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Katharine Desgans

@katharinedesgans

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Project Manager specializing in sustainable development and climate initiatives.

Colombia

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters innovation in sustainable practices and offers growth opportunities.

I am an accomplished Project Manager with extensive experience in sustainable development and climate initiatives. Currently, I lead a $51 million USAID-funded project in Colombia, focusing on sustainable agriculture and gender inclusiveness. My role involves providing technical and contractual support, managing client relationships, and overseeing financial and operational tasks. I thrive in high-pressure environments and excel in delivering impactful results.

Previously, I served as a Senior Associate at The Palladium Group, where I supported various USAID projects across Ethiopia, Colombia, and Nicaragua. My analytical skills were further honed during my time as a Program Analyst for Culmen International, where I managed financial operations for Department of Defense contracts. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to drive positive change in communities through innovative project management and strategic partnerships.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Project Manager

Current

The Palladium Group, LLC.

Jun 2021 - Present (4 years)

Managed a $51 million USAID-funded project focusing on sustainable agriculture and gender inclusiveness. Led client meetings, high-level reporting, and administrative tasks while providing technical support for various initiatives.

Project Management USAID Reporting Financial Management Stakeholder Engagement Budgeting Climate Smart Agriculture Gender Inclusiveness

Current

Strategic Advisor – Consultant

Current

MASXTIC

Apr 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Advised on project formulation and budget development for the foundation, enhancing resource acquisition processes and ensuring compliance with statutory objectives.

Project Formulation Strategic Planning Resource Management Compliance Proposal Writing Monitoring

Program Analyst

Culmen International LLC

Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 (5 months)

Supported financial management for Department of Defense contracts focused on COVID relief efforts, coordinating with local vendors and managing procurement and logistics.

Financial Management Procurement Logistics Contract Management Vendor Management COVID Relief Personnel Management

Senior Associate

The Palladium Group, LLC.

Oct 2020 - Jun 2021 (8 months)

Provided technical support for grant and procurement design in agriculture and water projects funded by USAID, totaling $60 million. Assisted in financial management and reporting obligations.

Procurement Design Financial Management Project Delivery Agriculture Technical Support Reporting

Research Volunteer

Catalytic Communities – RioOnWatch.org

Oct 2020 - Jun 2021 (8 months)

Conducted research on sustainable projects in Latin America and reported on policy ideas for community practices, utilizing data analysis to inform public engagement.

Research Data Analysis Community Engagement Comparative Studies Google Analytics Public Policy

Undergraduate Research Fellow

King’s College London

May 2020 - Jun 2020 (1 month)

Participated in a research project on climate change resilience, focusing on public policy narratives and conducting qualitative research in Quito.

Research Climate Change Adaptation Public Policy Qualitative Research Data Analysis Project Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Sussex

Master of Science, Sustainable Development

2024 - 2025

Pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Development with relevant coursework including Science, technology and innovation in the policy space, Sustainable Development: Politics and Policies, and Innovation for Sustainability.

King's College London

Bachelor's, International Development

2016 - 2020

Grade: 3.8 - First Distinction

Completed a Bachelor's in International Development with a cumulative GPA of 3.8, achieving First Distinction. The thesis focused on aligning post-conflict recovery policy with environmental governance structures.