Cristobal Aguilar

About Cristobal Aguilar

With over 20 years of experience in international agricultural development, I am a proven professional committed to transforming agricultural systems and driving sustainable economic growth for agricultural market actors. I convene diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions that address the sector’s most critical issues—such as market access, financing, and environmental challenges—under a holistic food systems perspective.My expertise spans strategic partnership management, grant-making, new business development, and the integration of sustainable agriculture and innovative agribusiness practices. I am deeply dedicated to enhancing livelihoods through responsible management, adherence to ethical standards, and motivating teams to achieve lasting impact. In the last five years, I have led the design of five competitive awards totaling over $200 million at ACDI/VOCA. Throughout my career, I have managed over $60 million in grant funds, contributing to every stage of the grant-making process.Capable of making critical decisions in diverse environments, I successfully engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from senior government officials to local community groups. My strengths in budgeting, project planning, and project management are supported by a robust foundation in strategic partnership development.

Experience

1. Managing Director, Agriculture and Community Development

   Acdi Voca

   Jul 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   As the Team Leader for ACDI/VOCA’s Agriculture Systems and Environment technical team, I provide strategic leadership and oversee home-office technical support for a portfolio of more than 30 projects, collectively valued at over $500 million. I ensure project implementation aligns with ACDI/VOCA’s best practices in sustainable agriculture, including nature-based solutions, climate-smart techniques, and market systems approaches. I also lead business development efforts, encompassing technical design, management structures, and budgeting. Notably, I designed a $20 million climate-smart agriculture grant fund benefiting over agricultural producers.

Education

• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

  Certificate, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management

  2007 — 2007

• Universidad Católica Boliviana

  Microeconomics of Competitiveness

  2006 — 2006

• Michigan State University

  Master of Science (MS), Agricultural Economics

  2004 — 2005

• EAP Zamorano

  BS, Agriculture

  1992 — 1994

• Tecnológico de Monterrey

  Diplom, Agribusiness

  1998 — 1998

• The University of Göttingen

  Master, Rural Development

  1999 — 2000

Skills

• Grants
• Strategy
• Technical Assistance
• Value Chain Analysis
• Private Sector Development
• Natural Resource Management
• Government
• Sustainable Development
• International Development
• Agronomy
• Program Evaluation
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Agriculture
• Project Management
• Civil Society
• Microfinance
• International Relations
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Agribusiness
• Business Strategy
• Public/Private Partnerships
• Policy
• Strategic Planning
• Ngos
• Community Development
• Sustainability
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Proposal Writing
• Poverty Reduction
• Policy Analysis
• Rural Development
• Food Security
• Capacity Building
• Africa
• Program Management
• Economic Development