Nutrition interventions (specific and sensitive)

I began my professional journey in Sri Lanka’s flourishing floriculture industry, focusing on European and Far Eastern markets. Over five years, I led research and development initiatives, pioneering non-conventional breeding methods that significantly advanced the sector. This foundation facilitated my transition into project and program management, where I have had the privilege of collaborating with governmental bodies and international funding organizations. A highlight of my career was playing a key role in the success of the National Agriculture Development Program (2003-2014), contributing to strategic planning, coordination, and execution, while bringing over two decades of diverse experience within Sri Lanka’s agricultural development sector. My professional journey has been shaped by multidisciplinary training, equipping me with expertise in project and program management, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), sustainable rural development, climate-smart agriculture, food and nutrition security, Agric value chain & SME developments,Results-Based Management (RBM), gender mainstreaming, and knowledge management, among other areas of competence. Since October 2015, I have had the privilege of coordinating multifaceted projects and programs for the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with a focus on integrated rural development. These initiatives span critical sectors such as agriculture ( agri- green), food and nutrition, local governance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), SCP (Sustainable Consumption and Production), and Nature based tourism, all aimed at fostering positive, sustainable development. As I continue my professional path, I remain committed to leveraging my diverse expertise to drive impactful transformations across Sri Lanka’s evolving sectors, contributing meaningfully to sustainable development goals.

I am a volunteer co-founder of Myanmar Bird and Nature Society(LNGO) and initiating for Society for Sustainable Tourism(SST). I would like to join your group since we are working for Environmental Education Programs and Regional Cooperation.

We could organized the series of tourism promotion event in 2011 against tourism sanction on Myanmar. Responsible Tourism Policy, Myanmar Center for Responsible Business(MCRB), and Responsible Investments in Myanmar become realize but Responsible Myanmar.

We are empowering the local communities for sustainable development of Community-Based EcoTourism(CBT/CBET) and related issues such as nature & culture heritage conservation, small business administration(SBA), and Agriculture to Nutrition(Ag2Nut)." We are organizing Myanmar Bird Fair but Covid-19 and military coup make us wait. 

We are initiating "Let's Build!" Myanmar’s Revolution to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids."

We are looking forward to having your kind cooperation.

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.

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’m a Nutrition and Health professional with extensive skills in Nutrition Assessment and Counseling Services, ensuring food safety and demonstrating food preparation techniques while upholding strict hygiene standards. My expertise extends to diagnosing and effectively managing moderate and severe acute malnutrition, achieving significant results in Growth monitoring and promotion. I have a strong background in managing infant and young child feeding programs in challenging context like HIV, COVID-19, Hepatitis, Influenza and emergency situations. I specialize in Nutrition education aiming at promoting, protecting and supporting Infant and Young Child feeding, Maternal and Adolescent Nutrition, and the Management of at risk mothers and infants under six months. I excel in defining Nutrition indicators and developing food and Nutrition security strategies. I possess strong analytical skills using tools like Nutrisurvey, WHO Anthro, SPSS, Epi Info, R-studio for Research data analysis. My expertise extends to training trainers, volunteers, change agents and community health workers in maternal ,Infant and young child feeding practices. I am adept at prioritizing Behavior and designing social Behavior Change strategy for complementary feeding, as well as implementing Nutrition sensitive Agriculture strategies for malnutrition prevention. I am well versed in the Care Group Model and Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative. I excel in conducting various research methodology such as focus group discussions, key informants interviews, surveys for data collection and comprehensive report writing. My ability to identify and foster social networks within and outside Nutrition community further enhances my professional capabilities.