Shona is an innovative programme leader with a strong track record in strategic planning, community development, team management, project design, grant writing, and communication.
For the last four years, she's been Programme Director for a Swedish NGO, whe re she developed child-focused, community-led climate and environmental projects in Africa and Asia. Previously, she spent eight years as Programme Director for ChildFund New Zealand , launching the Pacific program, including ChildFund Kiribati and partnerships in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Her earlier roles include leading external relations for Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi and working in advocacy, communication, and community development in South Africa. She has also worked in tourism development and communication in Papua New Guinea and Samo a. Shona's expertise spans child rights programming, climate change adaptation, environmental stewardship, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Shona has chaired international programme and climate change working groups. She is currently in the process of establishing a climate initiative with partners in Sweden, Italy, and Spain. A form er magazine editor, Shona has a passion for storytelling, with several published books – including stories from community-based organisations, sharing lessons from their practice. She frequently collaborates with her partner, Dr. Stephen Knight-Lenihan, on climate adaptation projects, including Barnfonden's Now-Soon-Future Climate Resilience Framework. Shona has also served on the boards of Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA), New Zealand’s Council for International Development (CID), and Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust.
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