Iván Omar Velásquez Castellanos

• As a professor of economic development theory and economic history I am dedicated to teaching and researching the processes and factors that drive sustainable development, growth and economic transformation of societies. The quality of life and well-being of vulnerable groups. The program covers the latest methodologies and theoretical advances. It provides an analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing developing countries.

As a Senior Research Associate, the main responsibilities include conducting high quality and original research on development issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. This involves leading research teams and mentoring less experienced researchers. Key tasks involve developing and leading research projects by defining research questions, designing methodologies, obtaining funding, and ensuring successful project execution. Additionally, publishing research findings in high impact scientific journals is crucial for contributing to the advancement of knowledge on development issues. Mentoring and training researchers is another important role, which includes offering guidance and support to researchers in training and helping them develop their research skills. Collaboration with other researchers, both nationally and internationally, is encouraged to share knowledge and resources and advance research. Lastly, there is a focus on scientific dissemination, which involves communicating research results to the general public and promoting the understanding of science and technology.

• A Senior Research Associate is responsible for conducting research, leading research teams, mentoring researchers, publishing findings, collaborating with other researchers, and communicating research results to the public.

• As a program coordinator in international cooperation, my main role is to support the management and effective execution of development programs and projects, as well as the country strategy. I actively seek to promote collaboration between Bolivia, other countries, and organizations.
• One of my key functions is program planning and design. I collaborate with technical teams and local partners to design programs and projects that align with the objectives of the organization and meet the needs of beneficiary communities and institutions. This involves considering the goals and resources available to ensure effective implementation.
• Once programs are designed, I take on the responsibility of implementing and monitoring them. This includes supervising program implementation to ensure compliance with timelines, budgets, and planned activities. I also continuously monitor progress and address any potential challenges that may arise.
• Resource management is another crucial aspect of my role. I efficiently manage the financial and human resources allocated to the program, ensuring their transparent and accountable use. This involves careful planning and budgeting to make the most effective use of available resources.
• I also play a role in monitoring and evaluating the impact of programs and the country strategy. This involves collecting data and analyzing results to measure the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments. By periodically evaluating the impact, I ensure that programs are achieving the desired outcomes.
• Communication and coordination are key components of my work. I maintain open communication with partners, donors, local authorities, and beneficiary communities. This includes reporting on program progress and facilitating coordination among stakeholders to ensure all parties are aligned and working towards common goals.
• Networking and collaboration are also vital to my position. I establish and strengthen relationships with key players in the field of international cooperation and national institutions. This fosters collaboration and the exchange of experiences, enabling us to learn from each other and improve our work.
• In addition to my role in program management, I bring a set of skills and competencies to the table. I hold a strong academic background, with Post Doctorate and PhD degrees. I have extensive experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and resource control. I am knowledgeable about the principles, approaches, and practices of international cooperation, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern it.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also one of my strengths. I can adapt my message to different audiences and build strong relationships with multicultural teams. I am results-oriented and have the ability to achieve objectives efficiently and effectively. In addition, my critical and analytical thinking skills allow me to evaluate information, identify problems, and develop creative solutions.
• Lastly, I am adaptable and flexible, capable of handling new environments and situations with ease. I am committed to the principles of sustainable development and the promotion of social welfare in vulnerable communities. This commitment drives me to work towards creating positive and impactful change.

• In my role as executive director of an exporters' chamber, I had a range of responsibilities. These included setting the chamber's vision and strategy, managing its operations, leading and motivating the team, representing the chamber before authorities, promoting the country's exports, strengthening relationships with members, developing strategic alliances, raising funds and managing resources, and staying updated on international trade trends. As part of my role, I defined the chamber's strategic direction in line with the objectives of the export sector and international market trends. I also oversaw various functional areas such as administration, finance, membership, trade promotion, exporter services, and government relations. Furthermore, I acted as a spokesperson for the chamber before government entities, public agencies, and private organizations, advocating for the interests of the export sector. I developed and implemented strategies to promote the country's exports, established and maintained relationships with chamber members, formed alliances with other organizations, obtained financial resources, and stayed informed about international trade trends.

• As a director of economic analysis and exports I had a crucial role within the Chamber of Exporters, I was responsible for conducting in-depth economic research and analysis to inform export strategies and decision-making. I played a pivotal role in driving export growth and competitiveness for the sector.