Yoko Watanabe

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT YOKO WATANABE

I have over 25 years of professional experience working on biodiversity, natural resources management, and international development. I direct the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) at UN Development Programme (UNDP) as its Global Manager. SGP is one of the largest global funds dedicated to supporting innovative community actions that address global environmental issues with civil societies and communities-based organizations. With a total budget of more than US$1 billion, the program is currently operational in over 126 countries with more 220 staff managing over total projects. Prior to joining the SGP, I worked at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and held various key positions, including Coordinators of Asia Program and Gender/Social Inclusion Team. I also served as Program Manager on biodiversity, and passionate about saving endangered species and places with local communities. Before that I worked at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), as its Conservation Director at the Mongolia Country Office and later as a Senior Advisor on Multilateral Relations at the US Office. I started my international development and environment career in 1995 at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and later at UNDP as Environment Program Officer at Nepal and Mongolia Offices. I hold a master\'s degree in International Development with a focus on Environment and Natural Resources Management. For undergraduate, I studied Environmental Studies and Development Economics.