Social Protection

AESA is a renowned European consulting firm offering worldwide high-quality technical assistance and management services in the field of international development. During its 20 years of activity, AESA built its reputation on the successful implementation of more than 300 multi-disciplinary projects for a wide variety of clients across the private and public sectors, such as Governments, Ministries, International Organisations and private clients. As a multidisciplinary company, AESA provides comprehensive technical advice services, from monitoring and evaluation to feasibility studies and training, across its main areas of activities: economic development, social and policy development, institutional support, environment, agricultural and rural development. AESA focuses its activities on four interrelated sectors:  Economic Development (economic policy reforms and national development planning, trade negotiations, trade policy and regional integration and WTO, tailored consultancy services for SME’s internationalisation, market studies, business & innovation transfer)  Agriculture and Rural Development (policy, infrastructure, food safety, processing and marketing, crop and animal husbandry and health, extension, forestry, micro-credit, land use management, registration and reform, food security)  Environment (sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, wildlife, eco-tourism, research, environmental monitoring systems, legislation, climate change, soil and water quality, waste management, renewable energy)  Social Development (civil society and local development, labour market and employment, education, human resources development, human rights and democratisation, humanitarian aid, relief, rehabilitation and development, poverty eradication)

Stefania Minervino works with DG INTPA as a Policy Officer in the Resilience, Peace and Security Unit (G.5) She works on policies, practices and methodologies linked to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, as well as resilience and fragility. She is the focal point for conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity, the EU conflict Early Warning System, Women, Peace and Security and DDR. She has participated to several missions on conflict prevention, conflict analysis and conflict sensitivity in South Asia, South East Asia, and Latin America. She has previously worked in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in Ireland, focussing on project management (European Social Fund). Stefania's long-standing engagement and work experience spans from working as a Human Rights and Indigenous Affairs Observer in Guatemala with the UN Peacebuilding mission (MINUGUA), project management from design to implementation - as well as diversity management, interculturalism and equality mainstreaming. Stefania has also a specific expertise on gender equality and indigenous peoples' rights. She has attended specialised courses on conflict sensitivity and conflict analysis, indigenous peoples and gender mainstreaming. Stefania is currently enrolled in a Master's in Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin.

As a sustainability visionary, my unwavering commitment lies in propelling positive change through purpose-driven initiatives in the realms of social impact and education. My versatility shines through various roles I've undertaken, encompassing project management, client service, impactful outreach, effective communications, passionate advocacy, and adept navigation of stakeholder relations. With a proven track record, I've excelled in constructing bridges that unite business units, both public and private sectors, and communities to forge collaborations that truly leave a mark.

My dedication revolves around the creation of positive change – whether it's amplifying messages, fostering connections, or executing strategies that enact lasting transformations. I am passionate about distilling intricate organisational strategies into captivating narratives and translating them into actionable plans that bring about tangible results. This is fueled by an unwavering passion for education and a resolute vision for a society that's equitable and empowered.

Bijay Bashyal is EJN's Nepal Project Officer. He is an environmental scientist with passion towards biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. He holds a master's degree in environmental science from Tribhuvan University. He boasts over five years of experience in project management and grassroot advocacy initiatives on sustainable natural resource usage. Prior to EJN, he worked in project management funded by USAID, Waterkeeper Alliance and DFAT in Nepal. He has worked closely with various Indigenous communities, conservation groups and societies, and local and provincial governments during these projects. His interests are centered around safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainability.