Joy A. Searcie
Manila
Summary
Seasoned international development professional with over 20 years of experience managing diverse teams and leading high-impact governance, economic growth, and institutional reform programs across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Proven track record of managing complex, multi-million dollar portfolios driving policy reforms in partnership with high level government officials, civil society, local leaders, and the private sector.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Office Director, Office of Economic Growth and Governance
USAID
07.2024 - Current
- Managed a team of ten to oversee a US$30 million economic growth and governance portfolio in the Philippines
- Led a $15 million local Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement program in 16 cities with the Department of Interior and Local Government to improve public financial management through budget planning, execution and monitoring, resulting in the successful execution of $48 million in development projects
- Promoted policy reform with the Department of Information, Communication and Technology through implementation of a $32 million activity to boost information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity extending internet access to 3000 households in remote and undeserved communities
- Led a $13 million Bangsamoro Transition governance activity which successfully drafted and passed the Bangsamoro Investment Code, fostering economic growth and stronger partnerships between the government and the private sector
Deputy Office Director, Office of Education, Democracy and Governance
USAID
05.2021 - 07.2024
- Managed a team of eight staff to oversee a US $40M portfolio supporting education, peace building and governance
- Directed a US$25 million economic policy reform program with the Ministry of Economy and Finance promoting fiscal responsibility through improved staff skills in public financial management and procurement reform
- Spearheaded the design and launch of a US$19M cross-sectoral local governance program with the Ministry of Local Government which improved basic services in education, health, and water through better data, analysis, audits and project execution
Language Student
US Foreign Service Institute
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Studied Portuguese in the U.S Foreign Service Institute. Tested 3/3 speaking and reading.
Office Director, Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance
USAID
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Demonstrated to the Uganda Revenue Authority how a $1.8 million domestic revenue mobilization tax literacy campaign generated over $30 million in revenue through efficient tax awareness and collection
- Facilitated the implementation of a $6 million Government-to-Government activity utilizing the Ugandan Government’s single treasury account which strengthened the Ministry of Local Government’s capacity to provide services in rural districts
Office Director, Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance
USAID
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Supervised a team of six in managing a $30 million portfolio focused on local governance, civil society strengthening, and access to justice
- Served as a co-chair with the Ministry of Justice in the governance and public financial management working group facilitating high level dialogue between international donors and government on how to adopt automated systems to enhance efficiency
- Negotiated with the Ministry of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, Police and Prison service, the implementation of a case tracking system to streamline processing of criminal cases resulting in improved documentation and case management
Deputy Director and Regional Advisor, Democracy and Governance Office
USAID
08.2012 - 08.2016
- Managed a team of 11 staff to oversee $100M in regional programs across Central America
- Partnered with UNDP and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials across Central America to develop a citizen security platform to improve analysis and research on crime prevention
- Showcased how quality data, indicators, and analysis can inform national security policy and strategy
- Led a cross-sectoral project design with the Economic Growth Office, to establish a new $45 million workforce development activity to serve at-risk youth and provide them with improved skills and employment opportunities
- Advanced public-private alliance with Microsoft by negotiating a $10 million agreement to jointly promote citizen security and education
Advisor, Office of Vulnerable Populations
USAID
09.2010 - 08.2012
- Provided technical leadership for a landmark $61M agreement in Colombia aimed at enhancing the socio-economic conditions and governance for ethnic minority communities
- Assisted in the management of an $80 million portfolio directed to support land rights and ownership for victims of the internal conflict and disadvantaged populations
Governance Officer, Office of Food for Peace
USAID
09.2009 - 09.2010
- Conducted research on best practices in local and regional procurement of food aid for rapid response during emergencies, which streamlined procurement processes and improved distribution of food assistance.
Senior Program Officer, Office of Diversity Programs
WORLD BANK
02.2009 - 09.2009
- Advised on the World Bank’s priority initiative to strengthen gender equity and diversity across all Bank operations
- Liaised with diversity teams across the Bank to monitor and report on progress, resulting in a Bank-wide diversity strategy and workplan to promote diversity
- Presented to senior management leadership and the World Bank Board, gender and diversity analysis, challenges and developed department specific action plans to mainstream gender and diversity within policies and practices
- Designed and implemented training and educational events for over 100 Bank staff, raising awareness and skills in managing diversity and gender
Senior Advisor, Emergency Staff Capacity Building
CARE International
07.2007 - 02.2009
- Served as a team lead in the CARE Emergency and Humanitarian Assistance unit to implement CARE International’s emergency and preparedness strategy across 70 countries
- Developed a staff capacity building strategy and emergency training curriculum to strengthen CARE’s global work in emergency response and preparedness
- Collaborated with the Gates Foundation to support seven humanitarian agencies including World Vision, Save the Children, Mercy Corps, Catholic Relief Services and Oxfam to implement a joint emergency capacity building project to more effectively deliver humanitarian assistance across the globe
Reporting and Training Officer
FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
04.1995 - 01.1999
- Provided reporting, communications, and proposal writing support to the FHI office supporting humanitarian assistance programs
- Documented best practices and lessons learned
Education
Master of Arts - International Development, Public Policy
TUFTS UNIVERSITY, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy
Medford, MA01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - International Development
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
South Hadley, MA01.1994
Skills
- Skilled in engaging and negotiating with senior government officials and diverse stakeholders
- Robust analysis, strategy development and execution
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Proficient in project management of complex development programs
Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Training And Awards
- International Career Advancement Global Leadership Program, Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, 09/01/23
- Franklin and Covey Seven Habits of Effective Leaders program, 2009 & 2024
- Domestic Resource Mobilization and Public Financial Management training, 09/01/21
- Effective Supervision and Talent Management program, 2019
- Fundamentals of Democracy and Governance, 09/01/09
- Superior Honor Award, Mozambique, 2023
- Meritorious Honor Award for democracy programming in Ghana, 2016; Mozambique, 2023
- Teamwork Award, El Salvador, 2016
- Diversity and Inclusion Award, Colombia 2011
Timeline
Deputy Office Director, Office of Economic Growth and Governance
USAID
07.2024 - Current
Deputy Office Director, Office of Education, Democracy and Governance
USAID
05.2021 - 07.2024
Language Student
US Foreign Service Institute
08.2020 - 05.2021
Office Director, Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance
USAID
08.2018 - 08.2020
Office Director, Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance
USAID
08.2016 - 08.2018
Deputy Director and Regional Advisor, Democracy and Governance Office
USAID
08.2012 - 08.2016
Advisor, Office of Vulnerable Populations
USAID
09.2010 - 08.2012
Governance Officer, Office of Food for Peace
USAID
09.2009 - 09.2010
Senior Program Officer, Office of Diversity Programs
WORLD BANK
02.2009 - 09.2009
Senior Advisor, Emergency Staff Capacity Building
CARE International
07.2007 - 02.2009
Reporting and Training Officer
FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
04.1995 - 01.1999
Master of Arts - International Development, Public Policy
TUFTS UNIVERSITY, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy
Bachelor of Arts - International Development
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
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