Dr. Florent BLANC, Ph.D. is Director of the “Negotiators of Europe” research and training program at ESSEC Business School.
He is the consortium team leader for the implementation of the Framework Contract (HR/R1/PO/2019/024 - LOT 3) covering the conception and delivery of negotiation-related trainings and services for the European institutions. This consortium joins the teams of College of Europe and the European Institute for Public Administration (EIPA).
As part of ESSEC IRENE’s negotiation training team, Florent delivers negotiation-related modules for the European Commission, public institutions in France and around the globe as well as private sector clients.
He contributed to capacity4dev activities as a member of the pool of trainers delivering Policy Dialogue and Negotiation as well as Context for Development modules under recent training contracts. For over 7 years, he also contributed to develop and adapt dedicated training modules for EUD teams (Nepal, Ivory Coast and Barbados). He also advised EUD on contractual negotiations for large infrastructure projects.
He contributed to the EU-PALOP-TL partnership by proposing a reflexion on the dialogue mechanisms and necessary capacity-building for Members of the partnership.
Florent holds a PhD from Northwestern University where he was George Lurcy scholar (Fulbright Program 2004-2005) and adjunct professor between 2006 and 2010. With a focus on national security policies and counterterrorism, Florent taught also courses in immigration policies, social changes, legal studies and journalism methodologies. From 2011 to 2016, he was West African Program manager for a French NGO where he oversaw and delivered projects on social cohesion, crisis prevention and education policy reform, with a focus on Mali. Florent also holds a doctorate from SciencesPo Paris.
Asif Ali Shah is a seasoned Pakistani diplomat having over 21 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). His dynamic career has taken him across Georgia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangkok and Pakistan, where he has established/led resilient, emergency, and development programming over a portfolio of 170 USD, across United Nations agencies and international organizations focusing on strategic efforts in development programming in MEAL, institutional reform, and results-based evaluation. He has successfully collaborated with a wide array of donors, including EU, USAID, GEF, GCF, FCDO, JICA and Italy, ensuring rigorous standards and cross-sectoral impact.
Currently based in Georgia, Asif contributes to international development platforms with deep expertise in rolling-out MEAL, data systems, accountability frameworks, and stakeholder coordination. Known for his precision, independence, and cross-sectoral leadership, he blends global experience with local insight to advance transparent, impactful solutions. This multidimensional background enables him to adapt swiftly, communicate effectively, and drive strategic innovation in complex development environments.
Beyond his professional work, Asif is a passionate horseman and accomplished polo player. He proudly participated in the legendary Shandur Polo Festival, held at the highest polo ground in the world—often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” His love for the sport reflects a commitment to discipline, heritage, and resilience.
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.
We are advising German NGOs, Foundations and Local Authorities on DEVCO-Funding Instruments and -Procedures
