains. Spearheaded the adoption of renewable energy tools, eco-friendly packaging, and organic preservatives for fish processing, focusing on diminishing wood consumption whilst enhancing solar-powered methods for smoking fish.
- Conducted financial and market feasibility studies to support business implementation.
- Developed eco-friendly smoked fish processing technology.
- Led strategic partnerships and fundraising efforts for project implementation and Won several project awards for project implementation.
- Promote the use of green and climate-resilient infrastructure for smoked fish processing
FOOD QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT
CENTRAL LABORATORY OF CONTROL OF THE FOOD SAFETY (LCSSA)
01.2019
- Executed comprehensive physicochemical analysis on a variety of food products, including fortified local foods. Conducted thorough microbiological analysis to detect and quantify microorganisms in diverse food items and animal feed, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Coordinated development and implementation of quality control procedures, contributing to the maintenance of food safety and enhancing the reliability of laboratory results.
- Conducted regulatory and quality assessments for food processing and distribution industries.
- Participated in the establishment of rigorous quality control protocols, improving laboratory efficiency and accuracy.
- Assisted in portfolio monitoring and benchmarking for food safety initiatives.
AGRICULTURAL OFFICER ASSISTANT
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH OF BENIN (INRAB) - PTAA
01.2018
- Coordinated National Agriculture project initiatives, focusing on crop rotation and diversification strategies to enhance agricultural productivity. Provided strategic support in development and processing of fortified and value-added local food products, aligning with the National Agriculture and Food Technology Programme's objectives. Conducted comprehensive physicochemical analyses of various food products, ensuring quality and compliance with nutritional standards. Facilitated in creation of technical sheets and scientific publications to disseminate research findings and advancements in agricultural techniques.
- Led project design and played a pivotal role in the promotion of crop diversification, focusing on combinations such as beans with maize, and cassava with groundnuts.
- Led project design and implementation in innovation of processing agri-food products, including fortified bread using Orange Flesh Sweet Potato flour and the production of soybean milk and assorted juices.
- Executed detailed physicochemical analyses on fortified food products, cereals, and juices, assessing factors such as protein content, pH levels, and moisture.
ASSISTANT AGRICULTURE OFFICER
BENIN SONGHAÏ CENTER
01.2017
- Administered post-harvest operations to ensure the preservation and quality of agricultural produce. Oversaw agroforestry and silvopasture initiatives, integrating tree farming with crop and livestock production to enhance ecosystem health. Directed crop diversification strategies to mitigate risks and increase farm resilience. Led agri-processing activities, including the production of bakery and dairy products, dried goods, sausages, and preserves.
- Coordinated and led aquaculture projects, optimising fish production and processing techniques for dry and smoked products.
- Developed and implemented bio-gas production systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and waste reduction.
Education
Master of Science - Circular Economy Management (Sustainability)
European Institute of Innovation For Sustainability (EIIS)
04-2024
Master of Science - Food Security & Community Nutrition
Gulu University (GU)
01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Food & Technology
National University of Agriculture
11-2017
Skills
- Safeguards & Environmental, Social & Climate Risks Assessment & Management
- Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable use & Natural Resource Management
- Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
- Agribusiness & Food System & Nutrition
- Project Management & Knowledge Management
- Geographical Information Systems (Arcgis) IBM Statistical package for Sciences (SPSS) Microsoft Office package: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
Affiliations
- United Nations (UN) Decade on Ecosystem Restoration - Task Force on Best Practices
- United Nations (UN) - International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Youth Network
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Publications
- Strengthening agroforestry in rural investments: Lessons learned and best practices from IFAD operations (2024)
- UNCCD Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists (2024)
- The effect of rosemary, ginger, or garlic on microbial shelf life and sensory acceptability of nutritionally enriched cassava-based pancake (Kabalagala) 2023
- Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) Practices - East and Southern Africa (2023)
- Food Systems in Action, Burundi – a complex socio-economic context (2023)
- IFAD Climate Action Report (2022)
Timeline
Biodiversity-climate Specialist
UNITED NATIONS (UN) - IFAD
02.2022 - Current
Nutrition Officer Assistant
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC) With WFP
01.2021 - 2021
PROJECT MANAGER (AGRIBUSINESS)
BENIN AGROTRANS
01.2020
FOOD QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT
CENTRAL LABORATORY OF CONTROL OF THE FOOD SAFETY (LCSSA)
01.2019
AGRICULTURAL OFFICER ASSISTANT
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH OF BENIN (INRAB) - PTAA
01.2018
ASSISTANT AGRICULTURE OFFICER
BENIN SONGHAÏ CENTER
01.2017
Master of Science - Food Security & Community Nutrition
Gulu University (GU)
Master of Science - Circular Economy Management (Sustainability)
European Institute of Innovation For Sustainability (EIIS)
Bachelor of Science - Food & Technology
National University of Agriculture
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