What's included?

Over the past four years, USAID has been committed to advancing localization efforts. However, recent figures indicate that progress has slowed. Despite significant efforts, the journey has been arduous, highlighting the complexities and obstacles in shifting towards a more localized approach.

In this Devex special report, we delve into the initiatives that USAID has implemented to promote localization and examine the challenges faced along the way. Discover the insights and analyses that explain why accelerating localization has proven to be a formidable task.

The report covers topics including:

  • Progress USAID has made on localization so far.
  • USAID's efforts to change its approach.
  • Recent figures indicating a slowdown in localization progress.
  • Comparison of USAID's localization progress with its peers.
  • Barriers to success in USAID's localization efforts.

Most of the stories in this report are available exclusively to Devex Pro members. To make sure you have full access, we're offering $100 off an annual Devex Pro membership!

The Speakers

Moderator

Kate Warren

Executive Vice President
Devex
When it comes to understanding global development talent and careers, Kate is your go-to. The Devex career and recruiting guru in-residence, she has her finger on the pulse of hiring trends across the industry and insider knowledge on what it takes to break in. As an Executive Vice President, she oversees Devex recruitment and career products and services, leading cutting-edge talent solutions for the major funding agencies, NGOs and consulting firms that make development happen. Kate also leads the strategy for career and recruiting insights content and programming across Devex and authors a popular career advice column, Ask Devex, for professionals working in global development.

Katrina Gaw

Senior Associate,
Talent Solutions
Devex
Katrina Gaw manages the Devex CV Writing service working with hundreds of professionals to help them craft compelling CVs and cover letters to best present their skills and experience aligned to their career goals. She leverages her experience supporting recruitment projects with international development employers such as United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, NGO’s and consulting firms. She brings this insight to professionals looking to get noticed in the competitive job market and loves helping people- whether they are just starting out or are seasoned executives- get closer to landing their dream.

Priyanka Rao

Principal
FHI Ventures
Priyanka Rao is the Principal of FHI Ventures, and leads the overall design, execution and management of the entity. Priyanka is also the Associate Director for Strategic Innovation responsible for leading organization-wide efforts that strengthen the innovation culture and architecture at FHI360 in close coordination with Operations and Enterprise Services. At FHI 360, she has also managed corporate strategic planning and supported executive and senior leadership in identifying opportunities for alternative business models and guided the development and execution of long-term strategies. Priyanka has an undergraduate degree in international studies from Michigan State University, holds a master’s degree in international affairs with an emphasis on economic development, global health and management from The New School University and completion of graduate coursework in philanthropy, public policy and nonprofit management from the University of Chicago.

Alex Evangelides

Senior Investment Manager
FINCA Ventures
Alex is a Senior Investment Manager with FINCA Ventures, an impact investing initiative by global microfinance pioneer FINCA International. FINCA Ventures provides patient capital and pre- and post-investment support to early-stage social enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa. In his role, Alex helps lead all aspects of the investment process, from pipeline development, to due diligence, to portfolio support. Prior to FINCA Ventures, Alex spent time at Fenix International, Dalberg Capital, and Deloitte Strategy Consulting. He completed his BA in Mathematics at Carleton College, and his MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Sandra Jennifer "Sandy" Cheeks

Squirrel
From the Surface
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”

Office Cat

Mouse Catcher
Quarantine land
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”

Office Cat

Mouse Catcher
Quarantine land
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”
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