Cynthia N. Phiri

Mrs. Cynthia Phiri has extensive knowledge and expertise in Social Development Projects within the irrigation/agriculture, energy, and water and sanitation sectors. Her strength lies in the Development of Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) instruments, Risk Assessment, Screening and Classification, Monitoring Implementation of Social Safeguard tools and processes, Monitoring of Social Development Performance in Projects and Strategic Planning. She has consulted for the World Bank, the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), the Government of Malawi and SMEC International Limited under the Millennium Challenge Account.

With extensive experience in the field of international development, Cynthia has a background working in various countries, including Kenya, England, Malawi, and Zambia. She has been affiliated with Slum Dwellers International, an organization present in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, and India.

Cynthia’s employment record highlights her leadership abilities and strategic planning skills. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of Avante Garde, where she oversaw land acquisition and management, physical planning and infrastructure development, real estate development, and the design of innovative urban development programs. Additionally, as the Acting Executive Director/Director of Programs at Slum Dweller International (SDI) – Malawi Affiliate, Cynthia was involved in informal settlement planning and upgrading, community engagement, community infrastructure program design and management, grant management, urban policy impact and change, and knowledge management and dissemination.

She has a diverse educational background, holding an MSc in International Development with a focus on Development Finance from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she possesses a B.A. in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi in Kenya.