Food availability

Alexandre Castellano.

Born in France on 16 May 1975.

Nationality: French and Italian

Education: MSc in Biology in Italy and MSc in Public Health Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Position: from 2020 to date - DG ECHO Head of Office - Pretoria - South Africa - for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.

Previous positions: from 2000 to 2012 working with various NGOs dealing with emergencies and innovation technologies in seven African countries – from 2013 to 2016 policy officer with ECHO in the head quarter dealing with Food Assistance, Nutrition, Cash-Based Transfers and Innovations. From 2016 to 2020, ECHO Technical Assistant for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.

Key interest: Innovative Technologies applied to humanitarian response.

International Regulatory Strategist in the area of plant health. Development and registration of biopesticides in North America and Africa (15 years). Governmental regulator in North America (10 years), International regulatory consultant (13 years). Applied Cross-cultural trainer for 35 years.

GIS, Water and Biophysical modelling

We are advising German NGOs, Foundations and Local Authorities on DEVCO-Funding Instruments and -Procedures

Energetic, dedicated individual with over ten years of strong interpersonal skills. A strong coordination and management background. Proven ability to work effectively with people of various ages, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses. Attentive to details, able to take initiative, prioritize multiple tasks and manage workloads. A long-time interest in project development and implementation in the field of health, nutrition and food security, and safety. 

I joined the Permanent Representation of Greece to the EU in September 2023. I am dealing mostly with EU International Development and Cooperation issues as a designated delegate at relevant working parties of the Council. My main WPs are CODEV-PI, RELEX-HQ and EFTA. I am looking forward to engage with colleagues and stakeholders from the EU Institutions and all over Europe.