Our Team

Antonio Casillas Hidalgo is a seasoned financial expert with over two decades of professional experience spanning financial management, sustainability, and international project administration. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and a Master’s degree in Economic and Financial Management from Universidad Camilo José Cela. Fluent in Spanish and English with professional proficiency in French, Antonio has worked extensively with leading international organizations, including the EU, World Bank, UNEP, and UNDP.

Currently serving as Financial Director at OIKO, Antonio specializes in managing large-scale projects focused on sustainability, climate change, digitalization, and health. He excels in business model development, financial oversight, and operational and HR protocol establishment. His career includes impactful roles in regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, where he has provided critical financial guidance and administrative leadership in climate technology and sustainable development initiatives.

Antonio’s expertise includes drafting and reviewing financial reports, budget monitoring, expenditure verification, and ensuring alignment of project deliverables with client and donor expectations. Known for his exceptional communication and team-building skills, Antonio is committed to fostering trust among stakeholders while driving innovation in financial systems and sustainability practices. His work has contributed to the formulation of climate action plans, national bioeconomy strategies, and regional frameworks that address pressing global challenges like deforestation, renewable energy, and circular economy models.

Lorene is a natural resources economist with more than 25 years of experience designing, implementing and evaluating projects and policies that strengthen natural resources management and sustainable livelihoods. She has completed over 30 assignments for different international organizations (WB, USAID, EU, GIZ, ADB and UNDP).

Lorene focuses on creating better information systems and new performance tools in partnership with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and international institutions to improve policy impact measurement, governance, ecosystem management and human well-being. She is skilled trainer and facilitator and specialises in stakeholder consultation to design monitoring and evaluation frameworks for forestry, water, agriculture, wildlife and community development projects.

An exceptional analyst and writer, she has led numerous sector assessments; developed environmental diligence procedures for international banks and has written guidelines for the evaluation of water resources.

Since she joined OIKO in 2006, her work has increasingly integrated pro-poor vulnerability and climate change mainstreaming. She was responsible for facilitating the Afghanistan’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper; designing programmes to promote energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and evaluating efforts to distribute fuel-efficient cook stoves in a remote, glacier-dependent region of Afghanistan.

In early 2014, she led an assessment team tasked with helping USAID enhance the sustainability, resilience and pro-poor targeting of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in Indonesia.

Furthermore, Lorene has worked with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donors and the private sector in over a dozen countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Bosnia, Malawi, Liberia and the United States.

With an M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard University (USA) and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara (USA).

Mohammed is a weather, water and climate scientist with more than 40 years of world experience in the field meteorological sciences. He is a passionate advocate of the use of science, earth and space information technologies, to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities. Mohammed has been a pioneer contributor to the creation and improvement of National and Regional Hydrometeorological Institutions and Services in Africa, mobilizing human and financial resources, networking and building national capacities for weather-water and climate services. For the relevant applications, he has been focusing on resilient economies and specially agriculture production, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, health protection and energy efficiency.

Mohammed’s career is structured around profuse contributions to integration and application of new technologies in climate change adaptation measures, based on facilitation of access to scientific information, coordination between many relevant Institutions and programs and building a culture of risk and opportunities management in a changing climate.

As founder and First Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) for more than a decade, he acted as Chief of Operations and strategically managed the scientific information and applications of atmospheric and climatic processes over Africa; collecting, analyzing and disseminating meteorological and hydrological information to all hydrometeorological organizations; providing a meteorological watch and early warning system over Africa and; promoting the training of African scientists and technicians in the application of meteorology for development.

He has provided strategic guidance to major climate service organizations in Africa, The Caribbean and The Pacific. First, in 2007, he initiated and contributed to the formulation of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Strategy in Climate Risk Management and Adaptation, then the ClimDevAfrica Special Fund (2011), building on the recommendations of the First Climate for Development Conference in Addis-Ababa (April 2006). Second, In 2010, while contributing to the organisation of the ADF-VII , Africa Development Forum on Climate Change, and formulating Its Action Plan, he facilitated the negotiations between AUC, UNECA and AfDB for the Joint and coordinated Implementation and resourcing of the most influential Climate Services initiative in Africa: the ClimDevAfrica Programme, launched in October 2010.

Since he joined OIKO in 2013, Mohammed has led multidisciplinary teams of earth observation & information technology scientists in the formulation and implementation of climate services and relevant applications, targeting the community level, building information systems at the local level (last mile initiative for climate services) for more preparedness and appropriate management of risks and opportunities in a changing climate.

Mohammed holds a B.Sc. in Maths &Physics from the University of Algiers (1970), a M.Sc./Class 1 Meteorologist from the WMO-Regional Training and Research Institute in Hydro-Meteorology IHFR-Algeria (1972), and a Research Certificate In Agro-Meteorology from CSIRO-Division of Atmospheric Physics, Melbourne, Australia (1973).

Abdelkader Allali is a distinguished Moroccan Climate Risk Assessment Expert with over 25 years of international experience spanning Africa and Asia. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic at an excellent level, he brings a multilingual and multicultural perspective to climate change adaptation and environmental management.

His extensive professional portfolio includes significant projects in diverse regions such as Burkina Faso, Iraq, Tanzania, Chad, and Morocco, demonstrating his global expertise in climate risk assessment, sustainable development, and green economy initiatives. Dr. Allali has worked closely with multilateral development banks, including the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, advising on complex climate adaptation strategies and investment projects.

A Nobel Peace Prize contributor through his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. Allali holds a PhD in Soil Sciences from the Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine and brings deep technical expertise in climate science, urban resilience, water management, and smart agriculture. His professional achievements include developing climate change adaptation strategies, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and leading technical assistance missions that integrate climate finance into national policies across multiple sectors and countries.

Dr. Casper Mesumis Ven der Tak is a highly skilled Development and Infrastructure Economist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in economic and financial cost-benefit analyses for climate adaptation and resilience solutions. He has worked extensively on projects involving urban infrastructure, urban services, informal settlements upgrading, and nature-based solutions, with a strong focus on informal settlements in Africa and South Asia.

Dr. Ven der Tak has advised and managed large-scale urban investment projects, particularly those supported by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), ensuring financial viability and sustainable economic outcomes. With a proven track record in facilitating stakeholder engagement, he has worked with diverse actors—from local communities to governmental bodies—to implement effective climate resilience strategies and solutions.

Throughout his career, Casper has demonstrated profound skills in coordinating and leading multi-disciplinary teams, developing methodologies for climate risk and vulnerability assessments, and providing strategic input into climate finance mobilization. He has played an instrumental role in integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into national development frameworks, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, energy, urban planning, and water resources management. Notably, he has worked on high-profile projects such as the integration of climate technologies in ADB’s country partnership strategies, the development of climate resilience frameworks for national institutions like Sri Lanka’s NWSDB, and the development of climate financing facilities such as Nepal’s Green and Resilience Financing Facility (GREFF).

Holding a PhD in Environmental Economics and Development Economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dr. Ven der Tak brings a deep understanding of development economics, environmental economics, and climate resilience. His experience includes providing critical economic insights and financial analyses for major climate projects in regions such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others, resulting in improved project outcomes and increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. Casper is fluent in both Dutch and English.

Jonathan McCue is an experienced environmental expert with over 27 years in international development, specializing in climate change adaptation and coastal management. He holds an MSc in Tropical Coastal Management from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which provides a strong foundation in environmental science and ecology relevant to Nature-based Solutions (NbS). His extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of NbS and their integration into various projects.

McCue’s expertise in NbS is demonstrated through his work on mangrove conservation and management, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing natural sea defences. He has led several projects focusing on coastal adaptation and integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), often incorporating NbS principles to enhance resilience against climate change. His approach emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in managing coastal ecosystems.

While much of his work has focused on coastal and small island contexts, McCue has significant experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory planning processes that are applicable to urban climate resilience projects. He has designed and implemented climate change-related programs across various initiatives, showcasing his ability to integrate environmental solutions into development efforts effectively. His experience includes advising on large-scale urban investment projects, particularly those that involve multilateral development banks.

McCue’s geographical experience spans Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In addition to his technical expertise, McCue is proficient in both English and French, which enhances his ability to communicate effectively in international settings. His commitment to integrating Nature-based Solutions into climate adaptation strategies underscores his dedication to fostering resilience in communities worldwide. While specific examples of urban adaptation projects in informal settlements are not detailed, his broad experience positions him well to contribute meaningfully to such initiatives.

Dr. Stephen Donkor is a distinguished water resources management expert with over 20 years of international experience in water resource assessments, planning, and stakeholder engagement. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Colorado State University and an M.Sc. in Water Management from Wageningen University. Dr. Donkor has led and contributed to projects involving water resources assessments at watershed and bulk water supply system levels, integrating climate change projections to inform sustainable water management practices. His work includes technical evaluations and development of water strategies across Africa, such as the FAO Agricultural Water Efficiency Project and various transboundary water initiatives.

Dr. Donkor has provided expert advisory services to Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), including projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and UN agencies, where he developed policies, conducted climate resilience assessments, and facilitated sustainable urban investment projects. His leadership in programs such as the Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation Project in Uganda highlights his ability to integrate climate resilience into water infrastructure development, focusing on supply-demand analysis and long-term sustainability.

A skilled facilitator of stakeholder engagement, Dr. Donkor has organized high-level policy dialogues and capacity-building programs at local, national, and regional levels. His expertise spans moderating multi-stakeholder networks, supporting public-private partnerships, and building community-level water management systems. With experience across Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, Dr. Donkor has worked in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Botswana, Morocco, Suriname, and South Sudan, among others. He is fluent in English, Twi, and Dutch, with professional proficiency in French.

With a strong track record of delivering actionable solutions, Dr. Donkor combines technical proficiency, strategic leadership, and deep knowledge of climate-resilient water resources management to address pressing water challenges in diverse contexts.

George de Berdt Romilly is an accomplished Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment Expert with over 30 years of experience delivering cutting-edge solutions in climate hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, and risk management. He has led and contributed to numerous large-scale investment projects, specializing in urban climate resilience and sustainable water management, often in collaboration with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). George worked extensively across Asia and Africa including Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Uganda and others. He speaks English, French and Spanish fluently.

George’s expertise lies in conducting comprehensive climate risk assessments, designing actionable frameworks, and advising on the integration of climate adaptation strategies into infrastructure planning. He has played a pivotal role in projects that enhance urban and water resilience, addressing the complex interplay of hydrology, engineering, and climate sciences. His track record includes engaging with diverse stakeholders to ensure projects are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with regional development priorities.

With a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management, George’s academic foundation complements his hands-on expertise. He is deeply skilled in stakeholder engagement, facilitating consensus across governments, communities, and private entities to advance impactful urban and water resilience initiatives. His dedication to driving innovative solutions has been integral in helping organizations build adaptive capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters.
George’s contributions are defined by his ability to bridge technical knowledge with practical implementation, delivering projects that safeguard communities and infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.

Laura Onofri is an accomplished economist and consultant specializing in environmental economics, sustainable development, and econometrics. With over 15 years of international experience, she has worked across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and Europe, contributing to projects with global organizations such as the World Bank, UNEP, and FAO. Laura’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Environmental and Resource Economics from Maastricht University, a Master’s in Economics from the Catholic University of Leuven, and a Master’s in Law from the University of Urbino. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges law, economics, and environmental sciences, positioning her as a leader in sustainable policy design and implementation.

Throughout her career, Laura has been at the forefront of innovative projects focusing on environmental valuation, green finance, and ecosystem-based adaptation. She has collaborated with Multilateral Development Banks on urban investment initiatives and worked on integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into urban planning, infrastructure development, and climate resilience strategies. Her work emphasizes data-driven decision-making, combining econometric analysis with stakeholder engagement to ensure practical and impactful outcomes. Laura has also published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to international reports, advancing knowledge in green accounting, sustainable business models, and environmental valuation.

In addition to her consultancy work, Laura has held academic positions at leading institutions, including the University of Venice and the University of Padova, where she has taught and supervised research in environmental and agricultural economics. As an active member of professional bodies such as EAERE and TEEB, she continues to contribute to the global dialogue on environmental sustainability and resilience. Laura’s commitment to integrating economic insights with ecological priorities has made her a trusted advisor and thought leader in her field.

Ms. Antoni is a Climate Analyst and Junior Project Manager; she has experience in sustainable development and climate change. At OIKO, she is part of the Asia Department where she is assisting countries to build their national capacities, secure accreditation to international funds, design and develop project concepts.

As a Junior Project she is currently managing three projects of OIKO’s portfolio within the EU4Environemnt Program in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

Her duties and responsibilities are:

• Liaise with Team Members and Project Steering Committee;
• Check that the projects are progressing according to the forecast implementation and work plan as well as disbursement schedule (and arrange for follow-up if appropriate);
• Providing support for handling invoices, bookkeeping, updating the budget monitoring procedures and preparing the invoices;
• Handling the tasks for the contracts’ preparation;
• Providing support in report preparation, ensuring that the reports are coherent, following the agreed format, that language is appropriate and that they are delivered timely and adequately to the client.

Graduated with the highest marks at the University of Florence in the master’s course of Political Science and International Relations; she discussed her dissertation on the EU’s Climate Policies and Nationally Determined Contribution, reporting the success and the weaknesses in the European strategy towards the Sustainable Development. At a climate analyst at OIKO, she undertakes research, conduct stakeholder consultation and drafting reports on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. She is native Italian speaker, and fully fluent in English and Spanish.

Meyitula Longkumer (Meyi) is a seasoned professional specializing in tender preparation and management for climate change projects across Africa. Her expertise extends to fostering strategic partnerships, customer relationship management (CRM), and assembling high-performing managerial and technical teams. With a robust background in Track II Diplomacy and Project Management, she has previously worked with esteemed organizations like the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Raisina House, and the Confederation of Young Leaders, bringing a wealth of experience in navigating complex international initiatives.

Meyi has a proven track record of success, having forged over 15 partnerships with organizations spanning Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Asia to facilitate bid preparations and expand collaborative business opportunities. She has drafted and submitted technical and financial proposals to global institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and African Development Bank. Her portfolio includes managing a winning World Bank climate finance project for Ukraine’s forestry sector under the EU4Environment Programme. She has also successfully led or contributed to shortlisted proposals involving innovative MRV systems, vulnerability assessments, and nature-based solutions in diverse geographies. Her meticulous research and strategic insight ensure alignment with pressing environmental needs in Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Beyond project management, Meyi excels in recruitment, team leadership, and knowledge dissemination. She has successfully onboarded advisors and international secretariat members, guided interns in preparing impactful research papers, and managed speaker outreach for high-profile conferences. Additionally, her skills in drafting legal and international affairs research papers, coordinating with government officials, and co-hosting events underscore her versatile capabilities. Meyi’s commitment to excellence is evident in her ability to navigate multidisciplinary challenges and drive sustainable impact through her work.

Sofia Isabel Costa is a dedicated professional specializing in international development, with a focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for vulnerable countries. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics and Management from the University of Porto, where her thesis explored eco-industrial parks as catalysts for circular economies in developing nations, particularly China.Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor’s in Economics and a transformative Erasmus+ experience in Lithuania, which broadened her global perspective.

Currently, Sofia works as a Sustainability Business Development Analyst at OIKO. In her role, she actively engages with international clients and partners, spearheading efforts in business development, project proposal preparation, and financial modeling for climate-focused initiatives. She plays a key role in identifying and pursuing international project opportunities, coordinating expert teams, and conducting detailed research on project methodologies and approaches. Additionally, Sofia contributes to expanding OIKO’s professional network by building relationships with international organizations and maintaining seamless communication with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sofia is deeply committed to environmental and social causes. She has participated in various volunteering activities, including environmental clean-ups, tree planting initiatives, and supporting socially vulnerable communities. A native Portuguese speaker, Sofia is fluent in English and is currently learning Spanish. Recognized for her teamwork, attention to detail, and sense of responsibility, Sofia is passionate about driving sustainable solutions on a global scale.