Professional Experience:
Melani Schultz is a highly experienced professional with a robust career spanning 30 years, primarily focused on managing donor-funded programs and collaborating with government and private sector organizations. Her expertise lies in international trade, economic development, private sector development, competitiveness, and governance.
Palladium International (Bogotá, Colombia; Guatemala City, Guatemala):
As Chief of Party for the USAID Sustainable Agriculture Activity in Colombia (2023 - present), Melani managed a $51 million project, overseeing technical implementation, contract enforcement, security, staffing, operations, grants, work planning, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and high-level visibility activities. She supported over 30,000 families, leveraged $37.5 million in investments, and implemented climate-smart agriculture practices on 150,000 hectares, reducing emissions by 50% and developing over 80 private sector alliances in conflict areas.
In Guatemala (2018 - 2023), she led the USAID Creating Economic Opportunities project, attracting over $1 billion in investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs, and supporting 500 SMEs, resulting in $650 million in sales growth and $80 million in SME financing. She managed all aspects of the $70 million project, including technical implementation, contract enforcement, security, staffing, operations, grants, work planning, M&E, and high-level visibility activities. Her initiatives promoted trade and investment, mobilized financial services, upgraded infrastructure, improved private sector competitiveness, and developed a competitive workforce.
International Development Group (Colombo, Sri Lanka; Azerbaijan):
As Chief of Party for the USAID Supporting Accelerated Investment in Sri Lanka project (2016 - 2018), Melani promoted investment and provided institutional capacity building for government institutions. She managed all aspects of the project, including technical implementation, contract enforcement, staffing, operations, work planning, and M&E. She led capacity development for government organizations, including strategic planning, KPI development, performance monitoring, organizational development, and policy planning.
In Azerbaijan (2010 - 2013), she managed the $22 million USAID Azerbaijan Competitiveness and Trade (ACT) Project, enhancing the legal and regulatory environment for businesses and creating a more open trade environment to support Azerbaijan's WTO accession. She evaluated, recommended, and implemented improvements in investment, competition, tax, property, and banking, including anti-money laundering. She also assisted Azerbaijan in complying with WTO requirements and built the capacity of over 18 government organizations to improve the trade and business environment and financial sector.
AECOM International Development (Colombo, Sri Lanka):
As Chief of Party for the USAID Connecting Regional Economies (CORE) Project (2008 - 2010), Melani managed the $18 million project, supporting market-led development in six sectors, including tourism and agriculture, to improve competitiveness and incomes in conflict-affected regions. She provided administrative and technical oversight, ensuring contract compliance and coordinating with USAID, donors, and Sri Lankan officials. She oversaw a successful public-private alliance replicated by other donors and identified areas for improvement in the business environment.
Throughout her career, Melani has demonstrated strong leadership, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset, successfully leading numerous high-impact projects across various countries. Her extensive experience and expertise make her a valuable asset in the field.