UNDP Rome Center
Our team
Leadership
Agostino Inguscio
Coordinator - UNDP Rome Centre for Climate and Energy Transition
Agostino Inguscio is currently the Director of the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition. He was previously Special Advisor on international affairs at the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition and Senior Expert on climate change for the 2021 G7/G20 Office of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers. He also worked as Policy Officer at the European Commission, lecturer at the University of Cape Town and researcher at Yale University. He holds a doctorate and masters from the University of Oxford.
Strategic Development team
Simone Marino
Policy Specialist, G7 Development Track
Bio coming soon.
Partnerships and Strategy Team
Duccio Maria Tenti
Policy Specialist, Energy and Climate Change
Bio coming soon.
Nicola Scotti
Policy Analyst
Nicola is currently working in the “Partnerships & Strategy Team” as a Policy Analyst, focusing on collaborations with public institutions, academia, think tanks, foundations, research centres. In his previous roles, Nicola gained experience in diplomacy and international cooperation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Representation of Italy to the UN in Geneva, and for the private sector where he collaborated with multilateral organisations, global institutions and universities. He has an academic background in International Relations, coupled with experiences for NGOs and voluntary associations focused on humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
Carlotta D'Elia
Policy Analyst - Private Sector Engagement
With a background in Economics and International Cooperation, her professional experience spans both the public and private sectors. She previously worked as a consultant at a private firm, managing projects on the digital transformation of the public sector. At UNDP, she focuses on designing strategies and developing frameworks that facilitate public–private partnerships within the energy sector. Dedicated to building collaborations that enable bold achievements and promote the redistribution of resources, she works to ensure that shared objectives and common goals are successfully realised.
LINKEDIN
Alessandra Masi
Project Analyst
Erik Burckhardt
Global Policy Specialist
Communications
Malak Chabar
Communications & Project Analyst
Malak is a Communications and Project Analyst overseeing the communication strategy for the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition. She focuses on the Youth4Climate initiative, the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA), and the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership. Malak has honed her expertise through a range of experiences, from working with startups on civic engagement initiatives to managing communication projects for NGOs focused on poverty relief and inclusion in Mauritania. Her proficiency in English, French, Arabic, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish enables her to connect with and mobilise a global audience, fostering effective cross-cultural collaborations. Malak holds a Master of Science degree in Chinese Studies in Comparative Perspective from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ömer Kavuk
Communications Analyst
Ömer is joining the team as a Communication Analyst, bringing over ten years of experience in strategic communications across development, climate, and public policy. His background combines journalism, communications, and content creation, shaped through roles at both country and global levels, including with the European Union.
At UNDP, he has led and contributed to high-visibility communications efforts from developing communication strategies and managing high-level partnerships to coordinating global campaigns. His portfolio includes flagship initiatives such as The Climate Dictionary, Climate Action Explained, Dear World Leaders, and branding of Climate Hub's and COP28. His work focuses on crafting clear, accessible, and coherent narratives that align policy priorities with public and donor engagement.
Outside of his UN work, Ömer has held a solo photography exhibition, illustrates as part of his creative practice, and is a published author, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to his work.
Youth and climate - Y4C Team
Roxáni Roushas
Coordinator, Youth4Climate
Roxani Roushas leads the Youth4Climate initiative – a global support programme for young climate leaders – at the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate and Energy. Prior to that, she was based in Amman, Jordan with UNDP’s Regional Innovation Team, managing initiatives on youth-led innovation, women’s digital entrepreneurship, and on enhancing country-level development programming through the use of foresight, behavioural science, and systems thinking. Roxani has also worked with UNDP Somalia on capacity development, strategy, resource mobilisation, and inter-agency coordination on youth and disability. In earlier roles, she coordinated gender, youth, and strategic communication work at the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and worked at the International Labour Organization in Geneva on global labour migration policy.
Buay Tut
Youth4Climate Analyst
Buay is an innovation, international development and program management specialist with over a decade of experience leading interdisciplinary programs in civil society, public and private sectors. He previously served as Head of Exploration with the Accelerator Lab, (UNDP) South Sudan, in East Africa. Buays work champions strategic partnerships, localised intelligence, and advocacy. His work spans climate change adaptation and resilience, youth and women empowerment, fragile and conflict settings and digital transformation. Buay holds a Master's in International Education Policy from Harvard University (USA)and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Political Science and Management from St.Olaf College (USA).
Lidya Embakom Beyene
Learning and Partnership Specialist
With a background in Political Science and International Relations, I began my career as a communication and visibility professional across various sectors dedicated to positive social impact programs. I bring over 6 years of experience in commercialising social impact products, coordinating and supervising youth-led voluntarism programs, and managing development projects. My expertise also extends to communication and public policy development. I am passionate about designing and implementing social impact projects and promoting equal access to knowledge and opportunities for all. Currently I serve the UNDP Rome Centre, as Youth4Climate’s Learning and Partnership Specialist.
Pavel Faus
Youth4Climate Analyst
Before joining Youth4Climate at the Rome Centre, Pavel was part of UNDP's Partnerships Team at the Istanbul Regional Hub for four years. He led activities under the Czech-UNDP Partnership for SDGs, focusing on coordinating innovation challenges and expertise-sharing projects, as well as building partnerships with donors in the RBEC region. Pavel holds a Master's degree in Energy Security and International Relations from Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, where he specialized in the role of renewables in the energy mix of European countries and the political aspects of energy security.
Energy for Growth in Africa Team
Francis Dennig
Energy and Climate Specialist
Francis currently leads the work identifying and supporting bankable sustainable energy projects in Africa through the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership. He joined the UNDP Rome Centre from the Macroeconomic and Debt Unit at the World Bank, where he integrated climate and energy considerations into the World Bank’s macroeconomic models.
He holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford and was an assistant professor of economics at Yale-NUS College in Singapore.
Kigha Benyoh Nsafon
Policy and Strategy Analyst for Energy and Climate Change
Kigha joined the UNDP Rome Centre in 2023 as Policy and Strategy Analyst for Energy and Climate Change. In this role, he coordinates the energy team at the country level and liaises with UNDP country offices and relevant agencies to identify, finance, and implement country-driven clean energy projects. Prior to joining UNDP, he implemented several energy and climate projects for UN agencies, state governments and private sector partners.
Kigha holds a Ph.D. in Energy Convergence and Climate Change from Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea; a Master’s degree in International Relations (specialty in Renewable Energy) from the International Relations Institute of Cameroon and the University of Padua, Italy.
Sunday Jerome Salami
Project Management Analyst
Sunday Jerome Salami contributes to the work of the Rome Centre by providing cross-cutting programme management support and technical assistance to two of the Centre’s work areas: The Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership and PISTA (Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance). He has experience in research, program coordination, data and policy analysis and has previously worked at the Kofi Annan Foundation, UNESCO-IIEP, and the European Commission (DG INTPA).
He holds a master's degree in transnational governance from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy and a BA (Hons) degree in Social Sciences jointly delivered by Glasgow Caledonian University and African Leadership University in Mauritius.
Kiduo M. Mwamnyenyelwa
Project Management Specialist
Kiduo provides technical support to countries in the formulation, enhancement, and implementation of the UNDP-Italy Energy Partnership with a focus on Kenya, Rwanda, and Algeria. He brings extensive experience in managing projects, programs, and portfolios. He is a practitioner member of the Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA).
He holds two master’s degrees from Universidad Isabel I; one in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and another in Natural Risk Management and Climate Governance. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Stefano Moshi Memorial University College in Tanzania. In addition, he has two Diplomas from Alison; one in Economic Energy Systems and another in Environmental Quality Monitoring and Analysis.
Gawie Kanjemba
Project Management Analyst
Gawie Kanjemba is a Project Management Analyst at the UNDP Rome Centre, specialising in energy transition programmes. He holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Namibia, and an interdisciplinary MA/MSc in International Energy (Project Management & Emerging Economies) from Sciences Po Paris, with exchange studies at Stanford and Peking University. His diverse professional experience includes roles at Africa’s largest law firm, a port authority, the Energy Charter Secretariat, the International Energy Agency, the African Energy Chamber, and in Private Equity. Gawie's expertise bridges legal, energy, and project management sector.
Climate finance — PISTA Team
Cristina Altomare
PISTA Team Lead
Cristina Altomare works on climate finance at the UNDP Rome Centre, leading PISTA - the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance. In her previous capacities, she worked as an economist in the staff of then Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, focusing on the climate and energy portfolio and at the European Central Bank, specialising in macroeconomic financial and non-financial statistics. She also worked as economist at Greencroft Economics, a boutique consulting firm advising on low-carbon and inclusive growth in developing countries, and as research assistant at Stockholm University, focusing on a project on local infrastructure and community decision-making in Bangladesh.
She studied Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London) and the University of Tor Vergata.
Rohith Gopaluni Venkata Sai Subramania
Finance Specialist
Rohith serves as a Finance Specialist at UNDP Rome Centre, preparing impactful projects in the area of climate, clean energy and environment to leverage requisite financing. He previously served as the Nigeria Focal Point for the Italy - UNDP Energy Partnership.
Prior to UNDP, Rohith worked with the IFC, World Bank Group for 5 years and was instrumental in deploying over US$210 million and managing a portfolio of over US$330 million in debt, mezzanine, blended and equity investments across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Prior to IFC, Rohith worked in investment banking with Deutsche Bank in East and Southeast Asia.
He holds a Master in Advanced Global Studies (Environmental Policy and Sustainability) with Cum Laude honours from Sciences Po Paris and a B. Com (Honors) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University.
Nicola Farina
Project & Strategy Analyst
With extensive experience in project financing and public financial instruments, Nicola is currently a Program and Partnerships Analyst on the PISTA Team. He is involved in identifying, co-designing, scaling up, and monitoring climate and clean energy initiatives, as well as mobilizing international cooperation funds and climate finance resources, primarily in Sub-Saharan countries and the MENA region.
Before joining UNDP, he worked as a consultant specializing in the design, implementation, and monitoring of public programs and financial instruments for public institutions, development finance institutions, and the Italian government. His work also focused on financing and implementing projects related to the energy and digital transitions, catalyzing European and national public funding, and mobilizing private sector resources.
He holds a Dual Degree Master’s in economics and public policy from Sciences Po Paris - with a regional concentration in African Studies - and Bocconi University, graduating cum laude.
Mpho Mataboge
Sustainable Finance and Investment Specialist
Mpho is a Chartered Development Finance Analyst with extensive experience in project and infrastructure financing across Sub-Saharan Africa. She has supported and managed syndicated finance transactions, including flagship renewable energy projects in South Africa. She has also held roles in economic policy and academia. Currently, she is a Sustainable Finance and Investment Specialist, implementing the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership and Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA). Mpho is dedicated to enhancing access to finance for renewable energy projects and high-impact climate action initiatives.
Vishav Vir Singh Ahlawat
Climate Finance Analyst
Vir is an industrial engineer turned development economist. He has about a decade of experience spanning power, renewable energy, international development, agriculture, and climate finance, His work spans project management, delivery of technical deliverables to clients, policy analysis and advice, capacity building etc. Recently, he was engaged with the Climate Bonds Initiative as senior research analyst, focusing on accelerating climate finance for India’s decarbonization.
He is passionate about sustainable development, climate finance and data-driven policies. He holds a postgraduate in Development Studies with a specialisation in Applied Development Economics from the London School of Economics and an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra. He enjoys yoga and loves exploring nature.
Ana Victoria Rojas
Gender Specialist
Ana Victoria Rojas is a leading gender-energy expert, who brings more than 21 years of experience working on sustainable development, of which 18 dedicated to advancing gender equality in renewable energy and climate change sectors. As a senior consultant and advisor on Gender, Energy and Environment, Ana has provided technical gender mainstreaming support to energy and climate change policies, programs, projects and partnerships across Latin America, Asia and Africa, and at global level. She has published more than 30 papers and knowledge products on these topics. Originally from Costa Rica, Ana also holds the Dutch nationality and is currently based in the Netherlands.
Damilola (Dami) Adeola Adebiyi
Programme and Strategy Specialist
Dami is an investment professional with extensive experience in the financial sector across Sub-Saharan Africa. She previously served as an Investment Officer for the IFC Disruptive Technologies and Funds Africa team in Nairobi, where she played a pivotal role in supporting investments in fintechs across various verticals, including payments, lending, insurtech, and digital banking. Her tenure at IFC also included significant contributions to the Agribusiness Sub-Saharan Africa team, where she was instrumental in committing to multiple new business transactions, business development, and portfolio management.
Before joining IFC, Dami honed her expertise at Sage Grey, a boutique corporate finance and advisory firm in Nigeria. There, she developed financial models, investment pitchbooks, and memoranda to facilitate access to finance (equity, debt, and mezzanine financing) for projects in diverse industries such as Oil and Gas, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Agribusiness, and Energy
Dami holds an MA (Hons) degree in Economics from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, and Masters degree in Investment Analysis from Aston University, United Kingdom. She has also completed her Level 3 CFA exam.
Sergio Feld
Social and Environmental Standards Technical Advisor
Sergio brings to the UNDP Rome Centre three decades of experience spanning international organizations, private sector, national and local governments, NGOs, and academia. He has worked extensively across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Before joining the Rome Centre, Sergio served as a senior member of transaction teams at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where he led appraisal, due diligence, negotiation, and oversight of U.S. government grant-financed investment programs. He has provided expertise on social and environmental standards for a diverse portfolio of projects in energy, transport, water infrastructure, sustainable industrial zones, agriculture, forestry, and climate resilience.
Previously, Sergio was Policy Advisor and Environment Practice Team Leader at the UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok, and earlier worked as Program Officer and Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Policy and Behavior from the University of Michigan.
Caterina Brunelli
Climate Finance Associate
Project Management Support Unit and Operations
Gülgün Sahin
Head of Project Management Support Unit
Gulgun Sahin is the Head of Project Support Unit at the UNDP Rome Centre, where she oversees the project support activities essential for the Centre’s efficiency and strategic alignment with global development goals. Gulgun is very keen on operational efficiency where she ensures that all processes within Rome Centre are in line with UNDP mission of promoting sustainable development in different parts of the world. Her work primarily involves identifying operational bottlenecks and developing sustainable solutions.
Gulgun has been with the UNDP for eight years, serving in various capacities. Prior to her role in Rome, she was the Head of the Programme Support Unit at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub. There she led a team dedicated to implementing and scaling up the impact of development projects across the ECIS region. Gulgun holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration. She was awarded with the Chinese Government Scholarship for her master studies in Public Administration.
Deborah Di Napoli
Administrative Assistant
Deborah Di Napoli is the Team Assistant at the UNDP Rome Centre, where she ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations and provides high-quality administrative and logistical support. Deborah assists with project-related activities, including procurement and human resources support. She manages the Head of Office’s calendar, coordinates deadlines and follow-ups, and facilitates effective communication across the unit.
In her operational role, she oversees office logistics, prepares receipts and processes payments in the ERP system and monitors monthly credit card transactions. She liaises with service providers and landlords, ensuring that office facilities and contractual obligations are consistently met. Deborah also supports office maintenance and asset management, maintaining organized records and managing supplies.
Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and service-oriented approach, she contributes to a well-coordinated and efficient working environment at the UNDP Rome Centre.
Ali Salam
Procurement & Administrative Analyst
Ali Salam is a Procurement and Administrative Analyst at the UNDP Rome Centre, where he supports high-value and strategic procurement processes for the Centre’s climate and energy portfolio. His work focuses on managing complex procurement cases, coordinating closely with technical teams, and ensuring full compliance with UNDP policies and operational standards.
Ali has over 15 years of experience in procurement, operations, and logistics. He previously worked with multinational companies in operations roles before joining UNDP in 2010, where he supported a wide range of procurement and operational functions over many years. In 2021, he began contributing to global initiatives, including Sida-funded projects, before joining the Rome Centre.
He holds a CIPS Level 4 Certificate in Procurement and Supply, complementing his extensive practical experience in procurement and operational management
Elson Decolongon
Operations Specialist
Elson Decolongon is the Operations Specialist at the UNDP Rome Centre (based in New York), where he is responsible for the financial, administrative and operational oversight and ensuring effective and transparent utilization of resources and integrity of services.
He brings a strong track record with UNDP, having worked since 2010 under the BPPS/GPN Team, specializing in finance, programme management, and operations.
Elson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of St. La Salle in the Philippines and an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College in New York.
Nargis Sharshekeeva
Project and Admin Analyst
Nargis Sharshekeeva joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2007 and brings over 17 years of practical experience in administration and operations across various local and international organizations. Her professional journey began as an Admin and Finance Assistant with the EU-UNDP Parliament Project, subsequently advancing her expertise in administrative and financial roles within the UNDP Democratic Governance Programme and the UN House Project. Since 1 July 2024, Nargis has been working remotely as a Project and Administrative Analyst for the UNDP Rome Centre. She initially joined the Centre in January 2024 on a three-month detailed assignment as a Programme and Administrative Associate. In her current role, she is responsible for processing payments, organizing travel, and preparing financial reports for Rome Centre projects.
Nargis holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and Political Science from the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University. She is proficient in English, Russian, and Kyrgyz, and has a basic understanding of Turkish. Married and a happy mother of three children, Nargis enjoys music, reading, and traveling in her free time
Mpho Motsoasele
Procurement Analyst
Mpho Motsoasele serves as the Procurement Analyst at the UNDP Rome Center, where he supports procurement processes and drives the implementation of innovative and sustainable procurement strategies. His role also focuses on shaping the procurement landscape and architecture, while supporting the Center with day-to-day operations, recruitment activities, and initiatives for knowledge building and sharing.
Prior to joining the Rome Center, Mpho held a similar procurement role with the Nature Hub (BPPS) team in New York. Before that, he served as a Procurement Analyst and one of the Team Leads at the UNDP Mongolia Country Office, where his role was focused in procurement strategies and the GCF project implementation.
Mpho holds an advanced degree in Development Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Management Sciences from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He is CIPS Level 4 certified and is currently pursuing an MBA in Energy and Sustainability.
With the world advancing toward the 2030 Agenda and beyond, Mpho remains committed to making meaningful contributions to sustainable development.
Nagehan Celebi
HR Analyst
Nagehan Çelebi is an HR Analyst with over 13 years of international experience across the UN system and the private sector. She specializes in HR advisory, recruitment, performance management, workforce planning, and HR policy implementation. At UNDP, she has supported multiple offices and global teams, leading end-to-end HR processes, strengthening compliance, and enhancing staff experience through talent development, onboarding, and well-being initiatives.
Before joining UNDP, Nagehan held several HR leadership roles in the private sector across Türkiye, Romania, and North Africa (Sudan, Algeria and Egypt), focusing on organizational development, talent acquisition, HR systems, and shared services. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Organizational Change and brings a strong commitment to inclusivity, efficient HR operations, and creating engaging work environments.
Stefania Rojas
Project and Administrative Analyst
Stefania Rojas is a Project and Administrative Analyst and provides project, administrative, and operational support to the Rome Centre, contributing to the smooth execution of activities across its portfolio. Her work includes coordinating travel and logistics, processing payments and procurement requests, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring adherence to UNDP policies and procedures. She also supports knowledge management efforts, helping organize information, share resources, and facilitate learning across the team.
Stefania brings over eight years of experience within the UN system. At IFAD, she supported contract and grant administration, budget and expenditure processes, and corporate services, gaining hands-on experience with operational workflows and donor compliance. She also contributed to events, travel coordination, and internal systems used across multiple regions. Earlier at FAO, she worked in the Forestry Department, supporting knowledge dissemination, newsletters, and outreach materials, as well as logistics for technical meetings and international workshops.
In her role at the Rome Centre, Stefania assists colleagues with day-to-day operational requirements, supports financial and administrative processes, and helps maintain effective coordination, ensuring that activities are delivered efficiently, on time, and in line with organizational standards.
Stefania Rojas
Project and Administrative Analyst
Jakhongir Juraev is a Project Budget Analyst at UNDP Rome Centre with over 14 years of experience in programme and resource management, strategic planning, and financial compliance. He has a proven track record in expanding programme portfolios, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensuring adherence to UNDP rules and regulations. Jakhongir served as HACT and M&E focal point at UNDP Uzbekistan Country Office, where he supported compliance, oversight, and evaluation processes across multiple projects. He has developed innovative tools such as a Resources Monitoring Dashboard migrated to Power BI, improving data-driven decision-making.
His international experience includes detailed assignments in UNDP Lao PDR (2022) and UNDP Indonesia (2024), as well as mentoring colleagues in UNDP Moldova, reflecting his commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing. Passionate about sustainable development, data analytics and RBM, Jakhongir brings strong analytical and organizational skills to development initiatives.
Insurance and risk finance team
Edgar Aguilar Paucar
Value Chain Resilience – Technical Lead
Edgar Aguilar is IRFF’s Value Chain Resilience Specialist. Previously, Edgar worked for the International Labour Organization at its Regional Office for Africa in Côte d’Ivoire, where he facilitated public and private partnerships to increase access to finance to agricultural value chains. Supporting the ILO Impact Insurance Facility, Edgar has worked closely with the insurance industry, developing risk management solutions for smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Edgar holds a master’s degree in Rural Development for Southern Countries and an engineer diploma in Agriculture. He speaks Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.
Enock Sing'oei
Agricultural Insurance Specialist
Enock Sing’oei is agriculture and climate insurance expert. He has been global and regional lead on agriculture and climate innovation projects, market systems development initiatives, resource mobilization and programme design and implementation across Africa and Asia. Enock is a Microinsurance Master 2020 alumnus and a fellow of ILO Impact Insurance Facility. He holds an MBA, a diploma in Human Resources and certifications in insurance, social innovation and climate finance. Enock grew up on a farm and is passionate about supporting projects that decrease risk and improve well-being for low-income people.
Emanuele Moretti
Research Knowledge and Monitoring Officer
Gaia Falabella
Research Knowledge and Monitoring Officer