Policy
Welcome to a showcase of the impactful policies I’ve had the privilege to work on throughout my career. As both a policy practitioner and a researcher, I’ve dedicated my efforts to analyzing and improving policies that drive social change and development. Dive in to explore the initiatives and research that have shaped my journey.
Research & Policy
My research is anchored in policy analysis, focusing on evaluating current policies and proposing ways to improve them.
Early childhood
Part of my work involves examining policies directed at early childhood and identifying opportunities for improvement. You can read my review article on the equalization effect of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs here. Alliance Enfance has featured this research in German, French, and Italian.
Additionally, this work earned an award from the Swiss Society for Education Research.
Education
My research focuses on education policies and their impact on equality opportunity. I examined the features of the Swiss education system to understand their effect on educational inequalities. My first article on this topic received the FORS Data Re-use Award, and you can explore my second article here.
Social development
My research also examines policies' unintended consequences and potential harm to social development. This is highlighted in my article on the infrastructure development strategy in the Amazon forest, which was awarded the Henri Grandjean Prize by the University of Neuchâtel. You can read more about this research here.
Sustainable finance
UNCTAD - Geneva, Switzerland
Policy Analysis
One of my primary focuses during my time at UNCTAD was analyzing ESG finance instruments as mechanisms for COVID-19 recovery. I contributed to this topic in three World Investment Reports (2020, 2021, 2022), and some events.
Capacity Building and Training
I played a pivotal role in the management and establishment of the SSE Academy, an initiative that has grown into a highly successful and influential program today. This involved engaging with stock exchanges worldwide and collaborating with partners such as CDP and IFC.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
I managed the SSE members network and supported the Official Supporters Program, enhancing engagement and collaboration among stakeholders.
Advocacy and Outreach
I developed and managed SSE databases, overseeing data collection, management, and IT aspects. Additionally, I contributed to several publications analyzing the influence of ESG on various topics, including gender equality, human rights, and more.
Blockchain in Trade Facilitation
UNECE - Geneva, Switzerland
In 2020, the UNECE launched the Advisory Group on Advanced Technologies in Trade and Logistics to explore how technologies like Blockchain, AI, and IoT can revolutionize trade and logistics. This group analyzed implementation challenges, such as interoperability and regulatory obstacles, and provided recommendations to enhance trade facilitation. The initiative aimed to develop standards for the use of these technologies in international trade, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 17 by fostering global partnerships and mobilizing international expertise for sustainable development. I contributed to organizing events for the advisory group and helped develop a white paper on Blockchain technology.
Monitoring & Evaluation
São Paulo - Brazil
I worked with policy evaluation in the Internal Control Department of the São Paulo State Government, conducting comprehensive evaluations on the objectives and financial aspects of policies across all government domains, including education, health, and public security. Utilizing effective analysis techniques and robust evaluation frameworks, I ensured that policies met their intended goals and operated within budgetary constraints. Many of these policies were co-financed by the World Bank, which required meticulous evaluation to ensure alignment with both local and international standards. Below are some examples of policies I have worked on:
REÁGUA Program
The REÁGUA Program, established in São Paulo, aims to enhance water availability in regions with critical scarcity by financially supporting basic sanitation initiatives. Funded with $130 million co-financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the program focuses on projects that expand the production and use of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment plants, targeting industrial use, public cleaning, and irrigation. It also supports sewage treatment projects and actions to reduce water loss.
Acessa Escola
The Acessa Escola program, launched by the São Paulo State Education Secretariat, aims to enhance digital inclusion and learning in state schools. In 2014, the program saw a significant expansion with a $400 million investment, introducing 80,000 new computers and increasing student internship positions from 9,000 to 11,000. These interns support the safe use of the Internet in schools, earning a monthly stipend. By the end of 2014, the program had extended to 453 additional schools, benefiting 3.8 million students, making it the largest digital inclusion initiative in Brazil.
Public-Private Partnership in Health Policy
The São Paulo State Health Secretariat's partnership model with Social Health Organizations (OSS) is designed to enhance public health service management. The Internal Control Department plays a crucial role in this model by overseeing contracts, conducting thorough evaluations, and ensuring service quality through established performance indicators. This department ensures that the OSS-managed units align with state policies and regional health needs, providing rigorous internal audits and monitoring to maintain transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.
Education
São Paulo - Brazil
The Secretary of Education in the State of São Paulo oversees the largest educational network in Brazil, comprising 5,300 autonomous and affiliated schools, serving approximately 3.5 million students, and employing 234,000 staff members across various educational and administrative roles. This includes 190,000 teachers and 5,000 school directors, distributed among 91 Regional Education Directorates, grouped into 15 Regional Poles. My role ensures that the allocation of educational resources is efficient and that the administrative functions run smoothly to support this vast network effectively.
Henfil Preparatory Program
São Paulo - Brazil
The program, named Cursinho Henfil in honor of the renowned Brazilian cartoonist who fought against the dictatorship, is offered in 9 locations across the capital and Greater São Paulo. This nonprofit initiative aims to prepare low-income students for university entrance exams. With affordable monthly fees covering both classes and educational materials, it ensures quality education is accessible to all. Additionally, there are packages without materials or with supplementary online support, catering to various student needs. As part of the management team, I oversee the program's operations, ensuring it meets the students' educational needs effectively.
São Paulo - Brazil
The Fábricas de Cultura program was initiated with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to foster social inclusion and development by engaging young people from vulnerable districts in São Paulo in artistic and cultural activities. The program targets regions identified through a Youth Vulnerability Index and, during the implementation phase, invested $20 million. Managed by social organizations through public-private partnerships with the government, the program now operates 17 units, providing a range of arts and cultural courses with impressive satisfaction rates exceeding 98%.
I was directly involved in the implementation of the first three units in Vila Curuçá, Sapopemba, and Itaim Paulista, contributing by establishing public-private partnership agreements and supervising the data-driven selection of neighborhoods, among other responsibilities.
Today, the program continues to evolve into Fábricas de Cultura 4.0. In this version, the units focus on technology, innovation, and creativity, offering courses in audiovisual arts, visual arts, dance, circus, design, drones, games, literature, fashion, music, programming, and robotics. The policy has also been decentralized to extend beyond the state capital.