Brian MacDonald

Senior Private Sector Engagement Specialist @International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Ottawa, ON, CA

Lead implementation of IDRC’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Strategy across all 5 programmatic areas of the Centre, with emphasis on innovation, evidence generation, market development and private capital mobilization • Provide strategic advice to internal program teams on integrating PSE throughout the project cycle, including working with diverse stakeholders in government and the private sector• Design and oversee selected research projects, including understanding the value of research for development (R4D) for the private sector and derisking investments in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)• Led the development of a menu of tools, approaches and training programs, to better equip IDRC staff to advance the PSE Strategy’s objectives, notably with respect to the enabling policy environment and translating research findings to action• Monitor and analyze PSE activities across the Centre and beyond, to advise management on trends, progress and how to strategically position IDRC• Regularly deliver high level briefings (oral, written and presentations) for Centre Management Committee and Board of Governors, as well as for external audiences • Represent IDRC externally in international PSE working groups and events, including the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development, the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Trade and Development event, liaising with various other government representatives and private sector leaders

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Master's Degree, International Development

St. Francis Xavier University

Bachelor's Degree, Sociology

University of London

Diploma in Banking, Banking and Financial Support Services

Nagoya University

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), International Development (Microfinance)