David Mercer
Founder & Executive Director @Phoenix Resource Association
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WORK HISTORY
Founder & Executive Director @Phoenix Resource Association
Geneva, CH
I founded Phoenix Resource Association to unlock youth opportunity and economic diversification by converting underused resources into skills-to-jobs pathways, youth enterprise, and locally owned solutions aligned with the green transition.Phoenix works with public, private, and academic partners to design and deliver practical “learn-by-doing” platforms—using available industrial assets (e.g, end-of-life aircraft and heavy equipment) as training and innovation inputs, not the end goal.Key responsibilities:Set organisational strategy, mission alignment, and delivery roadmap across multiple workstreams (youth skills, enterprise, partnerships, governance).Lead stakeholder engagement and partnership development with governments, multilaterals, corporates, foundations, and training institutions.Shape programme design: skills-to-jobs pathways, entrepreneurship support, and community-led delivery models with clear outcome measurement.Establish governance, integrity and due diligence frameworks to enable credible collaboration and funder confidence.Drive resource mobilisation: concept notes, partner proposals, co-investment conversations, and blended partnership structures.Represent Phoenix externally: speaking, convening, strategic communications, and coalition-building.Focus areas / pillars-Youth skills-to-jobs and workforce transformation-Youth enterprise & local value creation-Economic diversification through circular, green and resilient industry pathways-High-integrity delivery (governance, decent work, safeguarding, measurable outcomes)-Partnerships that turn capital into results
EDUCATION
University of Geneva
DAS, Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
Britannia Royal Navy College
Officer Training, Leadership
University of Geneva
Executive MBA - with Honours , Specialisation: Aviation Management
Wharton Executive Education
Neuroscience - Understanding the Brain: Using Neuroscience to Deliver Better Business Results
IATA Training
Aviation Management
ABOUT DAVID MERCER
I’m a mission-driven leader focused on turning underused resources into youth opportunity, economic diversification, and measurable social impact—through partnerships that deliver.My background spans 25+ years in high-accountability environments, including 18 years in the Royal Navy and later as an Airline Captain. That experience shaped my approach to leadership: calm execution under pressure, strong governance, and a deep belief that performance is built through people, systems, and integrity.Today I’m the Founder of Phoenix Resource Association (Geneva). Phoenix exists to unlock African youth to deliver African-led solutions to global challenges—by building practical skills-to-jobs pathways, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and enabling locally owned circular industry and innovation.Our work is organised around clear pillars that funders and partners can track-Skills-to-jobs pathways linked to real labour-market demand -Youth enterprise and local value creation -Community-led delivery with scalable operating models -High-integrity partnerships (governance, due diligence, safeguarding, decent work, measurable outcomes)I hold an Executive MBA in Aviation Management (University of Geneva / IATA), with additional training in neuroscience for leadership (Wharton Executive Education). I also contribute as a mentor, coach and advisor to organisations working on sustainable development, youth empowerment, and workforce transformation.I welcome conversations with funders, DFIs, foundations, public-sector partners, and corporates seeking credible, delivery-focused platforms for youth skills, inclusive growth, and systems change.Let’s connect if you’re interested in:• Funding scalable youth opportunity and decent work• Building practical skills-to-jobs systems and entrepreneurship pathways• Co-developing high-integrity initiatives with measurable outcomes
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