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Since graduating in Agricultural Engineering (Machine Design) from the National College of Agricultural Engineering at Silsoe (UK), Expert worked as a product design engineer dealing with original designs of tractors, harvesting and planting equipment and carried out analysis of warranty failures and user problems.

In 1986, he began working in Post-Harvest Technology, particularly related to grains and oilseeds and managed the crop storage department of a farm machinery dealership in the UK.

Since 1991, he has worked internationally in both commercial assignments and programmes funded by international development agencies including the UN and European Commission, the governments of the UK, USA, Germany, Denmark, and Japan. He has also worked for major grain trading companies including Cargill and Bunge. He is trained and experienced in working in conflict zones and has carried out multiple assignments in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea.

His training has continued and includes training in HACCP food safety systems to advanced level, Expert Witness reporting from Cardiff University, and Post Harvest Technology from University of California Davis.

He has investigated failures in farm machinery, problems in grain storage including several cases of spontaneous combustion and contamination, personal injury due to contact with grain handling equipment and attack by farm animals. He has also investigated problems in international shipping including spoilage of both bulk and containerised cargoes and resolution of port handling problems.

Food distribution specialist – Scanagri/DANIDA/CPA Basra, South Iraq
-Reviewed grain trading, handling, storage and processing mechanisms in Southern Iraq
-Evaluated grain silo operations at Umm Qasr port and Basra city. Recommended actions required to improve performance and reduce costs.
-Presented strategic plan for transition of food ration system into commercial activities.
-Together with Trade Ministry and WFP staff, identified bottlenecks in the food supply system and presented these to high level CPA working group.
-Procured $500,000 analysis equipment for Umm Qasr port laboratory, investment recovered in less than 2 weeks due to savings in demurrage charges.
Consultant – IOS Partners, Miami, Florida USA
-Prepared feasibility study for privatization of 6 combined flour and feed milling plants in Saudi Arabia
-Made site visits for technical and commercial evaluation of facilities
-Prepared presentation to potential investor groups and Saudi Arabian Minister of Agriculture.
-Discussed privatization options with special advisor to Minister of Agriculture.
-Participated in World Bank subject workshop.
Technical Director, Serbia – for ACDI-VOCA. Community Revitalization by Democratic Action
- Responsible for technical activities during 2 year start up phase of a $40m million 5 year USAID program in central Serbia.
- Responsible for compliance with USAID Environmental Regulations, training of project staff in environmental compliance and documentation.
- Completed 449 projects ranging from $20,000 to $300,000 with 2-year program budget of $12 million primarily using local contractors and suppliers.
- Works included: tube wells, water catchment structures, potable water and electricity distribution schemes, sewage and drainage systems, rural and urban roads and bridges, and refurbishment of education, sports and medical facilities including replacement of heating system in regional hospital. Construction of livestock and commodity market structures, fruit processing plants, community irrigation systems, Supply and installation of diagnostic imaging systems, automated medical analysis equipment, IT installations for municipal and local community offices, schools and social groups.
- Participated in development of 60 community participation groups in 12 municipalities to identify and prioritize community needs and develop projects.
Agricultural Commodities Specialist – Russia – for HLB Ltd.
-Audited 1999-2000 EU Food Aid program to Russian Federation, including transport and logistics of 1.8 million ton food aid shipment from Baltic and Black Sea Ports to recipients, working primarily in Moscow and St Petersburg
-Tracked sea, rail and road freight shipments of wheat, rice, rye, beef, pork and milk powder delivered to elevator, warehouse and cold storage facilities in 63 regions of Russia.
-Interfaced with senior staff in Russian Ministries, State distribution companies, European Commission and monitoring companies located in Denmark, Finland and Holland
Grain Quality Specialist – Russia - for AFC Consultants, Bonn, Germany.
-Developed programme for harmonization of grain quality standards between CIS countries and international commodity trading countries.
-Investigated reasons for limited agricultural commodity trading between CIS member countries.
-Advised “All Russian Institute for Problem Resolution” Government think-tank on findings