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Head Business Development & Resource Mobilisation Business development and resource mobilisation
I lead the business development and resource mobilisation function at ICIMOD. This function supports the organisation and the HKH region, including its eight Regional Member Countries (RMCs), in securing funding to respond to the region’s challenges. Building on past momentum and through strategic and diverse funding partnerships, our team works closely with ICIMOD’s Directorate, research leads, and partners across all RMCs to advance these efforts.
Our team is responsible for the development and implementation of a Business Development and Resource Mobilisation Strategy, which includes crucial activities related to managing funder relationships, advancing fundraising opportunities, effectively coordinating fundraising and proposal development, securing investments from new financing sources, and raising the profile of the organisation at the global, regional, and local levels. This function requires significant collaboration across the organisation for its success. It is a team effort!
Michelle Guertin
How do you protect the pulse of the planet?
I protect the pulse of the planet through my daily contribution in supporting ICIMOD and the eight RMCs in securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and raising global awareness of the challenges faced by the region. The HKH is home to the world’s highest peaks, unique cultures, diverse flora and fauna, and a vast reserve of natural resources. It provides essential resources to nearly 2 billion people, a fourth of humanity. However, the region is experiencing rapid and extensive change requiring urgent transformative action. My job is to help secure funding to tackle that transformative action.
What do you enjoy the most about working at ICIMOD?
There are many elements that I enjoy about working at ICIMOD. It is a privilege to work with such passionate and dedicated people, from the researchers within the organisation as well as partners across the RMCs. I also appreciate the organisation’s culture, where values of integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, and openness are at the heart of ICIMOD’s operations and delivery.
What are you passionate about?
My purpose in life has always been in supporting others in the achievement of their goals at all levels, from coaching team members and ensuring the effectiveness of organisations to contributing to international development and the Sustainable Development Goals. I also value the four development effectiveness principles (country ownership, focus on results, inclusive partnerships, and transparency and mutual accountability), which are crucial for achieving sustainable development outcomes. ICIMOD embodies these principles in its mandate and operational model, which is why it is such an honour to be part of this team.
What are your qualifications?
Over the past 20 years, I have managed programmes, projects, and multi-disciplinary teams in the public sphere (Government of Canada, including Global Affairs Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada) and an international non-profit organisation (CIMMYT-CGIAR). My expertise lies in resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships, and development cooperation. I bring to the table a collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, integrity, and the ability to connect big-picture viewpoints with tactical approaches to achieve results. I have experience in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America. I hold a Master’s in Environmental Sciences from Sherbrooke University (2003) and a Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from McGill University (2000).
